Housing corporations would need to embark on strategic initiatives in order to become key players in affordable housing delivery on an unprecedented and sustainable large scale in Nigeria.
According to the Founder/President, First World Communities Ltd, Brig.Gen. P.M.O. Reis (rtd), the strategic initiatives must centered on the creation of an enabling environment, promotion of research and advocacy and development of business support.
Besides, he said the housing corporations would need to modernise for effectiveness.
In his paper on: “Re-defining Housing Corporations For Solving The Housing Deficit in Nigeria”, which was delivered recently during the 6th International Conference of the Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN) in Lagos, Reis urged the association to develop a vision of the future, reposition and promote housing corporations.
As part of enabling environment’s creation, he urged the group to develop and promote new models for delivering affordable world-class homes and improving existing homes
According to him, map out the potential and influence land release and planning policy, adding that housing corporations should develop an effective and sustainable rent policy.
“Improve political interest and support for housing to ensure that it features prominently in election manifestos.
“Influence the allocation of resources to housing in state and Federal Budgets; build public support for house building,” he said.
Reis also urged them to promote through research, education, forum, and other appropriate means, the development of housing units. He called for the establishment of standards for operation of housing corporations that will assure maximum long-term benefits to customers and sustain corporations.
He said “Research and highlight the implications of sale of Federal Government’s properties and low fiscal allocation on housing corporations
“Ensure employment and skills programmes can be accessed and delivered by housing corporations; influence state and Federal Budget allocations and election manifestos; demonstrate the socio-economic value and impact of housing corporations.”
On business support, the founder/ president of first world communities wants AHCN to develop evidence base and plan for the impact of budgetary constraints / macroeconomy on housing corporations.
“Secure asset management flexibility for housing corporations; influence financial standards and fiscal policy; support effective governance and influence future regulatory legislation or policy; promote the viability and effectiveness of housing corporations.
“Develop for adoption by all members, National House Building Standards and Home Insurance products. Map the emergence of a wider range of networks of funders and stakeholders; and promote the highest ethics in the development and management of housing estates.”
Reis enjoined the association to explore new ways to work together to achieve better impact, urging housing corporations to conduct and implement a comprehensive business strategy review, manage assets and resources more efficiently.
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“Deliver improved digital content, information management and information governance approaches.
Develop the capacity and capability of staff and show appreciation for their contribution,” he said.
The first world communities boss listed affordability issue, lack of data, end users segmentation, land title registration, inadequate Infrastructure beyond Central Business Districts (CBDs) and inefficient construction method as impediments to affordable housing delivery in Nigeria.
According to him, four pillars for affordable housing delivery are data, end users segmentation, enabling regulation and policies, and affordable gap funding.
