Adebayo calls for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s housing laws, labels existing policies obsolete

Barrister Festus Adebayo, Managing Director/CEO of Fesadeb Media Group and Convener of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), has issued a strong call for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s housing sector, describing many of the country’s existing housing laws as outdated and ill-suited for today’s realities.

Speaking ahead of the 2025 edition of AIHS, Adebayo emphasized that the legal frameworks guiding critical institutions such as the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) are not only obsolete but also hinder the ability of these agencies to deliver effectively on their mandates.

“In Nigeria, the law that establishes some of the housing agencies are moribund.

“Check the law that establishes FHA—you will discover that it is time for us to review it so that FHA can be able to do more in the performance and delivery of its mandate.

“The same thing applies to the Federal Mortgage Bank. The law only provides solutions to problems that existed at the time it was created; it needs urgent review,” he said.

The 9th edition of the AIHS, scheduled to take place between Tuesday, July 27 to 1st August, 2025, will have as special guests the Governors of Sokoto, Bauchi, and Kano States, who are expected to showcase their respective states’ achievements in housing and infrastructure development.

Barrister Adebayo emphasised that the theme of this year’s show, “Reimagining Housing Through Innovation, Collaboration and Policy,” aligns with the urgent need to modernise housing policies and strengthen collaboration between government and private sector players to meet Africa’s growing housing demand.

He reiterated that reforming housing laws and fostering partnerships are crucial steps to ensure sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s housing deficit.