Monday, December 1, 2025 - The Director of the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development at the University of Lagos, Professor Timothy Nubi, has said Africa requires an estimated $93bn every year to address its infrastructure deficit, warning that failure to mobilise these funds could exacerbate poverty, strain urban services, and threaten sustainable development across the continent.
He disclosed this at the 3rd International Conference and
Fair on Land and Development & 7th Annual Lateef Jakande Lecture themed,
“Sustainable Land Development and Urban Infrastructure in Africa”.
He said, “Our theme is not merely academic; it is an urgent
call to action. Africa stands at a defining crossroads. We are the continent of
the future, experiencing the fastest rate of urbanisation globally. By 2050,
our cities will accommodate an additional 950 million people. Yet this growth
presents both promise and peril. Alongside economic potential, we face mounting
challenges: infrastructure deficits, weak land governance systems, climate
vulnerabilities, and increasing pressure on institutions and resources.
“Africa faces a perfect storm of deep poverty,
infrastructure backlogs, weak institutional capacity, and a critical shortage
of the estimated $93bn in annual funding required to meet our infrastructure
needs. Failure to manage this growth sustainably risks birthing chaotic,
inequitable, and environmentally fragile urban environments.”
Meanwhile, the president of the Real Estate Developers
Association of Nigeria, Akintoye Adeoye, said the nation faces a growing
housing deficit, with challenges ranging from inadequate financing mechanisms
to rising construction costs.
He said, “This lecture series provides an opportunity to
explore sustainable solutions for housing finance, drawing lessons from both Pa
Jakande’s visionary models and contemporary approaches to infrastructure
investment. We aim to inspire collaboration between government, private sector
developers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to create inclusive
housing solutions that are economically viable and socially impactful.
“REDAN remains committed to promoting a housing ecosystem
that is transparent, organised, and responsive to the needs of Nigerians. We
continue to advocate for policies that reduce the cost of housing production,
expand access to financing for developers and homebuyers, and foster an
environment where affordable housing is not a privilege but a right. Our
efforts align closely with Pa Jakande’s philosophy of public-private
collaboration to address housing challenges effectively.”
Speaking on land reforms, the Minister of Housing and Urban
Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, said land reform alone cannot unlock the promise of
urban development unless it is matched with infrastructure transformation.
He said, “This is why under the National Urban Renewal and
Slum Upgrade Programme, we have already completed more than 150 urban renewal
and slum upgrading projects across the six geopolitical zones, providing roads,
drainage, water, schools, power and sanitation to underserved communities.
“In this spirit, let us embrace collaboration. Universities
must research. Government must implement it. Industry must innovate.
Development partners must scale solutions. And students must bring fresh
digital thinking to the table. The future of African cities will be shaped by
data, technology, transparent institutions and people-centred planning. Let
this conference translate research into reform, partnerships into projects and
dialogue into delivery.”
Speaking on Lateef Jakande’s achievement, the Commissioner
for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, noted the importance of efficient land
governance.
He said, “Jakande’s success was built on the rapid
mobilisation of land and the seamless coordination between planning authorities
and project teams. In today’s context, this calls for reforms that ensure more
transparent land allocation, more predictable approval processes, and strategic
integration of housing with transportation corridors, utilities, and job
centres.
“Jakande’s housing quality was not an accident; it was the
result of clear oversight structures. For housing to be truly affordable, the
integrity of construction must never be compromised. This is why Lagos
continues to invest in engineering supervision, digital monitoring, and a
culture of rigorous inspections. However, as a third improvement of Jakande’s
model, we must also ensure maintenance of the facilities. Most importantly,
Jakande reminds us that housing is not a luxury; it is a basic amenity. As such,
we must continue to reach the grassroots with our housing solutions. If Nigeria
must compete globally, its housing systems must support its people.”
0 Comments