The post World Bank, Federal Government Launch Empowerment Program for 1,500 Kano Youths in Vocational Skills appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened a nationwide strike following an alleged attack on its members by police at the Egbu 132/33 kV Transmission Substation in Imo State.

According to the union, police officers reportedly beat staff, held them at gunpoint, and forced them to operate circuit breakers. Workers’ phones, laptops, vehicles, and CCTV equipment were also said to have been damaged.

In response, NUEE has ordered its members in Imo State to suspend work until assurances are given for their safety.

The union has demanded the release of abducted workers, compensation for damaged property, medical care for the injured, and official guarantees of protection for electricity staff.

NUEE warned that failure to meet these demands could result in a nationwide electricity shutdown.

The Imo State Police Command, however, denied any abduction took place, describing the incident as a dispute between two electricity companies, EEDC and Orashi. Investigations are ongoing.

If the union proceeds with its strike, households and businesses across Nigeria could face significant power disruptions.

The post Electricity Workers Threaten Nationwide Strike After Imo Clash appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Tension escalated on Friday after a coalition of retired military officers demanded the removal of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, over his confrontation with a naval officer in Abuja.

The Coalition of Concerned Military Veterans — made up of retired generals and senior officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force — called on President Bola Tinubu to sack or redeploy the minister, warning that failure to act would force them to “mobilise and occupy” the FCT ministry.

The row stemmed from a dispute over the ownership of a plot of land reportedly being secured by armed personnel acting on the instructions of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).

Wike had accused the ex-CNS of taking over the land illegally, while a viral video showed the minister confronting a naval officer identified as Lieutenant Yerima.

At a press briefing in Kaduna, the veterans described Wike’s conduct as demeaning to the Armed Forces and disrespectful to the Commander-in-Chief.

A trustee of the coalition, Col. Yusuf Ibrahim (retd.), said the minister’s comments in the widely circulated video were “embarrassing” and “beneath the office he occupies.”

Ibrahim argued that the naval officer acted on lawful instructions and that publicly insulting him amounted to ridiculing state authority. He insisted that Wike must apologise to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the officer involved, and President Tinubu.

The veterans, however, praised the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs for what they described as a professional handling of the dispute.

Another speaker, Dr. Awwal Abdullahi, who introduced himself as a Deputy Veteran Commander, accused Wike of a pattern of hostility toward military personnel.

He warned that the coalition was ready to take to the streets if Tinubu does not act.

According to Abdullahi, removing Wike would not negatively affect the administration, insisting that “more capable hands” could serve as FCT minister.

He said the minister’s attitude risks undermining the President’s political goodwill and the military’s loyalty.

He stressed that whoever occupies the FCT portfolio must demonstrate maturity, discipline, and respect for national institutions.

The post Military Veterans Ask Tinubu To Sack Wike Over Clash With Naval Officer appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reappointment of Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for another five-year term.

The announcement was made on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Marwa, first appointed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, will now lead the NDLEA until 2031. Before his initial appointment, he chaired the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse from 2018 to 2020.

A former military governor of Lagos and Borno States, Marwa is an alumnus of the Nigerian Military School, the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), the University of Pittsburgh, and Harvard University. His military career includes roles as brigade major of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Aide-de-Camp to the Chief of Army Staff, and Defence Adviser at Nigeria’s Mission to the United Nations.

During his tenure, the NDLEA recorded major drug busts, including the arrest of over 73,000 drug traffickers and the seizure of more than 15 million kilogrammes of illicit substances.

The agency also intensified nationwide campaigns against drug abuse.

President Tinubu commended Marwa’s performance, describing his renewed term as a vote of confidence and urging him to sustain the agency’s momentum against drug trafficking and abuse.

The post Tinubu Reappoints Marwa as NDLEA Chairman for Another 5 Years appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State Government has flagged this as one of its most urgent challenges, warning that the pressure on accommodation is growing more intense by the day.

Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, speaking at a recent ministerial briefing, traced the issue to global patterns. He cited a United Nations forecast that predicts 68 percent of the world’s population will be living in urban areas by 2050. In Nigeria, and especially Lagos, that future is already here. The city’s population has exploded to over 23 million, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing urban centres in the world.

