Nigeria’s Housing Deficit a Huge Opportunity for Builders, Says ABU Vice-Chancellor

By Idris Umar Zaria  The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Kabiru Bala, has highlighted that the housing and infrastructure ...

By Idris Umar Zaria 

The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Kabiru Bala, has highlighted that the housing and infrastructure deficit in Nigeria provides enormous opportunities for professional builders to actively participate in building the national economy, given the country's level of development.

Speaking at the two-day maiden retreat of the Northern Builders’ Forum (NBF) of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) held at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Bala explained that the construction industry in Nigeria presents significant opportunities for all professionals despite its numerous challenges.

“With an estimated housing deficit of 28 million units in 2023, and over 50 percent infrastructure deficit, builders and other professionals must prepare themselves to effectively harness the industry’s potential to achieve prosperity,” he urged.

Prof. Bala emphasized the need for builders to organize and reposition themselves strategically to maximize these opportunities. He commended the retreat’s theme as "very apt," stating it sharpened the understanding of current economic reforms in relation to professional practices.

He challenged the Northern Builders’ Forum (NBF) to explore avenues for improving capacity development of their members, enhancing their cohesion, and ensuring strong partnership development. Prof. Bala also stressed the importance of mentorship to nurture a new generation of younger colleagues who will take over the professional space.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the retreat came at a critical time when the activities of professionals in the Nigerian built environment are being scrutinized for professional competence, diligence, and capacity to deliver a safe built environment for human habitation.

Prof. Bala also addressed the issue of building collapses in Nigeria, calling for concerted efforts from all professionals to combat quackery and the use of inferior construction materials.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of the Department of Building at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Dr. Mansir Dodo, who served as the Local Organising Committee Chairman for the retreat, welcomed the participants and wished them a fruitful retreat.

Prof. Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi of the Department of Economics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, presented the lead paper at the retreat, discussing “Imperatives of Economic Reforms and the Performance of the Construction Industry in Nigeria.”