The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Correspondents Chapel, has called for affordable housing schemes.

Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, urged the Federal Government to develop a programme of action to make affordable houses available for journalists.

He said journalists served the country with dedication and patriotism, and, therefore, deserved a better living. The role of the media in affordable housing cannot be overemphasised, particularly at the moment the country is faced with a challenge of 28 million housing deficit, Oyekunle said.

The call was made in Abuja by stakeholders and professionals in the real estate and mortgage sector, at a dialogue on ways to find lasting solutions to the housing deficit challenge in Nigeria.

The event which was organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) Correspondents Chapel FCT Council in collaboration with Housing Development Advocacy Network ( HDAN was titled : ” Housing for All: The Role of Cooperative Societies and Financial Institutions”.

Oyekunle stressed the need for the government to act fast on the growing housing shortage and not be left behind in achieving Number 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG), which states that by the Year 2050, over 6.5 billion people will be living in cities.

He said: “Nigerian journalists have served this country with dedication and patriotism and they deserve a better living. They have risked their lives over the years in bringing succour, hope and healing the wounds of many Nigerians with their reports.

“However, many cannot boast of a decent home of their own. They are the mirror of the society to see itself but they suffer in silence. The Nigerian government and private sector should bridge the housing gap, particularly for our members.