This surge has left the real estate sector struggling to keep up. Nigeria’s housing deficit now stands at over 22 million units, worsened by mass rural-to-urban migration and a lack of adequate infrastructure in many cities. In Lagos, the mismatch between demand and supply is particularly stark  formal housing cannot match the pace at which people are pouring in.

Luxury homes and commercial buildings are springing up, but affordable housing is lagging far behind. The commissioner pointed to soaring construction costs and sky-high mortgage rates of 20–25 percent as key barriers preventing many Nigerians from owning homes. The situation is especially grim for low-income earners, who now make up a growing share of Lagos’ population.

He noted that the city is also grappling with a limited land area of just 3,577 square kilometres, with a third of that covered by water. With an annual population growth rate of 3.34 percent, Lagos is running out of space and options.

Despite the grim outlook, the government says it is not backing down. Under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ policy direction, a multi-pronged strategy has been launched to tackle the problem. Initiatives include budget allocations for housing projects aimed at low-income groups and ongoing efforts to improve access to affordable housing finance.

But Akinderu-Fatai admitted that solving the crisis will take more than government efforts alone. With economic shocks pushing building costs even higher and global inflation affecting the price of materials, the need for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors is now critical.

As Lagos continues to swell, the question remains: can the city build fast enough and affordably enough  to house its future?

The post Lagos Bursting at the Seams as Housing Demand Outpaces Supply appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Speaking during the 55th annual gathering of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) in Abuja, the group’s president, Victor Alonge, emphasized the urgent need to revisit the Land Use Act—originally enacted in 1978. According to him, the decades-old legislation has become a barrier to equitable land access and real estate progress.

“Land acquisition remains a steep challenge for ordinary Nigerians,” Alonge remarked. “We need a modern, inclusive system that doesn’t cater primarily to high-end developers.”

Beyond land reform, Alonge pointed to persistent inefficiencies in the country’s housing strategies. He called for a revamp of the National Housing Policy, criticizing its lack of coherence and inadequate stakeholder involvement.

He argued that the existing policy often blurs the lines between affordable and social housing, resulting in initiatives that fail to serve low-income populations. “We routinely label homes as affordable, yet they’re priced far beyond the reach of everyday workers,” he said.

Highlighting global practices, Alonge cited examples where essential service providers such as nurses and teachers are given access to centrally located housing, allowing them to live within the communities they serve. He stressed that Nigeria needs a comparable approach to social housing that goes beyond mere rhetoric.

Alonge also proposed fiscal deterrents to combat property hoarding, suggesting that idle real estate should be subject to higher taxation. “When owners face steep levies on unused homes, they’re more likely to make those properties available,” he noted, drawing on policies implemented in more developed housing markets.

The NIESV leader concluded by urging policymakers to involve industry experts in shaping future regulations, warning that without strategic and inclusive planning, the housing deficit in Nigeria could deepen.

The post NIESV Calls for Overhaul of Nigeria’s land and housing Framework. appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This resurgence has pushed the market’s overall value to £379 billion, marking a 6.3% growth compared to the previous year.

Despite remaining below the pandemic peak of £521 billion, the current figures are still £36 billion higher than pre-pandemic levels. This reinforces the sector’s resilience and ongoing recovery.

Mortgage Stability Drives Market Confidence

Industry analysts credit this rebound to improved stability in the mortgage market. A growing number of buyers are regaining confidence. Lucian Cook, head of residential research at Savills, highlighted that as mortgage rates stabilize and interest rate cuts are expected, buyer demand will likely increase.

Regional Housing Market Growth

Regional trends have varied across the UK. Northern Ireland saw the highest percentage increase in spending at 13.4%, but it still makes up only 1.4% of the total market, valued at £5.1 billion.

The South East overtook London for the first time in two years, with its market size reaching £74.5 billion. London, on the other hand, grew by just 2.3%, bringing its market value to £72.8 billion.

Other regions also saw growth:

• Scotland recorded a 9.8% increase
• The South East climbed by 9.6%
• The North West expanded by 7.1%
• The North East had minimal growth at just 0.2%

Future Outlook for the UK Housing Market

Experts predict that falling interest rates and improving economic stability will further boost the market. In 2024, over 1.1 million property transactions took place, with the average home selling for £343,822.

