By Milcah Tanimu

Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that Nigeria needs a staggering N21 trillion to effectively address its housing deficit, despite ongoing efforts by all levels of government. Shettima made this statement during the groundbreaking ceremony for a 500-unit housing estate initiated by the Sokoto State government in Sokoto on Sunday.

Shettima commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his dedication to addressing the housing needs of the state’s residents. He emphasized that Nigeria’s housing deficit continues to be a significant challenge, with a shortage of 28 million houses.

“Nigeria has a deficit of 28 million houses, and we will need N21 trillion to meet our housing needs. This initiative by the Governor is highly commendable and serves as an example for other state governments to follow. The Governor has made a promising start by completing the infrastructure projects he inherited,” he remarked.

Governor Aliyu explained that the housing estate is intended for civil servants and will be offered for sale to them upon completion on an owner-occupier basis. He also revealed that the project, situated in the Wamakko Local Government Area of the state, will require an investment of N7.3 billion from the state government to reach completion.

This milestone event, marking the administration’s first 100 days in office, drew prominent figures such as Senator Aliyu Wamakko and Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. Also in attendance were Alhaji Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, as well as former Deputy Governors of Sokoto, Mukhtari Shagari, and Chiso Abdullahi-Dattijo, among other dignitaries.