By Cecilia Ogezi
Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, has witnessed rapid development, yet affordable housing remains elusive. The influx of government officials, expatriates, and business professionals has driven up property prices, forcing many young people to seek housing in the suburbs.
Young Nigerians, particularly those at the beginning of their careers, find it nearly impossible to secure affordable housing within the city. As seen in Lagos, exorbitant rents for small apartments are common, making it challenging for young professionals to find suitable accommodation.
Moreover, numerous high-end residential buildings remain unoccupied due to their prohibitive costs. This mismatch between available housing and what people can afford exacerbates the crisis. The lack of affordable options forces many to live on the outskirts of the city, facing long commutes and high transportation costs.
Amina Bala, a resident of Apo in Abuja, explained that a single-room self-contained apartment in a high-end area may cost N700,000 annually. In the same area, a two-bedroom apartment can cost nearly N3.5 million per year.
In Lagos, the rental market for studio apartments presents a harsh reality for young professionals. These modest living spaces, often lacking separation between the kitchen, restroom, and living area, command exorbitant annual rents. Abdul Garba, a Lagos resident, disclosed that the going rate for a basic studio apartment can be as high as N2.1 million per year. This figure is staggering considering many young Nigerians do not earn this amount annually.
Garba highlighted that a working-class family cannot feasibly occupy these cramped quarters, making them unsuitable for family living. These spaces are best suited for young, single professionals. However, many of these individuals struggle to justify or afford the cost.
Shashudeen Alao, living in the Apapa area of Lagos, described his house-hunting experience as often disappointing. Prospective tenants encounter tiny, poorly maintained units with high price tags. A studio apartment might cost N800,000 per annum, with additional fees bringing the total to N1.2 million. This cost is prohibitive for many young people, pushing them towards suburban areas where rents are lower but commuting times and costs are substantial.
The housing crisis is not confined to Nigeria. Across Africa, young people face similar challenges. Rapid urbanization has not been matched by affordable housing development. In Kenya, the annual demand for housing far outstrips supply, leading to a deficit of 2 million units. Ethiopia’s housing stock is in dire need of replacement, with 70% deemed uninhabitable. This pattern repeats across the continent, highlighting a systemic issue.
This issue is global. A survey of 200 cities worldwide found that 90% were considered unaffordable, with average house prices exceeding three times the median income. Cities from New York to Sydney are grappling with affordable housing shortages. In the U.S., the shortage of affordable homes is acute, with a deficit of 7 million homes for low-income families.
Several factors contribute to this crisis, including high land costs, inadequate land tenure systems, and insufficient government intervention. Migration, population growth, and poor policy implementation exacerbate the issue, leading to a global housing crisis.
Solving the housing crisis requires treating housing as a fundamental human right. Governments must reintroduce and expand low-cost housing schemes and ensure mortgage systems are accessible and affordable. In Nigeria, mortgage interest rates are prohibitively high, discouraging potential homeowners. A reduction in these rates could stimulate the housing market.
Creating functional regulatory frameworks is crucial. There is no justification for a self-contained room to cost N2.1 million annually. Effective policies must be established to cap rental costs and ensure housing affordability for young people.
Other countries provide valuable lessons. In Australia, the government collaborates with private and community sectors to develop social and affordable housing. Los Angeles repurposes motels into permanent supportive housing for the homeless. Similar initiatives could be adopted in Nigeria and other affected regions.
Improving infrastructure, particularly transportation, can also alleviate housing pressures. Efficient transport systems would enable people to live in more affordable suburban areas while maintaining access to urban job markets.
Ultimately, these solutions require strong political will. Nigeria’s youth demographic is significant, with 62% under the age of 25. Ensuring their access to affordable housing is critical for the nation’s future. Addressing the housing crisis with robust policies and innovative solutions is imperative to providing secure, affordable housing for all.
