Richard Augustine, CEO of Footstool Estates Limited, has urged the Nigerian government to deepen collaboration with the private sector to bridge the nation’s housing deficit. Augustine emphasized that achieving affordable housing requires more than just building cheap units; it demands policy reforms, streamlined land administration, and improved access to mortgage financing. He specifically criticized high equity requirements for mortgages, which remain out of reach for most civil servants and low-income earners. Furthermore, he suggested that the government offer tax incentives to developers and prioritize integrated urban planning to create functional, sustainable communities.