Speaking during the ongoing virtual Abuja International Housing Show, Odusolu said instead of repeating the wasteful errors of the past, government should focus on providing a robust structure and support for the private sector to engage in the development of affordable homes needed to meet the huge housing deficit Nigeria currently faces. Odusolu, who was the immediate past Managing Director, Ogun State Property Investment Corporation (OPIC), said while the government’s desire to provide housing is laudable, his experience in the public sector has shown that government cannot by itself provide all the housing units needed, nor operate as effectively as the private sector. He stated that the Federal Government’s plan to provide 300, 000 housing units in 12 months is not just impracticable, but also insufficient to scratch the tip of the deficit. “Government needs to actively involve the private sector in solving the problems of housing and homeownership in Nigeria. Odusolu noted that the existing practice of developers focusing on delivering homes in premium areas is tied to a need to get quick returns on investment.

Source: The Guardian July 23, 2020 21:05 UTC