Kano demolishes illegal buildings in the Sharada area as part of a fresh crackdown on unapproved developments. The state government took action against structures built without proper permits on public land.

As a result, officials moved quickly to enforce planning laws and restore order. The demolition also sends a strong warning to developers across the state.

Government Enforces Urban Planning Laws

Officials carried out the exercise in Gwale Local Government Area. They discovered that several developers ignored approval procedures before building.

Therefore, the government intervened to stop further violations. Authorities stressed that all developments must follow legal guidelines.

Illegal Use of Public Land Raises Concern

The affected land belongs to a Federal Housing Authority estate. It was originally set aside for recreational purposes. However, some developers converted it into private projects.

This situation raises concerns in Kano’s real estate sector. Investors now face growing risks when they ignore proper land verification.

Developers Warned as Kano Targets Illegal Buildings

The Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Abduljabar Umar, warned developers to follow due process. He stated clearly that the government will not tolerate illegal construction.

In addition, he urged investors to obtain approval before starting any project. He also confirmed that violators will face prosecution.

Impact on Property Investment in Kano

This crackdown highlights stricter enforcement in Kano’s housing sector. As a result, developers must act more carefully when investing in land and property.

Moreover, proper documentation and approvals now play a key role in project success. Failure to comply could lead to demolition and financial loss.

Monitoring Illegal Buildings and Future Plans in Kano

Authorities have started monitoring the area to prevent further encroachment. At the same time, the government plans to restore the land for public use.

Officials also continue to review land records to ensure compliance. This step will help prevent future illegal developments.

Kano demolishes illegal buildings to enforce planning laws and protect public land. The move sends a clear message to developers to follow legal procedures.

Therefore, investors must secure proper approvals to avoid losses and legal trouble.

The post Kano Demolishes Illegal Buildings, Warns Developers appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Nigeria’s housing conversation usually begins and ends with a number  22 million units short  tossed around like it tells the whole story. But numbers can lie, or at least, distract.

On the ground, the picture is twisted: towering condos shimmer over Lagos while families cram into one-room units with shared bathrooms and broken walls. Abuja glows with luxury estates for politicians, while their security guards sleep in wooden shacks a few meters away.

The Illusion of Progress

The official solution is always the same: unleash the market, build endlessly, let private developers save the day. But what’s being built — and for whom tells a different story. Glittering towers meant for investors sit empty while the people who cook, clean, drive, and hustle in these cities can’t even afford rent. The middle class is pushed into punishing mortgage deals, while people with low incomes are locked out entirely. It’s not a housing shortage it’s a housing mismatch.

A System Built for Exclusion

This isn’t just bad planning. It’s deliberate. Urban land is treated like a casino chip, not a place for people to live. Renters make up the majority in Nigeria’s cities, yet policies favor luxury developers and absentee landlords. The result? A landscape where the wealthiest stockpile property while millions live one eviction away from the streets.

The Dream of Homeownership

The dream of homeownership has become a mirage for most. Teachers, nurses, artisans  they don’t need fancy condos or fake promises. They need homes close to work, within reach, with basic dignity. But as long as land is allocated for profit instead of purpose, these needs remain ignored. Even a million new estates in Lekki won’t make a dent unless affordability is addressed head-on.

Colonial Legacy and Land Control

This broken system didn’t start today. It’s built on colonial foundations designed to keep power in the hands of a few. During British rule, Nigerian cities were segregated by design — leafy quarters for Europeans, overcrowded edges for locals. That same urban divide lives on. Post-independence governments kept the structure but changed the names. The 1978 Land Use Act handed governors control of land, accelerating dispossession under the guise of development. Now, wealthy elites gobble up communal land to build estates, while people with low incomes are told to wait their turn.

The Strain of Uncontrolled Growth

Colonial infrastructure still sets the boundaries of suffering. Drainage systems collapse under flooding in neglected neighborhoods. Cities designed for thousands now choke with millions. Climate change pushes even more people into urban slums, especially in the north. Add to that ethnic tensions and outdated laws, and you have a housing crisis that is as much political as it is structural.

