Abuja, Nigeria's capital, has undergone significant urbanization and population growth since becoming the capital in 1991. This rapid development has resulted in numerous benefits but has also led to a severe housing crisis. The demand for housing in Abuja far outstrips the supply, leading to overcrowded living conditions, inflated property prices, and an increasing number of informal settlements. Tackling this crisis requires a multifaceted approach involving government intervention, private sector participation, and community engagement.

Understanding the Housing Crisis
The housing crisis in Abuja is characterized by several key issues:

Population Growth: The city's population has grown exponentially, driven by migration from other parts of Nigeria in search of better opportunities and security.
High Demand, Low Supply: The construction of new housing units has not kept pace with the increasing demand.
Affordability: Many residents cannot afford the high costs of housing, leading to a proliferation of informal settlements and overcrowding in satellite towns.
Infrastructure Deficit: Existing housing often lacks adequate infrastructure such as water, electricity, and sanitation, especially in satellite towns.
Affordability and Its Impact
Affordability is a critical aspect of the housing crisis in Abuja, affecting nearly every other area in society. The inability of average residents, especially the youth, to afford housing in the city center forces them to live in areas with poor infrastructure and limited services.

Key Issues Related to Affordability:
High Rental Prices: In central areas like Wuse 2, even a standard self-contained apartment is unaffordable for many. Outskirts like Lugbe and Kubwa also suffer from infrastructure deficits despite being relatively cheaper.
Infrastructure Deficits in Satellite Towns: Areas such as Lugbe, Chika, and Pyakasa face severe infrastructure problems, including bad roads and lack of basic amenities. Despite government efforts in mass housing, high rents in new areas like Lokogoma still make them unaffordable for many.
Vandalism and Maintenance Issues: Vandalism, such as the theft of manhole covers, exacerbates infrastructure problems and indicates a need for better policing and community engagement to address these issues.
Government and Private Sector Role
To address the affordability issue, a coordinated effort between the government and private sector is crucial. Key steps include:

Regulating Housing Prices: The government should collaborate with developers to regulate housing prices, ensuring affordability. This can involve subsidies or incentives for developers to lower costs.
Increasing Affordable Housing Supply: Developing new layouts like Karsana and Wassa with affordable housing options can alleviate pressure on more expensive areas.
Utilizing Unoccupied Houses: Many housing estates have unoccupied and even collapsed buildings. The government should work with developers to complete these projects and make them affordable for the average resident.
Public Awareness and Access to Housing Schemes: Programs like the National Housing Fund (NHF) need to be accessible to all, including low-income earners. The government should provide clear information on how citizens, including e-hailing drivers and petty traders, can benefit from these schemes.
Practical Solutions for Improving Affordability
Subsidized Housing Projects: Implement subsidized housing projects targeting low-income earners.
Innovative Financing Options: Develop flexible mortgage plans and micro-loans tailored to the financial capabilities of low and middle-income earners.
Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage public-private partnerships to leverage private sector efficiency and public sector support to deliver affordable housing.
Infrastructure Development: Prioritize the development of essential infrastructure in satellite towns to make them more livable and attractive for residents.
Community Engagement: Involve community members in planning and maintaining housing projects to ensure they meet the actual needs of the residents.

Conclusion
Addressing the housing crisis in Abuja requires a comprehensive approach combining government action, private sector involvement, and community participation. By increasing the supply of affordable housing, streamlining land acquisition processes, encouraging innovative construction techniques, and improving infrastructure, Abuja can move towards resolving its housing challenges. This multi-pronged strategy provides immediate relief and lays the foundation for sustainable urban development in the future.

To live in Abuja no no be by force, yolluba touts be going there to colonize the underbridge like they do in Lagos