By Queen Kunde
The 2025 edition of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), the continent’s largest housing and construction expo, is set to make a powerful push for housing incentives, mortgage system reform, gender inclusion, and government accountability, according to its convener, Barrister Festus Adebayo.
Speaking ahead of the high-level gathering slated for July 27 to August 1, 2025, in Abuja, the Managing Director/CEO of Fesadeb Media Group and founder of AIHS emphasized that the event will serve as a platform to generate practical solutions to Africa’s housing deficit and pressure governments into action.
“At AIHS 2025, we will present actionable ideas on housing incentives and push government to implement policies that truly empower citizens to access decent shelter,” Adebayo said.
He pointed to the Nigerian government’s recapitalisation of the Bank of Industry for food security as a model that should be replicated in the housing sector. “After food comes shelter. Without a good home, health and productivity suffer. Housing should be seen as a national priority,” he stressed.
Mortgage Reform Takes Center Stage
Adebayo did not mince words on the dysfunctional mortgage system that has long frustrated aspiring homeowners across Nigeria. He questioned why middle-income earners still struggle to access mortgage loans despite steady salaries and the presence of dedicated institutions.
“We’ll ask hard questions. Why can’t a civil servant walk into a mortgage bank, fill out a form, and begin the journey to owning a home? The current system is broken,” he declared.
Women’s Voices to Shape Housing Policy
In a bold move towards inclusion, AIHS 2025 will feature a dedicated platform for women to lead conversations on housing rights and access. Adebayo condemned discriminatory property laws in some states and called for reforms that empower women and widows, particularly those whose spouses died in active service.
Representatives from UN Women in Nigeria and Cameroon will join the conversations, pushing for both gender-responsive housing policies and accountability from stakeholders.
Accountability for Housing Agencies
A major highlight of the event will be a rigorous accountability session with CEOs of federal housing agencies, mortgage banks, and regulatory bodies. Adebayo vowed that no institution would be spared from scrutiny.
“We will ask them: What have you done in the last 12 months? How many mortgages did you issue? What impact have you made? Nigerians need answers,” he said.
The Federal Mortgage Bank, Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company, Ministry of Finance, and the Federal Housing Authority are all expected to face tough questions and present detailed reports on their operations, funding utilisation, and progress.
Global Audience, Real Impact
With over 25,000 participants expected from at least 25 countries, and 350 to 400 distributors on board, AIHS 2025 promises to be a global meeting point for innovation, investment, and action in the housing sector.
Adebayo concluded with a firm call to action: “This is not just another event. We are demanding commitments from policymakers. Before we leave, we must have a roadmap for real housing reform.”
AIHS 2025 is poised to deliver more than dialogue, it aims to ignite change.
