Vice-President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to invest N21 trillion in constructing 28 million houses, aiming to bridge the nation’s substantial housing deficit. Despite ongoing efforts at all levels of government, this housing shortage remains a critical challenge.
Shettima made these remarks during a groundbreaking ceremony for a 500-unit housing estate initiated by the Sokoto government in Sokoto. He praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his commitment to addressing the housing needs of the state’s residents.
“Nigeria faces a staggering housing deficit of 28 million homes, necessitating an investment of N21 trillion to meet this demand. Governor Aliyu’s proactive steps in completing infrastructure projects, such as roads and flyovers, inherited from previous administrations, are commendable,” Shettima emphasized.
Governor Aliyu disclosed that the housing estate would primarily serve civil servants and would be available for purchase on an owner-occupier basis once completed.
“This project, originally initiated by former Governor Aliyu Wamakko but later abandoned, is now being revived for the benefit of our workers and the general public,” Governor Aliyu stated. The housing project in Wamakko Local Government Area is expected to cost the state government N7.3 billion.
The groundbreaking ceremony, which marked the administration’s first 100 days in office, saw the presence of notable figures, including Aliyu Wamakko and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, as well as Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation Bello Goronyo and former Deputy Governors Mukhtari Shagari and Chiso Abdullahi-Dattijo, among others.