African Leaders Urged to Make Affordable Housing a Development Priority – Gowon

Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), has emphasized the urgent need for African governments to place affordable housing at the heart of their sustainable development strategies.

Delivering his remarks through Professor Suleiman Bogoro, the former Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Gowon made the call during the inauguration of the 19th Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), held on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to a report by LMSINT MEDIA, the 2025 AIHS conference is themed: “Re-imagining Housing Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Policy”. The event was convened by Festus Adebayo, the Chief Executive Officer of AIHS, and brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in the housing and construction sectors.

General Gowon, through his representative, pointed out that inadequate access to affordable housing remains one of Africa’s most pressing challenges. He emphasized that housing deficits have a ripple effect on public health systems, access to quality education, and national economic productivity.

He highlighted the necessity of prioritizing sustainable urban development, alongside policies that promote social inclusion and address housing inequality.

“It is critical for African leaders to work collaboratively, ensuring that housing frameworks are not only actionable but also just and inclusive,” he stated.

Furthermore, Gowon underlined that innovation, investment, and practical implementation are pivotal to providing adequate shelter for Africa’s expanding population. He warned that without proper housing infrastructure, the continent could struggle to support its socioeconomic ambitions.

Gowon’s message serves as a clarion call for governments, urban planners, and private investors across Africa to re-imagine the future of housing in a way that ensures equitable access to safe, affordable, and sustainable homes for all citizens.