HDAN compiles uncompleted housing projects nationwide 

By Dada Jackson

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has commenced the compilation of unoccupied/uncompleted housing projects across various states in Nigeria.

It says the initiative is aimed at addressing the growing concern of abandoned and underutilized housing estates.

It has set a target of four months to make available a compilation of all such identified projects.

It noted in a statement obtained on Friday that many of the houses had remained vacant due to infrastructural deficiencies, wrong location (building in the outskirt of town), poor allocation processes, lack of access roads and regulatory challenges.

This was disclosed by the Executive Director of HDAN, Festus Adebayo, in Abuja.

According to him, the organization, which comprises over 5,000 professionals in the housing and construction sector, is taking a proactive approach to tackling Nigeria’s housing crisis.

“We have seen too many housing projects left unoccupied due to issues such as poor infrastructure, wrong location, high costs, and inefficient allocation processes.

“HDAN is determined to compile a comprehensive list of these estates and work towards practical solutions,” Adebayo stated.

HDAN has been at the forefront of advocating housing sector reforms. And in 2025, the organization is intensifying its efforts by setting up various committees focused on policy lobbying.

Adebayo noted that the group was pushing for amendments to outdated housing-related laws such as the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Act, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Act, and the National Housing Fund (NHF) Act.

“We are also looking at the possibility of a legal framework that will back social housing and recognize the right of citizens to affordable shelter,” he added.

As part of its broader efforts, HDAN is also working towards strengthening research and intelligence in the housing sector.

The statement also said the organisation had committed to supporting the National Housing Data Centre Steering Committee to ensure the collection of accurate and reliable data that will inform policies and investments in the sector.

One of HDAN’s major concerns is the deteriorating condition of many housing estates built under Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

According to Adebayo, these estates are often in bad shape due to lack of maintenance and ineffective management structures.

He emphasized that making the allocation process more transparent and improving affordability would encourage more residents to occupy them.

Several reports have highlighted the challenges faced by unoccupied housing projects in Nigeria.

“Some of these housing projects are located in areas with inadequate infrastructure, such as poor road networks, unreliable water supply, and lack of electricity, making them unattractive to potential occupants,” an industry report noted.

“Other issues include poor urban planning, where government or private-built estates are situated too far from employment hubs, social amenities, and transportation links.

“In the course of this compilation, HDAN will be reaching out to all financiers and  developers that are concerned in these projects.

“Additionally, cumbersome allocation and purchasing processes have discouraged potential buyers.

“The absence of effective policies and regulations, coupled with an uncoordinated allocation system, has led to illegal occupation of some housing estates, undermining the government’s efforts to provide affordable housing,” Adebayo stated.

HDAN has also noted that many estates suffer from issues such as bad roads, lack of perimeter fencing, shortage of reticulated water supply, and poor landscaping.

These factors are said to further discourage prospective residents from moving into the available homes.

Adebayo reiterated HDAN’s commitment to encouraging social housing development and advocating for the government to construct more housing estates in urban and rural areas.

“We need housing that is closer to the people, well-planned, and affordable. The government must take deliberate steps to ensure these homes are not just built but are also livable,” he stated.

With HDAN’s nationwide housing project compilation underway, stakeholders in the housing sector are hopeful that this effort will provide actionable insights that will lead to better housing policies, improved infrastructure, and increased occupancy rates in existing estates.

Over 500 participants  for 2025 Africa Int’l housing show in Abuja

More than 500 participants will attend the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) 2025 holding at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton, Abuja from the 26th to the 31st of July, 2025.

With high-profile exhibitors and representation from 21 countries, AIHS will provide an unparalleled platform for networking, showcasing innovative housing solutions, and fostering partnerships in the real estate sector.

The event, known as Africa’s largest housing and construction gathering, will bring together key players from various markets, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, to explore real estate investment opportunities and housing finance models that can drive sustainable development across the continent.

Speaking on the choice of Transcorp Hilton as the venue for AIHS 2025, Festus Adebayo, the event convener, emphasized that AIHS is not just an exhibition but a movement towards advancing affordable housing, urban transformation, and technological innovation.

He highlighted the show’s role in creating wealth, generating employment, and enhancing housing policies to meet Africa’s growing urbanization needs.

