Abuja: Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) says the absence of reliable housing data remains a major obstacle to effective planning, policymaking and regulation in Nigeria’s housing sector. The Executive Director, Operations, FHFL, Dr. Emeka Inegbu, highlighted this issue during the ongoing Stakeholders Validation Workshop on the National Housing Data Programme in Abuja. A copy of his presentation was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Inegbu described data as a critical driver of development programmes, emphasizing that global experience has shown that planning becomes difficult where reliable information is unavailable. “Data has remained one of the key drivers of development. Our experience across different institutions and programmes worldwide shows that where data is missing, planning becomes impossible,” he noted.
The National Housing Data Programme is set to provide policymakers and regulators with essential information to make informed decisions and enhance governance within the sector. Accurate and well-organised data will enable government and stakeholders to address housing challenges more effectively. “When data is properly organised, it supports policymaking and, more importantly, makes regulation easier,” Inegbu added.
Inegbu expressed satisfaction with the committee responsible for developing the programme, acknowledging the initiative’s role in strengthening evidence-based policymaking and improving regulatory oversight in the housing sector. “We are satisfied with the work done by the committee and commend the progress made in bringing this programme to fruition,” he stated.
Furthermore, Inegbu commended the participants and organisers of the workshop, expressing optimism that the initiative would improve housing governance and support sustainable housing development across Nigeria. NAN reports that FHFL finances affordable housing projects in Nigeria, mobilising capital and supporting developers to increase access to decent homes for low- and middle-income households. Its mission is to expand affordable housing, while its vision promotes inclusive communities and sustainable development. FHFL’s importance lies in reducing housing deficits and improving homeownership opportunities.