Nigeria is facing a worsening housing crisis that is hitting its young population the hardest. With rents in major cities like Lagos and Abuja often costing twice the average salary, young professionals, recent graduates, and students are finding it increasingly difficult to secure affordable accommodation.
A recent report by El País highlights how rapid urbanization, inflation, stagnant wages, and a lack of affordable housing projects have combined to create a hostile rental market. Many young Nigerians are now forced to live in overcrowded apartments, commute long distances, or remain dependent on family for housing.
Landlords are also requiring upfront payments of up to two years’ rent, pushing many potential tenants out of the market entirely. The situation is contributing to increased migration out of city centers and rising levels of stress among the youth population.
Housing rights advocates are calling on the Nigerian government to prioritize urban housing reform, introduce rent control policies, and support more affordable housing development.
