Speaking at the 2nd International Conference and Fair on Land and Development in Lagos, themed “Sustainable Land Management for Inclusive Development in African Cities,” Dr. Chime noted that multiple attempts to amend the LUA have failed.

“Amendment of the Land Use Act is a tall order due to fears about its perceived use as a tool for land grabbing. Instead, operational issues at the 38 land administration entities and the legal infrastructure for resolving land disputes should be improved,” he stated.

He emphasized the importance of aligning land administration with financial sector services and legal frameworks, calling for greater private sector involvement. “The private sector, which drives over 85 percent of the economy, must play a significant role in these reforms,” Chime added.

Dr. Chime also criticized government reforms aimed at leveraging land as a taxation tool without addressing inefficiencies in private sector businesses, labeling such policies as “hyper-myopic.”

AHCN Executive Secretary Highlights Legislative Hurdles
Toye Eniola, Executive Secretary of the Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN), echoed similar sentiments. He highlighted the difficulty of amending the Land Use Act due to its provision vesting land ownership and control with state governors.

“For any amendment, approval must come from the National Assembly and all state Houses of Assembly. This poses a significant challenge as governors influence these legislative bodies and are reluctant to relinquish control of land, which is a major revenue source,” Eniola explained.

Real Estate Challenges Highlighted
Prof. Timothy Nubi, Director of the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, shed light on systemic issues within Africa’s real estate sector. He pointed out that despite rapid urbanization, Africa and Asia hold significantly lower real estate value compared to other regions.

“This disparity reflects untapped potential hindered by challenges such as weak land tenure systems and unresolved land ownership issues. In Nigeria, much of the real estate wealth is locked in ‘dead capital’—untitled and unproductive assets,” Prof. Nubi said.

He further noted that inefficiencies in administering the LUA and inadequate documentation have stalled economic growth and capital formation in Nigeria, calling for urgent reforms to unlock the potential of the country’s property markets.

The conference concluded with experts advocating for strategic collaborations to address land administration challenges and promote sustainable land management practices.

The post Experts Highlight Challenges of Amending Land Use Act at Lagos Land Development Conference appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The announcement was made by the Convener, Festus Adebayo, during an interview with journalists in Abuja. Adebayo emphasized the significance of the awards in spotlighting exceptional contributions to the housing and construction sector and encouraged professionals and organizations to participate.

“We’re thrilled to announce that nominations for the Africa Housing Awards 2024 are now open,” Adebayo stated. “This event celebrates innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the housing and construction industry. It’s an opportunity to honor those who are setting new standards and shaping the future of housing across Africa.”

The awards cover a wide range of categories designed to recognize outstanding achievements in the industry. From Affordable Housing Champion of the Year to Green Housing Developer of the Year, the categories highlight impactful initiatives in sustainable development, innovative financing, urban regeneration, and more. These categories aim to showcase the efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing the challenges of affordable housing and advancing the built environment.

Nominees and winners are celebrated for their ability to bring transformative change to the industry, with a focus on projects that demonstrate creativity, inclusivity, and economic viability. Some standout categories include the Urban Regeneration Award, recognizing efforts to revitalize urban spaces; the Public-Private Partnership Housing Project of the Year, honoring collaborations that deliver affordable housing solutions; and the Community Impact Housing Award, which highlights projects that have positively impacted local communities.

Adebayo reiterated the importance of public participation in the nomination process. “This is your chance to shine a light on the individuals and organizations that have made a difference. By nominating your favorites, you’re not just celebrating their work but also contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future for housing in Africa,” he said.

The awards are set to culminate in a grand Industry of the Year Dinner, where winners will be announced and celebrated. The event will provide a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and further collaboration among industry leaders.

To nominate, participants are encouraged to visit the official website at www.africahousingawards.com. Nominations will remain open until 30th November 2024, and the organizers urge stakeholders to act promptly to ensure deserving individuals and organizations receive due recognition.

The Africa Housing Awards continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the housing and construction industry, fostering innovation and inspiring progress across the continent.

It is proudly supported by the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), Housing TV Africa, Africa Housing News and the largest global stakeholders event on the continent, Africa International Housing Show, among others.

The post Honoring the Best in Housing and Construction: Africa Housing Awards 2024 Calls for Final Nominations appeared first on Housing TV Africa.