The Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have collaborated on how to revitalise the national economy through accelerated and inclusive housing development.
A statement quoted the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Works and Housing, Jide Ode-Martins, as stating this at the 10th Meeting of the National Council On Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
Ode-Martins said the council would be coming up with inferences drawn from the deliberations, which would be instrumental for policymaking towards revitalising and repositioning the sector for economic development.
He added that the council would agree on the various ways to harness potential in the housing sector towards cushioning the strains in the economy.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini, said the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, retd, led administration was creating jobs for Nigerians through the construction of mass housing nationwide.
Hussaini said, “The task of ensuring that housing development catalyses job creation, social inclusion and economic development rest on the shoulders of all the stakeholders in the industry. I urge all stakeholders in the industry to make good use of the opportunity provided by the council meeting to deliberate on memoranda submitted towards formulating and strengthening policies that will address housing development in Nigeria.”
The Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mrs Adeola Salako, said the state had committed much investment into reducing the challenge of housing deficit in the state.
Construction firm seeks to close housing deficit According to her, with the concerted efforts of the ministry and relevant agencies including the Lagos State Mortgage Board and the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, the state government has been working assiduously to ensure the provision of affordable homes to reduce the deficit.
She stated that several housing schemes including the long-awaited Igbese 480 units bedroom apartment of various suites, over 770 units of homes in Sangotedo; and another 3,500 units of two-bedroom flats, were undergoing completion across the state.
Salako noted the establishment of the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority to guide against quackery in the state.
The Chairman, Local Organising Committee on the 10th Meeting of the National Council On Lands, Housing and Urban Development and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mr Wasiu Akewusola, said the housing sector held huge potential for job creation.