The Housing Crisis Today

Today, 87 million Nigerians live in what global indices call “inadequate housing.” But it’s more than inadequate — it’s inhumane. And it’s not by accident. It’s the legacy of exclusion dressed up as development.

The Market Cannot Solve the Problem

The private market, for all its promises, isn’t equipped to solve this. Developers follow profits, not people. They chase areas with government infrastructure and build for buyers with offshore accounts. Property is hoarded for appreciation, not habitation. Landlords prefer shortlets to long-term leases. Affordable housing? That’s low-return, high-risk — a non-starter in the current system.

Housing as a Human Right

The tragedy is that housing has been reduced to a spreadsheet line. But shelter is a human right, not a financial product. It’s what allows people to thrive, raise families, dream, and build. And when you take that away — or make it unreachable — you don’t just create a housing crisis. You kill opportunity.

Rethinking Housing Policy

It’s time to rethink. Real solutions start with policy that prioritizes people: rental protections, social housing, public investment in infrastructure where low-income earners actually live. Government must stop playing landlord for the rich and start acting as caretaker for the many.

Building Cities for All

The road ahead isn’t easy. But the choice is clear: keep building cities for the few, or start shaping cities where everyone has a place to belong. Because the true crisis isn’t in how much we’ve failed to build — it’s in how little we’ve chosen to care.

The post Nigeria’s Urban Mirage: Where the Roofs Are Many but Homes Are Few appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A total of 109 property developers have been added to a redlist by the Housing and Local Government Ministry. Their names will soon be made public to protect homebuyers from falling into costly traps.

The warning comes from Minister Nga Kor Ming, who said this move is part of a larger push to clean up the housing sector. The goal is to protect everyday Malaysians from non-compliant and unreliable developers who often go unchecked.

According to Minister Nga, these developers committed serious violations — far beyond minor slip-ups. Some failed to submit required audit reports and balance sheets, while others neglected to update project statuses.

The National Housing Department isn’t letting these issues slide.

In 2024 alone, 471 notices were issued to offending developers, resulting in fines amounting to RM9.03 million. And in just the first two months of 2025, another 56 penalties were issued, collecting RM1.25 million more.

But the redlist doesn’t stop at companies.

Individuals behind these operations  the directors themselves  have also been flagged. This means they won’t be allowed to simply start fresh under a new company name and keep doing business as usual. Their names will be added to the public redlist as well.

Nga clarified that developers already in the middle of existing projects will be allowed to finish those  but only those. No new permits will be approved unless they settle fines and meet every compliance requirement moving forward.

This enforcement sends a clear message: no more cutting corners, no more hiding behind loopholes.

Minister Nga emphasized that the government is firmly on the side of hardworking citizens  people saving every ringgit to invest in a safe and secure home. The message is simple: follow the rules or lose the privilege to build.

To help future buyers make smart choices, the ministry is launching a public listing on its official housing website, Buyers can use the site to check a developer’s status before signing anything or making payments.

Nga pointed out that many Malaysian developers uphold world-class standards. Some have even won global honors, such as the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Award.

Still, celebrating excellence isn’t enough if bad actors are allowed to operate unchecked.

The ministry’s message is clear: high-performing developers will be recognized and supported. But those who take advantage of the system — or of buyers — will be denied the chance to continue.

This new wave of accountability could be the turning point the housing market needs.

And with stronger enforcement in place, maybe the only thing rising faster than house prices will be trust.

The post Buyer Beware: 109 Shady Developers Exposed in Housing Crackdown appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Director-General of Kaduna Geographic Information Services (KADGIS), Dr. Bashir Ibrahim Garba, said that this improvement was part of the governor’s commitment to support the ease of doing business in the state.

Dr Garba stated that “Governor Uba Sani is one of the few governors  in Nigeria that have achieved this success. He is committed to creating a conducive business environment that encourages investment and economic growth in Kaduna state, provides jobs and improves Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)”

In a press statement issued on Saturday, KADGIS Director-General enumerated the process to be followed in order to obtain an accelerated C of O which attracts a higher fee.

‘’Upon acceptance of grant of Right of Occupancy perfection of deeds ( in the case of assignment) and payment of all  requisite  fees, a Certificate of Occupancy is generated in KADGIS.

