Brig.-Gen Olufemi Olorunyomi of the Nigerian Army and a retired Master Warrant of the Nigerian Air Force, Johnson Onu, have expressed concern over the housing deficit in Nigeria.......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
According to them, this has become a major problem in the country.
They urged military officers and civil servants to take advantage of available opportunities to plan adequately for housing to avoid homelessness after retirement.
They noted that, given Nigeria’s large population, it would be difficult for the government to solve the housing crisis for all citizens immediately.
They also emphasized the need for continuity in government housing policies, suggesting that successive administrations build on the efforts of their predecessors.
Both men spoke at the book launch of Grace Garbson in Abuja over the weekend.
Brig.-Gen Olorunyomi stated: “Housing has been an issue not only for military personnel but generally in Nigeria. Over time, more people are recognizing the importance of housing. If you look around Abuja, you’ll see a lot of estates, showing how crucial and lucrative housing is. People now understand the need to secure a home while still in service to avoid difficulties after retirement.”
He added that while the government has made efforts, solving the housing deficit requires consistent policies across successive administrations.
Onu shared his personal experience, saying: “I served in the Nigerian Air Force for 27 years and retired voluntarily. Unfortunately, I did not plan for my retirement home. After retiring, I found myself struggling with housing, as my pension was not enough to build a house. I had to stay in rented accommodation for seven years, which was quite challenging.
“My advice is for people to start planning early. Buy land and begin developing it while still earning a salary. This way, settling down after retirement becomes easier.”
He emphasized that while the government and employers can play a role in encouraging home ownership, individuals must take the primary responsibility for securing housing.
Speaking to the press earlier, Grace Garbson, the author of the books, highlighted the lack of a strong reading culture in Nigeria.
She said, “Someone once said that if you want to hide wealth and knowledge from Africans, place it inside a book.”