Tobi discusses his experience working in affordable housing in Nigeria and the challenges associated with it. He explains that affordable housing is housing that is affordable for households and individuals who are at or below the median income in a given area. The main challenges in developing affordable housing in Nigeria include low purchasing power, limited access to finance, a large housing gap, and issues with land ownership and titling. Zoning laws also play a role in providing affordable housing, as they determine where housing can be built and the availability of infrastructure. The focus of affordable housing initiatives tends to be on urban areas, but there have been some projects in rural areas as well. The conversation explores the challenges and potential solutions for affordable housing in Nigeria. The main challenges discussed include the high cost of construction, low incomes, lack of access to finance, and the focus on supply-side initiatives. The conversation also highlights the need for a holistic approach that addresses both supply and demand. Initiatives such as the National Social Housing Project and the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company are mentioned as potential solutions. The conversation also touches on the importance of sustainability in affordable housing and the need for mixed-income developments. The role of government subsidies, tax credits, and financing options are discussed as well. The advice for someone interested in a career in affordable housing is to have a curiosity for finding solutions and to consider various roles in the value chain.

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