‘’The draft certificate  undergoes   thorough quality check to ensure that all errors which were  commonly found on C of Os prior to May 29th, 2023,  are eliminated before it is printed and forwarded to  the Governor for execution,’’ he added.

According to Dr Garba, the governor will then promptly execute and return  the document to KADGIS within 24 hours for scanning, registration and recording at  the Deed Registry.

The Director-General added that the document will then be forwarded to Conveyance Unit of the Customer Service, which will contact the owner for collection.

He advised customers who have ‘’applied for C of Os but were unable to get them within the record 24 hours, to immediately contact KADGIS for further clarification and guidance.’’

According to him, long delays in the issuance of C of Os, may either be as a result of incomplete information or other related queries, adding that in most cases, KADGIS staff must have contacted this category of customers by phone without success.

He advised land owners to process and secure their C of Os because the documents ‘’will give them legitimacy and needed recognition as the legal owners of their property by government.’’

The post How Uba Sani simplified issuance of land title in Kaduna – Official appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

In a year fraught with upheaval, Nigeria’s real estate sector found itself at a crossroads, grappling with a cocktail of challenges that sent shockwaves through the nation.

From the bulldozers flattening homes and businesses to soaring inflation gutting the purchasing power of millions, 2024 painted a grim picture for the industry that once stood as a pillar of economic resilience. Developers, investors, and everyday Nigerians felt the pinch as the dream of affordable housing seemed to drift even further out of reach.

The crisis began with a wave of demolitions that swept across the country, leaving devastation in its wake. Urban planning enforcement and ambitious government projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway displaced countless families and businesses. In Lagos alone, entire communities were razed in Ojota, Lekki, and Alaba. Similar stories echoed across Anambra, Enugu, Kano, and other states, as bulldozers moved in, often with little warning. While some demolitions were justified to address illegal constructions, others seemed politically motivated, fueling resentment among those affected. Victims criticized not only the government’s heavy-handed approach but also its failure to prevent such structures from being erected in the first place.

Compounding the chaos was Nigeria’s unrelenting inflation, which surged to a staggering 33.88% by October 2024, its highest level in decades. The rising cost of living drained household budgets and sent prices for essential building materials through the roof. Cement, a cornerstone of construction, saw its price skyrocket from N5,000 to N13,000 per bag, despite promises from manufacturers to lower costs. Developers balked at proposed price caps of N7,000–N8,000 per bag, arguing that such measures were unsustainable and would only exacerbate the country’s 28-million-unit housing deficit. Critics called out cement giants like BUA for failing to deliver on earlier pledges to slash prices to N3,500, leaving many questioning whether these promises were ever realistic.

The ripple effects of these pressures were profound. Construction projects stalled as developers struggled to absorb ballooning costs. Property prices soared, placing home ownership out of reach for much of the population.

The housing deficit widened, leaving millions stranded without access to affordable options. Industry experts warned that if the crisis continued unchecked, the consequences would be dire, with rent hikes, abandoned projects, and a real estate market teetering on the brink of collapse.

Despite its significant contribution of N11 trillion to Nigeria’s GDP, the real estate sector’s growth remained sluggish throughout 2024, with quarterly rates lagging behind national averages. Reports highlighted a troubling mismatch between demand and supply, fueled by rapid urbanization and the absence of unified housing policies.

Regulatory bottlenecks, high-interest rates, and limited access to land added to the sector’s woes. Meanwhile, the push for affordable housing remained largely rhetorical, as policymakers failed to address the structural barriers preventing real progress.

The year also saw a grim continuation of Nigeria’s building collapse epidemic, with 627 reported incidents since 1974 claiming over 1,500 lives. Poor regulatory enforcement, substandard materials, and a lack of accountability were cited as key factors in these preventable tragedies. One of the most harrowing incidents occurred in Ibadan in late October, where 10 lives were lost in yet another catastrophic collapse.

