Political Will is Key to Unlocking Affordable Housing in Nigeria, Says Former Vice President
Nigeria’s former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has asserted that with the right political will, the government possesses the capacity to deliver affordable housing projects to its citizens. Delivering a keynote address at the 2026 Wemabod Real Estate Outlook in Lagos, themed “Unlocking Land and Infrastructure for Inclusive Housing,” Osinbajo emphasized that a firm political commitment, coupled with robust private sector support, is the crucial ingredient for successful housing delivery.
“With private sector support introducing market discipline, governments, if they can provide social housing, can provide the sort of model that Bodija has given us. It can be provided; it is a matter of political will,” Osinbajo stated. He drew upon his experience as Vice President, recalling a visit to Borno State where he witnessed the inauguration of 15,000 housing units constructed by the state government within three years. He noted that this achievement was only surpassed by the historic Lateef Jakande housing estates in Lagos, which also exceeded 15,000 units. “So, it’s entirely possible; it’s a matter of political will,” he reiterated.
The former Vice President highlighted that the management of land resources has historically been hampered by a multitude of issues, including fragmented records, overlapping ownership claims, and significant bureaucratic delays. To foster efficient urban development, Osinbajo stressed the imperative of fully digitizing land records. This digitization, he explained, would establish a transparent and accessible database detailing ownership boundaries and usage rights. “Digital titling would reduce disputes, prevent double allocation, and provide a reliable foundation for investments,” he elaborated.
Furthermore, Osinbajo advocated for the streamlining of land acquisition processes to facilitate lending and planning. While acknowledging that these processes can vary significantly from state to state, he proposed the development of regional legal frameworks to simplify documentation and ensure predictable timelines. “This will encourage both private sector and public infrastructure development,” he added. By modernizing land administration, Nigeria, according to Osinbajo, can effectively combat corruption, enhance security for both homeowners and developers, and support proactive land banking and urban expansion strategies that are strategically aligned with infrastructure delivery.
Osinbajo concluded by asserting that inclusive and sustainable housing is not an unattainable dream but a conscious policy choice driven by political will. He observed that South-West Nigeria, in particular, is not deficient in land, capital, or expertise. Instead, it lacks a unified regional vision that prioritizes housing as a cornerstone of urban development. “The question is not whether we know what to do, but whether we are ready to do it,” he remarked.
Building Enduring Solutions: Wemabod’s Vision for Housing
Earlier in the event, Bashir Oladunni, the Chief Executive Officer of Wemabod, provided an overview of the company’s growth since its launch in 2023. He framed the current year’s theme as a deliberate shift from merely managing challenges to actively constructing lasting solutions. “It recognises that housing is not merely a social obligation but a foundation for economic productivity, social stability, and sustainable urban growth,” Oladunni explained.
Oladunni further elaborated that Nigeria’s housing crisis is multifaceted, extending beyond a simple deficit in supply to encompass critical issues of access and affordability. He identified two primary structural impediments: land and infrastructure. “Without accessible, properly titled land, housing remains expensive. Without enabling infrastructure, roads, rails, power, water, and social services, housing cannot scale, and cities cannot thrive,” he stated. This is where, according to Oladunni, regional development commissions play a vital role. He emphasized that these commissions are designed to harness regional potential, coordinate infrastructure projects, and drive development across administrative borders.
Nureni Adisa, Chairman of Wemabod Limited, echoed these sentiments, describing the current moment as a pivotal juncture in Nigeria’s urban development narrative. He highlighted a prevailing paradox: robust economic growth coexisting with escalating housing inequality, expanding urban areas straining under inadequate infrastructure, and land, a fundamental asset, often trapped by restrictive frameworks that limit its contribution to the collective good.