With strong demand and better affordability on the horizon, industry leaders remain optimistic that the housing market will continue its upward trajectory into 2025.

The post UK Housing Market Booms with Billions in Growth, Signaling Strong Recovery appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Nigeria’s rental housing market serves as both a reflection and reinforcement of the country’s systemic inequities. Young professionals, particularly those in non-traditional career paths, navigate a labyrinth of biases rooted in age, ethnicity, class, and profession when seeking accommodation.

Landlords, gatekeepers of this fraught system, often justify exclusionary practices under the guise of selecting “responsible tenants.” Yet their criteria rarely align with merit or financial reliability. Instead, they perpetuate cycles of discrimination that stifle innovation, deepen social divides, and entrench Nigeria’s culture of impunity.

While the country’s tech and creative industries thrive, generating global recognition and economic opportunities, landlords remain wedded to outdated notions of “respectable” work. Careers in artificial intelligence, content creation, or digital entrepreneurship are frequently dismissed as unstable or illegitimate. A 25-year-old software developer might earn triple the income of a 40-year-old civil servant, yet landlords disproportionately distrust the former.

This bias is exacerbated by Nigeria’s economic volatility. Demands for one to two years’ rent in advance—a practice born of inflation fears and currency instability—disproportionately exclude younger tenants whose income streams, though substantial, may come irregularly. Meanwhile, older tenants in government roles are deemed “stable,” despite systemic issues like salary delays or pension defaults.

Landlords compound this distrust with invasive scrutiny. Young applicants report being interrogated about marital status and family backgrounds or pressured to provide guarantors from “recognised” professions. Unmarried women face additional moral policing, with assumptions that solo living invites impropriety. Such practices weaponise tradition against progress, framing youth as a liability rather than an asset.

Housing discrimination in Nigeria is inextricably tied to ethnicity, though rarely acknowledged openly. In cosmopolitan hubs like Lagos or Abuja, landlords often prioritise tenants from their own ethnic group, invoking coded language like “we prefer someone familiar with our culture.” A Hausa landlord in Enugu might reject an Igbo applicant over unspoken stereotypes, while a Yoruba professional in Kano faces similar exclusion.

This prejudice thrives on Nigeria’s unresolved tensions around indigeneity and belonging. Non-indigenes residents born or raised outside their ethnic homeland—are particularly vulnerable, lacking the communal ties that might ease negotiations. Even financially viable tenants are denied housing based on perceived “otherness,” reinforcing social fragmentation. For a nation grappling with national unity, the rental market becomes a battleground for identity politics.

Nigeria’s rental market reveals a perverse hierarchy of criminality. A landlord might reject a freelance graphic designer over unfounded fraud suspicions while readily renting to a politician under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This double standard underscores society’s normalisation of elite corruption.

Upper-class malfeasance—embezzlement, contract inflation, money laundering—is framed as “smartness” or political strategy. In contrast, middle-class Nigerians face harsh moral judgment for minor infractions. The disparity stems from visibility elites operate in gated estates, private jets, and opaque systems, while the struggles of everyday citizens unfold in public view. A governor’s stolen billions are abstract, but a market trader’s petty fraud is tangible. Landlords, often middle-class themselves, project their anxieties onto tenants they perceive as peers, conflating financial precarity with dishonesty.

Nigeria’s housing crisis cannot be divorced from broader institutional failures. The absence of rent-control laws, social housing programs, or credit systems forces landlords to shoulder all financial risks. With no safeguards against defaults, survivalism dictates their actions—hence demands for exorbitant advance payments and restrictive tenant criteria.

Youth unemployment, officially over 40%, exacerbates the problem. Young Nigerians cobble together income through side hustles, gig work, or tech startups, but landlords often dismiss these efforts as unserious. A Gen Z entrepreneur running a profitable TikTok affiliate marketing business, for instance, may struggle to prove credibility compared to a mid-level bank employee with a fixed but lower salary.

Ethnic and class biases thrive in this vacuum. Without standardised screening frameworks, landlords default to stereotypes, conflating ethnicity with reliability or equating age with responsibility. The state’s failure to provide affordable housing or regulate the rental market entrenches these inequities.

