Mrs. Adenike Okebu, Acting General Manager of the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC), outlined the organization’s strategy for addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit through sustainable, community-focused initiatives.
The Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC) has introduced a demand-driven framework for affordable housing, prioritizing solutions that align with the socioeconomic realities and lifestyle preferences of Nigerians.
At the 20th edition of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) 2026 in Abuja, Mrs. Okebu, also Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Revenue, emphasized the importance of strategic location planning in successful housing projects.
The six-day summit at the Transcorp Hilton gathered stakeholders from over 30 nations, including government representatives, developers, investors, and construction professionals, to discuss innovative policies and financing mechanisms for affordable housing across Africa.
During a panel on affordable housing, Mrs. Okebu highlighted that poorly located residential schemes often fail due to their distance from workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities. She stressed that affordability must encompass accessibility, infrastructure, and livability, not just construction costs.
“Affordable housing is not just about constructing buildings—it’s about creating living spaces that meet people’s needs for proximity to opportunities, services, and essential infrastructure,” she remarked.
ESHDC’s demand-driven model focuses on allocating affordable land in strategic locations, allowing individuals to construct homes within their financial means. This approach reduces the risk of underutilized estates by ensuring developments align with community aspirations.
Mrs. Okebu also showcased “Tomorrow Is Here,” ESHDC’s flagship project in Owo, Nkanu East, Enugu State, which integrates modern infrastructure such as roads, drainage, electricity, and water systems to create a sustainable and functional residential community.
She underscored the necessity of public-private partnerships, stating that government efforts alone are insufficient to close Nigeria’s housing deficit, requiring collaborative investments that balance profitability with accessibility for low-income populations.
Her insights sparked engaging discussions among attendees, reflecting ESHDC’s commitment to inclusive, scalable housing solutions.
The Africa International Housing Show, now in its second decade, continues to serve as a critical platform for advancing housing policy, investment, and technological innovation across the continent.