Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has urged African leaders to make affordable housing a top priority in their development plans. He said housing is a critical issue that affects many other sectors like health, education, and the economy.
Gowon spoke at the opening of the 19th Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) held on Tuesday in Abuja. Represented by Professor Suleiman Bogoro, former Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), he stressed the need for sustainable and inclusive housing policies across the continent.
The event, organised by Festus Adebayo, CEO of AIHS, had the theme: “Re-imagining Housing Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Policy.”
According to Gowon, Africa’s rapidly growing population requires urgent action through innovation, investment, and strong policy implementation. He highlighted that effective housing plans should be fair and include all sections of society.
He added that African governments must work together to promote urban development that benefits everyone.
With millions of Africans still living in inadequate housing, Gowon’s message comes at a time when the continent seeks solutions to its growing housing challenges and urbanisation pressures. Affordable housing, he said, is not just about building homes but about improving lives and supporting economic growth.