Accommodation is more than shelter—it is dignity, security, and a foundation for growth. By transforming the rental market from a gatekeeper of exclusion to an engine of equity, Nigeria can unlock the potential of its younger generations. Until then, the promise of innovation will remain stifled at the doorstep.

This crisis stems from political decisions, not market forces. Public housing initiatives languish as speculators hoard properties, awaiting price increases. We’ve built a system rewarding empty homes over housed families.

Other nations demonstrate alternative possibilities. Germany’s 2015 rental reforms limited price increases and eliminated most tenant-paid agent fees, reducing Berlin’s tenant turnover by 26%. Singapore houses 80% of its population in high-quality public housing, linking prices to income rather than speculation. China has dramatically reduced housing agent fees through public digital platforms connecting tenants directly with landlords.

Nigeria needs similar bold action. Rents must align with local incomes. In Abuja, where average formal sector pay reaches ₦350,000 monthly, maximum rents of ₦1M would ensure both fair returns for landlords and dignity for tenants.

A free, government-run digital platform listing available homes would bypass predatory agents. Combined with empowered state rent boards staffed by economists and tenant advocates, this system would bring transparency to an opaque market.

Critics might argue such reforms would discourage development. Evidence proves otherwise. Singapore’s public housing system coexists with a thriving luxury market serving expatriates and investors.

The challenge isn’t economic but political. Powerful interests profiting from the current system will resist change. Yet the cost of maintaining the status quo—measured in emigrating professionals, families crowded into slums, and cities fractured by inequality—far outweighs the discomfort of reform.

Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew understood that nations prove their greatness through their treatment of their most vulnerable citizens. By this measure, Nigeria’s housing system represents a national failure. We can and must do better. Houses exist for living, not speculation. Our policies must reflect this fundamental truth.

The path forward requires neither market chaos nor absolute state control, but rather a housing system serving human needs instead of pure profit. Other nations have achieved this balance. Nigeria’s future depends on our ability to do the same.

The post Nigeria’s rental housing market and the urgent need for reform appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This appointment was confirmed through a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and shared with journalists in Abuja on Monday.

Prior to this role, Audu, a seasoned entrepreneur and technology expert, served as the President’s technical adviser on Foreign Direct Investment. She now steps into the position previously held by Jumoke Oduwole, who has been reassigned as the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment following a cabinet reshuffle.

The memo highlighted that this appointment reflects Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s economy by entrusting visionary leaders with key roles to enhance the country’s business climate.

With Princess Zahrah’s wealth of experience, her leadership is expected to bring transformative changes, furthering the council’s mandate to create an enabling environment for business growth in Nigeria.

The post Zahrah Audu Takes Charge as PEBEC DG in a Strategic Move by Tinubu appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

• Africa’s real estate market is booming in 2025, offering diverse opportunities. This article covers the top 10 countries where investors can see the highest returns, including rental market insights.

• Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria offer investors valuable rental markets and development potential. Discover the unique real estate opportunities in each of the top 10 countries.
• As Africa’s real estate market continues to grow, the top 10 countries listed provide an attractive mix of residential and commercial property investments, with lucrative rental markets to explore.

Deep Dive!!

Did you know that Africa’s real estate market is projected to grow by over 10% annually, fueled by a surging urban population, infrastructure developments, and rising global investor interest? If you’re not investing in African real estate in 2025, you could be missing out on one of the most lucrative opportunities of the decade. With cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg leading the charge in modern urban development, the continent is fast becoming a goldmine for property investments—whether in luxury housing, commercial hubs, or fast-growing rental markets. Ready to discover the top 10 countries revolutionizing real estate on the continent? Let’s explore the data and opportunities that could shape your next big investment.

10. Ghana

Ghana’s real estate market has been on a steady rise, driven by its stable economy and growing demand for both residential and commercial properties. In cities like Accra, the demand for housing continues to outpace supply, making rental properties especially profitable. Whether you are looking for modern apartments in the city center or more affordable options on the outskirts, Ghana offers a range of opportunities for both local and international investors. The rental market, especially in urban areas, remains strong, with professionals, students, and expatriates seeking quality homes.

