The Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria has stated that housing agencies across the country must act swiftly or risk missing key opportunities under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day strategic session in Abuja recently, the AHCN President, Eno Obongha, told members that the new federal housing programme, led by the Minister of Housing, Ahmed Dangiwa, presented “low-hanging fruits” that corporations could not afford to ignore.
“Several housing programmes initiated by previous administrations had passed us by without our participation; the Renewed Hope Programme could pass away again if conscious steps are not taken,” Obonga said in a statement made available to The PUNCH.
He said the Federal Government’s housing plan offered a vital chance for state housing corporations to deliver affordable homes to Nigerians, warning that unless these corporations wake up and reposition themselves, they could be left out.
“Some of our members have not constructed any building in the last 10 years and have become liabilities to their state governments,” he stated.
Obonga criticized the practice of merging state housing corporations with ministries of land and housing, describing it as a violation of the National Housing Policy.
“Housing corporations are creations of law with specific mandates. They should not be treated as mere departments,” he insisted.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of AHCN, Toye Eniola, added that many housing corporations suffered from outdated practices and poor adaptation to global changes.
“Some are still using manual typewriters, and most have no online presence; only about 10 of the 50 member corporations have functional websites. There is a ‘slave spirit’ mentality among housing corporations, where staff depend solely on government funding and show little drive for innovation.
“We must move from discussions to tangible actions. Transformation and a winning attitude are non-negotiable,” he urged.
Both leaders called for immediate action, urging housing corporations to modernize operations, embrace technology, and adopt a business-oriented approach. They warned that failure to change would lead to further irrelevance and exclusion from major housing development opportunities.
