By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
It is on record that Nigeria faces an immense housing deficit of 28 million units, a challenge requiring approximately 21 trillion Naira, according to conservative estimates and the Nigerian must recognise that affordable, safe, and climate-resilient housing is essential for the social and economic well-being of the people, and bridging this deficit requires the mobilisation of resources at all levels.This issue is deeply connected to SDG 11, which emphasises sustainable cities and communities.
Based on statistical analysis, the Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, commended President Bola Tinubu for launching the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Program, an ambitious initiative that aims to construct 100,000 housing units over the next three years. This bold commitment underscores the administration’s dedication to addressing the housing gap. In May this year, we had the honour of welcoming the Honorable Minister of Housing here in Gombe to launch the Renewed Hope Housing program. Gombe is grateful to be among the pilot states of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, where about 250 housing units are currently at various level of completion. These units will bring transformative benefits to our communities, providing not only shelter but also economic empowerment and job opportunities for the people.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to Gombe State for this crucial session of the National Council on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development. We are honoured to host this esteemed gathering,” he said.
This was contained in his remarks at the conference of National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development held at International Conference Centre on Thursday in Gombe.
The conference that brought together federal ministers, members of the national assembly, heads of housing and land related agencies like the Federal Housing Authority, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, heads of relevant professional bodies, commissioners of lands and housing from across Nigeria, real estate associations, and other key stakeholders, had the theme,” Housing for the Future: Affordable Housing for Economic Growth, Climate Resilience, and Urban Development”, that resonated profoundly with global trends and the urban need for climate – resilient infrastructure.
No doubt, Housing and urban development are cornerstones of sustainable socioeconomic development of mankind, and the Governor said their discussions in Gombe was help to shape a future where access to affordable and resilient housing becomes a reality for all Nigerians
“We are also grateful to Mr. President and the Honorable Minister for selecting Gombe to be the Building Materials and Manufacturing Hub in the northeast subregion. This reinforces Gombe’s strategic role as an emerging regional center for commerce and industry and strengthens our capacity to support sustainable development in the subregion.
“Since coming to power in 2019, my administration has made significant strides in streamlining land administration and urban planning in Gombe State. With the establishment of Gombe Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS), we succeeded in eliminating fraud and digitising our land administration system, thus setting a high standard in good governance and transparency. In addition, we are ensuring strict compliance with building regulations through the Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority, thus promoting slum upgrade and sustainable urban growth,” Yahaya said.
Under his leadership, Yahaya said they are proud to report the delivery of over 1,000 housing units through partnerships with the North East Development Commission and Family Home Funds.
“Furthermore, our administration has created new layouts and standardized existing ones, leading to better urban planning and increased access to affordable housing.
“Beyond our accomplishments in land administration, Gombe State has achieved remarkable milestones in the built environment and infrastructure. We have constructed over 1,000 kilometres of road networks, facilitating connectivity and economic activity across the state. Additionally, we have built over 1,600 classrooms to improve access to quality education for our young population. Our administration is also developing a Three Arms Zone, which will house the state secretariat, the state house of assembly, and the state high court complexes. These projects reflect our commitment to building a robust infrastructure that supports governance, education, and economic growth for all citizens.
“These efforts have transformed Gombe’s land and housing sector, ensuring that more of our residents live in well-planned, accessible communities. However, despite these successes, challenges remain across the sector nationwide. Rapid and often unplanned urbanization, limited access to funding, and the prevalence of substandard materials continue to hinder progress. Overcoming these obstacles requires collaboration at all levels of government and a commitment to systemic reform.
“To advance sustainable development, we must make mortgage options more accessible, promote eco-friendly local materials, and create incentives for private investment. Streamlined land administration processes and continuous innovation in construction materials and techniques are essential to realising our shared vision of affordable housing for all Nigerians,” he added.
He extended his appreciation to the organisers of the event for bringing it to Gombe State, saying, “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with stakeholders from all sectors to address housing deficits, both here in Gombe and nationally. It is my sincere hope that the deliberations of this council will yield targeted and effective solutions that address Nigeria’s housing needs while ensuring sustainable urban development.”