Industry leaders and stakeholders called for urgent reforms to stabilize the sector and prevent further decline. Proposals ranged from incentivizing local developers with low-interest loans to reducing reliance on imported materials by promoting alternatives like bamboo and interlocking blocks. Experts also urged the government to prioritize budget allocations for housing, address land title delays, and implement policies that would make mortgages accessible to both formal and informal workers.

As the year drew to a close, the real estate sector stood at a precarious juncture. While the challenges of 2024 underscored the sector’s vulnerabilities, they also illuminated opportunities for transformative change. Whether Nigeria seizes these opportunities or lets them slip away will determine the trajectory of the housing market—and the lives of millions in the years to come.

The post Real Estate Faces Tough Times as Demolitions and Inflation Rock Sector in 2024 appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government has given developers along the Lagos shoreline a one-month ultimatum to regularize their projects or face revocation and demolition of their structures.

This directive was issued by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, during an inspection visit to the Lagos Lagoon Estates and surrounding shoreline developments on Thursday.

Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, and other top officials, Dangiwa emphasized the need for orderly and law-abiding developments on the Lagos shoreline.

The minister disclosed that after discussions with the Lagos State Governor, both governments reached a consensus to enforce discipline and ensure all shoreline developments adhere to existing laws and regulations.

“The Federal Government is taking inventory of its assets and properties nationwide to ensure proper documentation and management,” Dangiwa stated.

During a boat tour of the Lagos Lagoon shoreline, Dangiwa, alongside officials of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, observed widespread irregularities. He described the findings as alarming, citing instances where developers had sand-filled areas and built structures without obtaining federal government titles or the necessary documentation.

“The Lagos shoreline is littered with unauthorized developments. We are collaborating with the Lagos State Government to correct these anomalies,” he said.

Dangiwa also reminded developers that the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is responsible for issuing titles on shorelines under the Land (Title Vesting) Act 1975, while the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority grants permits for dredging. The Lagos State Government oversees physical planning on the shoreline.

“There is no room for haphazard developments on the Lagos Shoreline. The Federal Government will not tolerate these irregularities, which is why this ultimatum has been issued,” he added.

As part of his official visit, the minister also inspected other federal government projects in Lagos, including the Ogbogbo Housing Project in Ikorodu and the Ikorodu Low-Cost Housing sites.

The Federal Government’s action aims to ensure disciplined development, protect public assets, and uphold environmental and regulatory standards in Lagos State.

The post FG Sets One-Month Deadline for Developers to Regularize Lagos Shoreline Projects appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The governor issued the warning on Sunday in Ado Ekiti while inspecting areas affected by heavy flooding on Saturday. The inspection included a visit to the Osekita area of Ekiti State University (EKSU), where hostels were inundated by floodwaters. Governor Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, donated food palliatives to students who lost personal belongings in the incident.

Addressing the victims, the governor urged residents to avoid actions that could thwart the government’s flood control measures. He emphasized that indiscriminate dumping of refuse and illegal building on waterways are significant factors exacerbating flooding in the state.

Governor Oyebanji expressed sympathy for the flood victims, particularly the students, and stressed that many of the causes of flooding could be prevented if citizens refrained from obstructing drainage systems and waterways. He noted that the government had been proactive in addressing the issue by dredging rivers and channelizing flood-prone areas, such as the Elemi and Ureje rivers in Ado Ekiti.

“On behalf of Governor Oyebanji, I sympathize with you on this unfortunate incident. Despite the sad circumstances, we thank God no lives were lost. The government has made significant investments in flood control, and we will continue to assist victims of natural disasters like floods, rainstorms, and fires,” the governor said.

Governor Oyebanji further assured the public that the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) would assess the affected areas for proper documentation and assistance.

In response to the incident, EKSU Vice Chancellor Professor Babatola Ayodele promised that the university would take preventive measures to avoid future occurrences, including raising awareness among students about avoiding flood-prone accommodations. He lamented the loss of students’ valuables, including books and foodstuffs, and called for relief packages to ease their hardship.

One of the affected students, Adekunle Adeyemi, expressed gratitude for the governor’s visit and noted that the relief materials would greatly help them during this challenging time.

The post Ekiti Governor Warns Developers Against Building on Waterways Amid Flooding Concerns appeared first on Housing TV Africa.