According to him, Nigeria’s strategic position and business-friendly policies reinforce AIHS as the premier destination, AIHS continues to be the premier destination for investors seeking sustainable housing and infrastructure opportunities.

AIHS 2025 will also serve as a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, forge new collaborations, and strengthen the investment ecosystem, aligning with Africa’s development agenda.

To register, exhibit, network, and secure business opportunities, interested persons are told to visit www.africahousingshow.co.

How Festus Adebayo has impacted housing advocacy over the years  

By Dada Jackson

Festus Oluwasogo Adebayo, a renowned housing advocate and media entrepreneur, started his career as a banker demonstrating a keen interest in public advocacy.

His early professional endeavours laid the groundwork for his eventual focus on housing development and media entrepreneurship.

Festus Adebayo’s career as a housing advocate and media entrepreneur is marked by numerous groundbreaking achievements such as Housing TV.

Adebayo founded Africa’s first specialized television station for the housing industry, broadcasting on StarTimes Channel 149.

This platform addresses housing finance, real estate opportunities, and government policies, making it a critical tool for housing education.

On housing development programme, he started at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) before moving to Africa Independent Television (AIT).  This programme has provided over a decade of insightful discussions on housing and construction, influencing both public opinions and policies.

HDAN boss initiated Africa International Housing Show (AIHS).

As the convener of Africa’s largest housing exhibition and conference, Adebayo has fostered collaboration among stakeholders from over 21 countries, including ministers, policymakers, and industry leaders.

His Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), a civil society organization, engages governments on housing reforms, advocating enabling environments for developers and improved housing policies for low-income earners.

Adebayo’s efforts have enabled over 20,000 Nigerians to achieve homeownership through his mentoring, programmes, and advocacy.

As a recognition and appreciation for his tireless dedication to housing advocacy,

Adebayo has garnered numerous accolades including Housing Personality of the Year in 2020 and 2021 by the Association of Housing Corporation of Nigeria and the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria.

He equally featured among the 60 Leading CEOs in Nigeria by The Guardian Newspaper,

recognized by the Legislature of Ontario, Canada, for his role in fostering international collaboration between Canada and Nigeria.

Logan Kanapathi, MPP of Ontario, praised his visionary leadership in strengthening economic bonds and creating platforms for meaningful dialogue.

He was also honoured by professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Nigerian Institute of Building, and Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, for his unparalleled contributions to housing development.

On philanthropy and community development, Adebayo’s philanthropic efforts reflect his commitment to societal development which includes establishment of Festus Adebayo Foundation, which provides scholarships for outstanding students and supporting elderly citizens in his hometown.

The foundation also trains artisans and empowers youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to enhance their housing delivery skills. He is an active member of the CSTEMP Board, that focuses on artisan training for housing delivery.

On international engagements, Adebayo has attended and participated in numerous international conferences, including the World Bank conferences on housing finance and land reforms, UK Construction Week, organized by the Chartered Institute of Housing, Canada-Nigeria Housing Expo, co-organized annually in Toronto.

He has also Partnered with the African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF) and Shelter Afrique, to further the agenda of affordable housing across Africa.

Adebayo is the author of Issues, Challenges, and Prospects in the Housing Sector, Operator’s Perspective, a work that has informed housing policies and inspired dialogue on critical issues affecting the sector.

Festus Adebayo’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to affordable housing and advocacy. Through platforms like Housing TV Africa, the Housing Development Programme, AIHS, and HDAN, he has elevated housing issues to the forefront of public and policy discussions.

His efforts have not only enhanced accessibility to housing but also fostered economic development and social equity across Africa.

Adebayo’s life and career exemplify the power of visionary leadership, dedication, and innovation in transforming lives and communities.

Festus Adebayo hails from Ilesha West Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria.

He is a family man blessed with four children: Ifeoluwapo, Oluwatobiloba, Oluwasemilore, and Oluwadarasimi.

His deep connection to his roots is evident through his philanthropic efforts, particularly in his hometown.

Adebayo’s educational journey began at some of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions.

He is an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, and the University of Lagos, where he laid a solid foundation for his career.

Over the years, his expertise and contributions have earned him honorary recognitions, including being named an Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners.