Executive Director, Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), Festus Adebayo, has called on the government to address unemployment and other economic challenges through affordable housing.
Adebayo, who disclosed this while speaking to journalists in Abuja, urged the new administration of President Bola Tinubu to provide housing for citizens instead of cash transfers of N8,000 naira monthly being proposed to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
According to Adebayo, Nigerian citizens’ needed intervention and not N8,000 cash transfer per month. This is coming at the time when Nigerian citizens are faced with the effect of fuel subsidy removal by the new administration.
“There’s no doubt that it’s a new dawn in Nigeria, and Nigerians are experiencing a new era. But the question is how far they can adjust to the effect of fuel subsidy removal? I believe only time can tell.
“I must say that the multiplier effect of fuel subsidy removal can be seen in all aspect of the economy, because when fuel price increases, everything increases, look at transportation, food, building materials and so on.
“I must use this opportunity to let you know that the palliative Nigerians need shouldn’t be in cash transfer of N8,000 but intervention that will empower them to become productive and ease the effect of fuel subsidy removal,” he stated.
According to Adebayo, “what is expected at this time is for the government to intervene through palliative so as to enable citizens cope with the economic effect of fuel subsidy removal.
“Especially at a time like this when affordable housing is almost like a mirage.
“Even when there was no fuel subsidy removal, delivering affordable housing has been a herculean task for the government who even has quick access to land, more or less than individuals and organizations.”
Adebayo also hinted that the 17th edition of the Africa International Housing Show is set to hold on July 24th-27th, 2023 and it will provide a platform where the Federal government will speak on how they intend to address the issue of affordable housing for Nigerians as a reality.
“Citizens need housing to improve productivity, be in good health, job creation, amongst others. The government must announce its intervention plan for housing now before it’s too late,” he sdded.
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