In the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, there is a pressing issue of growing number of homeless people who have sought refuge in uncompleted buildings scattered throughout the city. This is as a result of the high cost of residential properties within the capital.
Homelessness is a global social problem caused by a multitude of reasons such as insurgency, economic hardships and natural disasters. According to recent data from Development Aids (2023), an estimated 24.4 million people in Nigeria find themselves without a place to call home. This accounts for roughly 12 percent of the nation’s overall population, signifying that a significant portion of the population lacks access to permanent or stable housing.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) reports that there are more than 6,000 incomplete buildings throughout the territory, and a notable number of these structures serve as makeshift homes for homeless individuals. For many people, the exorbitant rent prices in the city have forced them to seek refuge in these unfinished buildings.
While speaking with some of the homeless individuals who sought shelter in an uncompleted building in karimo area, Mrs Gloria Augustin who resides in the uncompleted building with her two children shared her story. She explained that financial constraints had driven her to seek refuge in the makeshift dwelling.
“Staying in this kind of place is not easy. There’s a lot of challenges. A place without a door, anybody can walk in anytime they wish. It’s not comfortable but due to my financial condition, I have to exercise patience and bear it. I came from Nasarawa State. If I am forced out of here, my only option will be to return back to my village,” she said.
I also spoke with a woman named Ruqayat Waheed who disclosed that she has been living in an uncompleted building for the past three years. Mrs Waheed who came from Kwara State to Abuja to hustle made it known that affordable housing is scarce in the city of Abuja.
“Everything is too expensive here in Abuja, rent in Abuja is too high. I tried to rent a room for myself but it’s expensive. to gather the money to rent a house here is not easy, you can’t even find a single room for sixty thousand Naira,” she lamented.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed FCT minister, Nyesom Wike has threatened to revoke lands which were allocated but not developed and reclaim uncompleted buildings, stating that such buildings “have become a haven for criminals.”
