UNILAG's Timothy Nubi Advocates Sustainable Housing Solutions

Timothy Nubi, a Professor of Estate Management and Valuation at the University of Lagos, called for a significant change in Nigeria's housing policy during the second lecture series at the Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Centre, Yaba College of Technology. He argued for a focus on creating and upgrading sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities rather than just constructing housing units.

Nubi stated that housing delivery success should be evaluated based on community affordability, functionality, inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and resilience. He highlighted that Nigeria's housing issues encompass quality, affordability, infrastructure, environmental risks, and institutional capacity.

Nubi proposed that urban regeneration and in-situ upgrading should be integral to Nigeria's housing strategy, particularly in underserved areas. He stressed the importance of phased implementation to allow residents to remain in their communities and recommended safeguards against potential negative impacts such as land speculation and displacement.

He also challenged the notion that sustainability is merely an added cost, advocating for its benefits to be assessed against lifecycle costs.