Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has called on governments at all levels to adopt an infrastructure-first approach to housing delivery, stressing that Nigeria’s housing crisis stems from weak political will and institutional failures rather than a lack of workable housing models.
Speaking at WEMABOD Limited’s Real Estate Outlook themed “Unlocking Land and Infrastructure for Inclusive Housing: A Regional Agenda for Sustainable Urban Growth,” Osinbajo drew lessons from the historic Bodija Estate in Ibadan. He highlighted that the estate was planned as a complete neighbourhood with demand anticipated, clear planning standards, green buffers, low-rise density, and integrated social and economic infrastructure.
“Demand was anticipated. It was planned for and shaped, not reacted to after the fact,” he said, noting that infrastructure, including roads, drainage, electricity, schools, and water supply, was delivered before occupation, acting as a hidden subsidy that made housing affordable.
Contrasting modern gated estates, Osinbajo observed that many are located on urban fringes, far from employment and public transport, forcing residents to self-provide water, power, and waste management, which raises costs and excludes low- and middle-income earners.
He called for government-led land assembly, early provision of bulk infrastructure, inclusionary zoning in large developments, and properly structured public-private partnerships, where governments provide land, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks, while private developers supply capital, execution capacity, and expertise.
Osinbajo cited successes during his tenure, including Borno State delivering nearly 15,000 housing units in three and a half years despite limited internally generated revenue, emphasizing that the challenge lies in priorities, not capacity.
