Nigeria’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has revealed that 15.2 million housing units across the country are structurally inadequate.
Minister Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa made the disclosure in a statement issued on December 16, 2025.
These units, though physically existing, fail to meet basic standards of safety, habitability, durability, and access to essential services.
The findings emerged from the National Housing Data Initiative, presented by the National Housing Data Technical Committee in Abuja.
Researchers applied internationally recognised methodologies, including the Household Crowding Index, Adequate Housing Index, and Composite Index.
Data sources included the National Population Commission, National Bureau of Statistics, Central Bank of Nigeria, and other institutions, aligned with World Bank standards.
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Kano State registered the highest level of housing inadequacy, while Bayelsa State recorded the lowest.
Dangiwa emphasised that Nigeria faces both quantitative and qualitative housing challenges, requiring upgrades to existing stock alongside new construction.
The ministry will establish a National Housing Data Centre, expected to become operational by mid-January 2026, to support policy formulation, investment decisions, and housing finance.
This data-driven approach aims to improve planning accuracy, boost investor confidence, and enhance market accountability nationwide.
The federal government continues addressing the deficit through the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme, featuring projects across geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory.
These efforts underscore the need for comprehensive national housing policies that combine new builds with upgrades to tackle persistent inadequacy and affordability issues.
