- The AHCN convened a special strategy session in Abuja in 2025, under the theme “Transforming Housing Corporations for Effectiveness and Sustainability in the Emerging Real Estate Market.”
- The session took place alongside the association’s 112th Council Meeting.
🎯 Main Issues Raised & Strategic Focus
During the session, AHCN highlighted several critical challenges affecting housing corporations and laid out strategic directions for reform:
- Many state housing corporations have become largely inactive or dormant, with some last having built houses decades ago.
- A concerning trend was identified: some state governors have merged housing corporations into state housing ministries or agencies, undermining the autonomy and capacity of the corporations.
- AHCN urged members to shift from a “business-as-usual” mindset. Instead, housing corporations should adopt a business-oriented, profit-aware approach, improve operational efficiency, and embrace modern management practices — including better information management, risk control, and viability strategies.
- The session also tied into the federal government’s housing agenda — notably the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda — urging state housing corporations to seize opportunities from that initiative.
✅ Key Recommendations & Calls to Action
From the discussion, AHCN’s leadership proposed a number of urgent reforms and actions:
- Reinvigorate inactive housing corporations: Reactivate and operationalize those that have been dormant, rather than allowing them to be absorbed into ministries.
- Leverage the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda: Encourage states to participate actively in federal housing programmes — submit land assets, propose projects — so they are not sidelined as the federal government rolls out mass-housing schemes.
- Adopt professionalism and modern business practices: Move away from reliance on government subventions, adopt transparent systems, modernize operations (e.g. digitization), and build capacity for competitive housing delivery.
- Promote public-private partnerships (PPPs) and private investment: Use blended financing and partnerships — including with finance institutions and private developers — to fund housing delivery, especially in face of limited public funding.
📦 Significance for the Housing Sector & Nationwide Impact
The strategy session of AHCN is significant for several reasons:
- It signals an internal reckoning: many housing corporations have under-performed or become defunct — recognition by AHCN increases pressure on state governments to revive or restructure them.
- By aligning with the federal Renewed Hope Housing Agenda, AHCN is pushing for greater coordination between federal initiatives and state-level agencies — a move that could expand housing delivery across Nigeria.
- The emphasis on professionalism, business-orientation, and modern management may modernize housing provision, reduce inefficiencies, and attract private investments — possibly helping to tackle Nigeria’s long-standing housing deficit.
- If implemented, recommendations may lead to more transparent, accountable, and effective housing institutions — which could translate into better access to affordable and quality housing for ordinary Nigerians.
