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.
Oloninisi, who 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.
Labour and civil society groups in the state have also recently called on the government to embark on mass construction of affordable houses for citizens, using local materials and expertise.
“The theme, adopted by the International Union of Architects (UIA), aligns with international human rights instruments which recognise adequate housing as an essential component of a decent standard of living.”
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.”
He commended the Kogi State Chapter of the NIA for designing a programme that focused on practical architectural, planning, financing and policy strategies for addressing the housing deficit in the state.
Oloninisi also praised the chapter for bringing together professionals, including Dr. Mohammad Adamu, Isah Obenege Suleiman, Dr. Jibrin Olanusi, Adoke Ibrahim and Aisha Oruma-Sylvanus, to examine the housing challenge from different perspectives.
He urged participants to use the platform for professional development, networking and collaboration towards advancing the built environment.
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 said the chapter deliberately focused on “Exploiting Indigenous Building Techniques and Materials as a Sustainable Solution to our Housing Deficit,” stressing that Nigeria could no longer afford excessive dependence on imported building materials while millions of citizens struggle to access affordable housing.
“Nigeria has abundant raw materials that could be developed and deployed in the construction industry through stronger collaboration among government, academia, researchers, professionals, private investors and local communities.” Attach said.
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.
According to him, greater adoption of indigenous building technologies would not only reduce the cost of housing but also create jobs for youths and artisans, strengthen local manufacturing, develop mining and processing value chains, stimulate economic activities and reduce pressure on foreign exchange.
He therefore urged architects to take the lead in promoting locally sourced solutions by engaging government on enabling policies, academia on research, the private sector on investment and communities on the acceptance and ownership of indigenous technologies.
Attah assured that the Kogi State Chapter would continue to champion sustainable, affordable and locally driven housing solutions, urging architects to design, specify and supervise the appropriate use of indigenous materials in construction projects.
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