9. Uganda

Uganda is emerging as one of East Africa’s fastest-growing real estate markets. Kampala, the capital, has seen increased demand for both residential and commercial properties. The country’s young, growing population contributes to the need for affordable housing, and there is also a rise in demand for office and retail spaces. Investors are finding strong returns in rental markets, particularly for properties targeting middle-income families and expatriates. Uganda’s real estate sector benefits from favorable tax policies and government incentives for developers, making it an attractive market to consider in 2024.

8. Rwanda

Rwanda’s real estate sector is growing rapidly, with Kigali leading the way as a top destination for property investors. The country’s growing economy and urbanization are driving demand for both residential and commercial properties. In Kigali, modern apartments and houses are highly sought after, and the rental market is strong, especially among expatriates and professionals. The government’s commitment to infrastructure development and creating a business-friendly environment makes Rwanda an attractive place for long-term real estate investments. The country’s political stability and low corruption rates further solidify its appeal as an investment destination.

7. Tanzania

Tanzania’s real estate market is booming, especially in Dar es Salaam, which is becoming one of East Africa’s most sought-after cities for property investment. The country’s growing population and expanding infrastructure are key drivers behind the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Tanzania’s rental market is thriving, particularly in areas close to business districts and educational institutions. The government is also investing heavily in infrastructure projects, making Tanzania a prime market for long-term real estate investment. The growth of the tourism and transport sectors further enhances the demand for properties.

6.Nigeria

Despite its challenges, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic real estate markets. Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt continue to lead in real estate development, with high demand for both residential and commercial properties. In Lagos, areas like Victoria Island and Lekki offer prime locations for high-end rental properties. The rental market here offers excellent returns, especially in the luxury apartment and office space segments. While Nigeria has its risks, the sheer size and growth potential of the market make it a top choice for investors.

Morocco is a well-established market in North Africa, with cities like Casablanca, Marrakesh, and Rabat seeing continued real estate development. The country has a strong tourism sector, contributing to the demand for short-term rental properties, particularly in popular areas. Long-term rentals are also lucrative, with expatriates and locals seeking modern housing in urban centers. Investors can find opportunities in both residential properties and commercial spaces, especially in Casablanca, Morocco’s economic heart. The country’s political stability, combined with its growing infrastructure, makes it an attractive market for real estate investments.

4.Kenya

Kenya, particularly Nairobi, is a thriving hub for real estate investment in East Africa. The city is experiencing rapid growth, with increased demand for both residential and commercial properties. Areas like Westlands and Kilimani are known for their high rental yields, as professionals, expatriates, and students flock to the city. The comme

rcial real estate market is equally promising, with new office buildings and retail spaces catering to Kenya’s growing business sector. Nairobi’s modern infrastructure and growing middle class create a solid foundation for real estate growth, making it a prime investment destination in 2025.

3.Egypt

Egypt offers significant investment opportunities in both residential and commercial real estate, driven by its expanding economy and strategic location. Cairo is a focal point, with demand for housing on the rise due to population growth and an expanding middle class. Egypt’s rental market is thriving, particularly in areas with high foreign interest and tourism, such as Zamalek and Maadi. Investors can also tap into Egypt’s growing demand for commercial properties, as businesses seek office spaces in the country’s economic hubs. The government’s push for new developments along the Nile River further enhances the country’s investment prospects.

 

2. Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s real estate market is growing at an unprecedented pace, making it the top destination for real estate investment in Africa in 2024. Addis Ababa, the country’s capital, has seen major development in residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties. The demand for housing is increasing, fueled by a young and growing population, as well as a rise in expatriates and diplomats. Ethiopia’s rental market is also booming, with returns from both residential and commercial properties proving highly lucrative for investors. The country’s continued economic growth, government reforms, and urban expansion make it a goldmine for real estate investors looking to enter the African market.

1. South Africa

South Africa continues to be one of the most developed real estate markets on the continent. Cities like Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Durban remain major hubs for real estate investment, with a variety of opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial properties. South Africa’s rental market offers strong returns, especially in areas with high demand from tourists, expatriates, and business professionals. Investors can expect to see long-term growth, particularly in areas with improving infrastructure and growing urban populations. South Africa’s stable economy, despite some challenges, makes it an attractive market for investors in 2024.

The post Top 10 African Countries for Real Estate Investment in 2025 appeared first on Housing TV Africa.