The Enugu State Government has regained control of a 1.4-hectare property in Wuye District, Abuja, following a prolonged dispute over alleged attempts by land grabbers to take over the site.
The recovered property, located at Plot 804, Cadastral Zone B03, Wuye District, is now being developed as the Woodlands Estate, a housing project being delivered through a partnership between the Enugu State Government and Tout Moi Nigeria Limited.
The project was officially flagged off in Abuja after the state government successfully reclaimed the property. Officials said the land had originally been allocated to Enugu State by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) but became the subject of a dispute that lasted several years.
The Permanent Secretary/Liaison Officer of the Enugu State Liaison Office in Abuja, Barrister Chukwuka Ugwu, said the state government eventually intervened to protect its interest in the property.
He also called for stronger land administration and documentation in the Federal Capital Territory to prevent multiple allocations and ownership disputes.
According to him, a properly documented land administration system would make it more difficult for the same property to be allocated to different individuals or organisations and would provide greater protection for legitimate property owners.
Project Delayed by Land Dispute
The Principal Architect of Tout Moi Nigeria Limited, Arc. Maryam Bello Barkindo, said the development had been delayed for about three years because of challenges surrounding the property.
She explained that the developers spent about six months dealing with attempts to take over the site before the intervention of the Enugu State Government enabled them to regain access through lawful channels.
Barkindo said the experience demonstrated the importance of effective land administration and proper legal processes in protecting legitimate property investments.
Woodlands Estate to Provide 43 Housing Units
The Woodlands Estate is planned as a green housing development comprising 43 units, including high-rise apartments, terrace buildings and semi-detached houses.
The development will also feature a clubhouse and recreational facilities, with sustainability incorporated into the project’s design.
The developers said the project will focus on measures including energy reduction, waste recycling and the use of materials and construction processes that conserve energy.
Stakeholders at the project launch said sustainable development should become a central part of Nigeria’s approach to urban housing rather than being treated as an optional feature.
Land Administration Remains a Major Housing Challenge
The dispute has also drawn attention to broader problems within Nigeria’s land administration system.
Hassan Usman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of New Frontier Development Limited, said weaknesses in land titling, development approvals and access to long-term financing continue to limit investment in the housing sector.
He argued that delays in obtaining titles, Certificates of Occupancy and development approvals ultimately add to the cost of housing because developers incur additional expenses while projects remain stalled.
Usman advocated comprehensive cadastral mapping and computerised land records that would allow prospective property owners to independently verify ownership and property boundaries before committing their money.
A transparent digital land information system, he said, could reduce fraudulent claims, improve confidence in the property market and make land transactions more secure.
High Construction Costs Also Threaten Affordability
The Enugu State Government also highlighted the rising cost of construction materials as another major barrier to affordable housing.
Ugwu said the cost of materials such as cement, steel and timber makes it increasingly difficult for developers to deliver homes at prices accessible to ordinary Nigerians.
He called for government incentives, subsidies and policies that encourage local production of construction materials as part of efforts to bring down building costs.
The stakeholders also stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in expanding housing supply, improving infrastructure and introducing more sustainable development models.
The Woodlands Estate therefore represents more than a single housing project. Its development highlights three interconnected challenges facing Nigeria’s housing market: secure land ownership, affordable construction and access to reliable housing finance.
For the sector to deliver housing at scale, stakeholders say reforms in these areas will be necessary alongside increased investment in physical development.
