World Architecture Day: Kogi NIA demands action on affordable housing
The Chairman of the 2026 World Architecture Day and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Kogi State Chapter, Kayode Oloninisi, has challenged architects, policymakers and other stakeholders in the built environment to move beyond rhetoric and take practical steps towards providing decent, affordable and accessible housing for Nigerians.
Oloninisi stated this at a symposium on Wednesday to mark the 2026 World Architecture day held at the Federal University Lokoja. He was represented at the event by the Head of the Department of Architecture, Federal University Lokoja, Associate Professor Okwenya Sunday, said the theme of the celebration, “Housing is a Human Right. Build It,” was a timely reminder of the importance of adequate housing to human welfare and national development.
The advise was coming against the backdrop of escalating costs of accommodation in Kogi State, which has pushed several civil servants from Lokoja, the state capital, to the suburbs. According to him, “housing, alongside food and clothing, remains one of humanity’s basic needs. Decent shelter provides not only physical protection but also promotes health, dignity, emotional security and overall wellbeing.”
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Kogi State Chapter of the NIA, John O. Attah, said the housing challenge required professionals to move from rhetoric to practical and sustainable solutions. He identified stabilised compressed earth blocks, bamboo composites, laterite-based finishes and pozzolana as some of the indigenous and locally adaptable materials capable of reducing construction costs while responding to the country’s climatic and economic realities.
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