LABOUR URGES GOVTS TO INVEST SUBSIDY GAINS IN HOUSING

The Nigeria Labour Congress has urged the Federal Government and state governments to channel part of the financial gains from petrol subsidy removal into affordable housing projects for low and middle-income Nigerians.

The Chair of the Lagos State Council of the NLC, Agnes Sessi, said increased investment in housing could help ease the pressure of rising living costs and address Nigeria’s widening housing shortage.

Sessi called for the development of one-bedroom and two-bedroom homes that could be made available through rent-to-own arrangements, allowing workers and other low-income earners to gradually acquire their homes.

She suggested that state governments could set annual housing targets, including the construction of between 50,000 and 100,000 affordable homes, depending on their capacity.

The labour leader also urged governments to prioritise ordinary Nigerians rather than focus mainly on high-end housing projects such as duplexes and terrace houses.

She referenced the affordable housing initiatives of former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande as an example of government-led housing development targeted at workers and low-income residents.

Nigeria’s official housing deficit stood at 14.925 million units in 2025, although broader estimates that include inadequate and substandard housing put the effective shortage significantly higher.

Sessi argued that the fiscal resources generated by subsidy reform should translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ living conditions, including housing and infrastructure.

She said stronger investment in affordable housing could also create jobs, stimulate construction activity and improve the welfare of Nigerian households.

The call comes amid continued concerns over high housing costs and the difficulty many Nigerians face in accessing decent and affordable accommodation.