AIHS to reward operators – The Nation Newspaper

As the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) marks two decades of commitment to housing development and sustainable urban growth across the continent, plans are underway to celebrate its long-standing partners whose consistent support has contributed significantly to the success of the platform over the years.

Over the past 20 years, AIHS has evolved into Africa’s foremost housing and construction event, serving as a strategic platform for dialogue, policy advocacy, investment promotion, innovation showcase and stakeholder engagement within the housing and built environment ecosystem.

From developers and construction companies to financial institutions, manufacturers, policymakers and international development partners, AIHS has built a formidable network of collaborators who have remained steadfast in advancing the shared vision of improved housing delivery in Africa.

Speaking on the milestone celebration, Festus Adebayo, Founder of the Africa International Housing Show and Executive Director of the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), noted that the 20th Anniversary presents a unique opportunity to appreciate the loyalty, commitment and invaluable contributions of partners who have journeyed with AIHS over the years.

According to him, the growth and impact recorded by AIHS since inception would not have been possible without the sustained participation and strategic partnerships forged with key industry stakeholders across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

 “AIHS at 20 is not just a celebration of an event, but a celebration of enduring partnerships and collective commitment to addressing Africa’s housing challenges. We are proud of the journey so far and deeply grateful to all our partners who have stood by us through the years,” he stated.

As part of activities lined up for the 20th Anniversary Edition scheduled to hold in July, AIHS will recognise deserving organisations, institutions and individuals that have consistently supported the initiative through participation, sponsorship, collaboration and advocacy.

The recognition aims to further strengthen industry collaboration and inspire renewed commitment towards achieving inclusive and affordable housing solutions for low-income and informal workers across Africa.

AIHS remains committed to providing a dynamic platform that fosters partnerships, promotes innovation and drives policy reforms capable of transforming the housing sector and improving access to decent shelter for millions of Africans.

In a related development the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN)  raised serious concerns over the alarming increase in criminal activities within Nigeria’s real estate sector, calling for urgent legislative and regulatory interventions to restore sanity, transparency and public confidence in the industry.

This position was made known during a strategic engagement with the leadership of the National Assembly Committees on Housing and Urban Development in Abuja, where the advocacy group emphasized the growing threat posed by unregulated operators whose activities have led to widespread cases of fraud, multiple sales of properties, illegal land allocations, and the proliferation of unapproved housing developments across the country.

Speaking during the parley, the Executive Director of HDAN, Festus Adebayo, noted that the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework for real estate practice in Nigeria has created a fertile ground for unscrupulous individuals and entities to exploit unsuspecting Nigerians in their quest for homeownership.

According to him, the increasing level of criminalities by some operators within the sector is fast eroding public trust in real estate transactions and undermining efforts aimed at promoting housing development and investment in Nigeria.

Advertisement

 “The real estate sector is gradually becoming a safe haven for fraudulent activities due to weak regulations and enforcement mechanisms. Nigerians are daily being defrauded through fake property listings, double allocations and uncompleted housing schemes. This must not be allowed to continue,” he stated.

HDAN further stressed that the housing sector, which ought to serve as a critical driver of economic growth and social stability, is now at risk of systemic collapse if deliberate actions are not taken to enforce professional standards and ensure accountability among practitioners.

The Network therefore called on the National Assembly to fast-track legislative processes towards the establishment of an effective real estate regulatory framework that will sanitize the sector, protect homebuyers and investors, enforce ethical standards, promote professionalism and restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s housing market.

HDAN also advocated for stronger collaboration between government institutions, professional bodies and industry stakeholders in addressing the menace of quackery and fraudulent practices that continue to plague the real estate ecosystem.

As an organisation committed to promoting access to affordable and decent housing for all Nigerians, HDAN reaffirmed its readiness to support policy reforms and regulatory initiatives that will enhance transparency, accountability and sustainable growth in the housing sector.