The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Construction and Housing Mayor Limited, My-ACE China, has called for a state of emergency in Africa’s housing sector to address the continent’s staggering 42-million housing deficit.
China emphasized that this deficit, particularly pronounced in Nigeria, is a significant issue, stating, “Housing has become such a crisis that I believe a state of emergency should be declared in Africa.”
He made this appeal last weekend after being recognized as one of the 100 winners of the 2025 African Legend Awards, alongside notable figures such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Seyi Tinubu, and High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).
Known as the Mayor of Housing, China pointed out that a major contributor to the housing deficit in Africa is the decline of traditional building methods.
“When we used local materials for construction, there was no homelessness in African villages. However, with the rise of expensive, imported materials, the rate of homelessness and housing shortages has become alarming,” he stated.
Discussing the impact of his work in Africa, he expressed his commitment to reducing or eliminating the housing deficit in Nigeria and across the continent through simple and sustainable solutions, primarily through collaboration. “I consider myself the most collaborative businessman in Africa,” he said.
He acknowledged that Nigeria faces significant challenges regarding building safety, citing the frequent occurrence of collapsed structures. “The reason we see buildings collapsing in Nigeria and Africa is that bureaucratic and political leaders have compromised established standards,” he explained.
“Additionally, those in power understand that there will be no repercussions for approving substandard housing.”
“The government should adopt the proven Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to tackle this issue. Currently, the failure of PPP arises when political interests replace private involvement.
If the government truly engages in genuine PPPs, contracting private institutions or individuals to uphold standards, then accountability will be established. When a private entity understands that they will face consequences if a building collapses, I can guarantee that no houses will fall in Africa.”
