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.

The post Enugu Reclaims Wuye Property After Land-Grabbing Dispute appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

South Africa’s housing and real estate sector is set for a major sustainability boost following a $200 million financing agreement between Investec Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The funding is aimed at accelerating the development of green buildings, including environmentally sustainable housing projects, across the country.

The investment will be deployed through Investec’s Sustainable Solutions platform, targeting both residential and commercial real estate developments that meet globally recognised green building standards. 

Driving Sustainable Housing Development

According to details of the agreement, the $200 million facility will support projects designed to reduce energy consumption, water usage, and the carbon footprint of construction materials.

The initiative aligns with growing demand for climate-resilient housing in South Africa, where rising utility costs and infrastructure pressure are pushing developers toward more efficient building solutions. 

By focusing on certified green developments, the partnership aims to promote buildings that are not only environmentally responsible but also more cost-efficient to operate over time.

Closing the Green Finance Gap

Stakeholders say the deal addresses a critical financing gap in sustainable construction across Africa.

The funding will enable developers and investors to access capital for projects that comply with international environmental and social standards, including frameworks such as EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies).

Industry experts note that limited access to affordable financing has long slowed the adoption of green building practices in emerging markets.

This partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities by lowering financing barriers and incentivising developers to adopt sustainable construction methods.

Incentives for Developers and Homebuyers

As part of the initiative, Investec plans to introduce innovative financial products, including green mortgages, to support homebuyers purchasing certified sustainable housing units.

These incentives are designed to create a full ecosystem—from developers constructing green buildings to buyers accessing financing for energy-efficient homes.

Additionally, performance-based incentives linked to the programme will reward developers who meet sustainability benchmarks, further encouraging compliance with green standards. 

Economic and Environmental Impact

The partnership is expected to deliver multiple benefits across the property value chain:

• Reduced energy and water consumption in buildings
• Lower operating costs for homeowners and businesses
• Increased investment in sustainable real estate
• Job creation within the construction and housing sectors

Experts also highlight the broader role of green buildings in supporting South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

With urban populations growing and infrastructure systems under strain, sustainable housing is increasingly seen as a strategic solution to balance development with environmental responsibility.

Addressing Infrastructure Challenges

South Africa continues to face significant challenges in maintaining and expanding energy and water infrastructure.

Officials say green construction offers a practical pathway to reduce pressure on public utilities while improving long-term resilience in the housing sector.

By promoting resource-efficient buildings, the initiative is expected to contribute to improved service delivery and reduced environmental impact.

The post Investec, IFC Secure $200m Deal to Boost Green Housing in South Africa appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A.G Mortgage Bank Plc is set to mark its 20th anniversary in grand style, pledging to expand its services, launch new products through a well organized exhibition, and deepen its commitment to affordable housing across Nigeria.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Housing TV correspondent, the bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Ngozi Anyogu, reflected on the institution’s humble beginnings and its significant contributions to home ownership.

“Twenty years ago, we were invited to look at the need of some of the pastors of the Assembly of God church who were retiring without the benefit of owning homes,” Anyogu said.

“We observed that this was not just a problem for pastors but for many Nigerians. We felt the best way to help was to set up an organization that supports home ownership for these less privileged people. That happened in 2005.”

According to Mr Anyogu, since then, AG Mortgage Bank has created over 3,517 mortgages and currently services more than 215 customers nationwide. It now operates with a national license and maintains five branches across the country. Beyond housing, the bank has embraced an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework to support women and youth empowerment.

“The ESG structure has enabled us to reach out to women, where we have a target of 500,000 women within the next year, and so far we have reached 25,000 of them,” Anyogu stated. “We are also training youths in modern technology as part of giving back to society.”

The Managing Director further explained that the bank has grown from N200 million in capital to a N23 billion business, with savings portfolios exceeding N20 billion. It was the first institution to access MREIF and remains one of the highest drawers under the Federal Mortgage Bank National Housing Fund.

Reflecting on challenges, Anyogu said: “When we started, we had over 210 competitors. Today, we are just about 30. We survived industry shakeouts and increased our capital from N200 million to N5 billion. That’s why we have to celebrate.”

The bank will commemorate the milestone with an anniversary celebration and product exhibition on September 26, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel where over 120 key stakeholders, developers, and industry leaders are expected to grace the event

“We are unveiling well over 12 products that day,” Anyogu revealed. “We will also be the first bank to support Green Housing, and we aim to create 300,000 mortgages by 2030, grow our customer base to one million, and raise our capital to N20 billion.”

Anyogu added that the bank is investing heavily in information technology to digitize operations and tap into diaspora remittances for housing development.

“Our hope is to continue to provide quality services to Nigerians and take the leadership position in the sub-sector,” he said.

The post A.G Mortgage Bank Celebrates 20 Years Of Impactful Growth, Sets to Launch New Products and Green Housing Plan appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The grant, awarded under the Gender-Responsive Climate Finance (GRCF) Window and funded by Global Affairs Canada, is set to support the design of the Eco Equity Investment Company (EEIC), a dual blended finance vehicle aimed at transforming Nigeria’s housing sector through gender-inclusive, sustainable development.

The EEIC will specifically target women-led or women-supportive enterprises across the green construction value chain, making access to affordable, eco-friendly housing a reality for thousands of women.

Alitheia’s plan includes training at least 300 women entrepreneurs in sustainable building practices, delivering approximately 2,000 passive homes to low-income communities, and ensuring long-term home ownership remains with women.

The vehicle also aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 500,000 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent over its lifecycle.

The initiative is part of Convergence’s final cohort under the GRCF Window, announced during a high-level event at the Embassy of Canada to the United States on the sidelines of DC Climate Week.

Alitheia’s inclusion highlights the rising global recognition of the urgent need for gender-equitable climate action, especially in emerging markets like Nigeria.

Beyond offering affordable housing, the initiative is expected to boost financial inclusion, empower women in the construction sector, and stimulate economic growth by creating an investable pipeline of sustainable businesses led or supported by women.

The feasibility study will cover key areas including finalizing vehicle structuring, financial modelling, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, market research, and the development of an incubator pipeline for fundable projects.

This bold step by Alitheia signals a new era where gender equity, climate resilience, and housing security intersect, delivering lasting social impact while unlocking commercial capital for sustainable growth across Africa.

The GRCF Window, since its inception, has supported 11 pioneering solutions with $2.9 million in capital and has catalyzed over $362 million in additional public and private investments.

The Coordinator of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), Festus Adebayo, has reacted to the development, describing it as a welcome milestone for women in the built environment industry.

He congratulated Alitheia on its achievement and noted that at the 19th edition of AIHS, scheduled to hold from July 27 to August 1, 2025, the Managing Director/Co-Founder of Alitheia, Mrs. Jumoke Akinwunmi, who also serves as a Board Member of the largest housing event in Africa, will lead the Women in Real Estate and Construction Day programme at the event.

Although this marks the final round of funding under the GRCF Window, Convergence will continue to provide hands-on support to help grantees, like Alitheia, bring their visionary concepts to life.

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