By Muhammad Mamman
Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, has challenged the Nigerian government to tackle the nation’s escalating housing crisis with innovative policies. Speaking in an exclusive interview on Sunday, Amadi proposed a groundbreaking vacancy tax to combat artificial scarcity and make housing more accessible for millions of Nigerians.
“Nigeria’s housing deficit isn’t just about the number of homes—it’s about usability and affordability,” Amadi emphasized. He highlighted a troubling trend: many completed houses remain vacant, built not for shelter or rental income but as vessels for laundering illicit funds. “These empty properties create a false shortage, driving up rents and locking out ordinary citizens,” he explained.
To reverse this, Amadi advocates for a targeted vacancy tax on homes left unoccupied for over two years. “This isn’t a blanket property tax that stifles investment,” he clarified. “It’s a strategic levy to push owners to rent out their properties or face financial penalties, easing pressure on the rental market.”
The housing crisis, Amadi warned, is a ticking time bomb for national development. Skyrocketing rents—such as N2 million to N3 million for a one-bedroom flat in urban centers—often bear no relation to real value, fueled by speculative pricing and regulatory gaps. “This is a human development emergency,” he said. “Sound policies are critical to ensure safe, affordable shelter for all Nigerians.”
