Fubara calls for innovation to bridge housing deficit
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for innovation to bridge the housing gap in the country, describing the sector as a multifaceted engine for societal growth and economic development.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for innovation to bridge the housing gap in the country, describing the sector as a multifaceted engine for societal growth and economic development.
Fubara emphasised that his administration remained committed to partnering with innovators and stakeholders in the housing and urban development space to address housing deficits, generate employment, and improve the living standards of Rivers people.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, spoke as a Special Guest at the BusinessDay South-South Real Estate Exhibition and Investment Summit 2026.
The event, themed "Addressing Nigeria’s Housing Deficit with Innovative Solutions,” was held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Fubara said real estate remained a vital driver of economic growth, urban transformation, and wealth creation globally, noting that Rivers recognised the vast opportunities within the sector, not only as a source of investment but also as a strategic tool for tackling housing shortages and enhancing quality of life.
He said, “Our administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for investors and stakeholders in the real estate ecosystem through policy reforms, infrastructure development, and stronger public-private partnerships".
Fubara also encouraged participants at the summit to leverage the platform to exchange ideas, build networks, and contribute innovative solutions that would shape the future of real estate development in the state and beyond.
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In her remarks, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, represented by the Federal Head of Lands, Queen Tekai, noted that the ministry was actively working to create a more conducive environment to support housing development initiatives across the country.
Earlier, the keynote speaker, Group Managing Director of TAF Africa Global and Managing Director of Greater TAF Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Mustapha Njie, stressed the need for a forward-looking housing sector.
He highlighted key strategies, including promoting accessible financing, encouraging public-private partnerships, and eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and high costs associated with property titling.
Njie further advocated for the development of new cities such as Greater TAF City in Nigeria and TAF City in the Gambia, alongside increased support for local production of building materials.
He also emphasised the need for strategic urbanization, improved infrastructure in emerging areas, and the adoption of eco-friendly and smart city concepts.
