A new audit by Oikus, a property data analytics firm, has uncovered over 59,000 duplicate listings across Nigeria’s real estate platforms, exposing serious data integrity flaws in the nation’s housing market.

According to the report, out of 100,000 property listings reviewed, nearly 60 per cent (59,119) were duplicates — mostly caused by agents reposting the same properties on multiple platforms or repeatedly relisting them to maintain visibility.

The audit, which applied a duplicate detection model focused on image similarity and metadata alignment, also found that over 9,000 listings lacked agent identification, making verification and user follow-up almost impossible.

The report further revealed several irregularities, including extreme price outliers and listings with unrealistic features such as 20-bedroom houses or inflated prices of up to ₦1 billion, suggesting either errors or deliberate manipulation to attract buyers’ attention.

“These findings underscore the urgent need for data verification and agent accountability in Africa’s property listing ecosystem,” Oikus said, stressing that unregulated listings distort market insights and weaken user trust.

The firm added that the study was part of its broader effort to improve transparency and credibility within Africa’s digital property market through AI-driven verification systems.

Experts have long raised concerns over the lack of reliable real estate data in Nigeria. The African Real Estate Society recently warned that fragmented and inaccurate property data continues to hinder housing finance, investor confidence, and sustainable development in the sector.

The President of the International Real Estate Society, Omokolade Akinsomi, said the country’s long-standing housing deficit — estimated between 17 and 28 million units — remains uncertain largely because of unreliable data.

He noted that without accurate housing information, it becomes difficult to design effective housing policies, provide financing, or attract investors.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Purple Real Estate Income Plc, Olaide Agboola, emphasised that improved access to accurate data could boost investment, unlock homeownership opportunities, and enhance collaboration between government and private developers.

Nigeria’s housing deficit has worsened over the decades — from seven million units in 1991 to about 28 million in 2022 — a figure experts say could be reduced only through reliable data-driven reforms in the real estate sector.

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The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi has on behalf of the Honourable Minister, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, and Minister of State, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, officially inaugurated the National Housing Data Technical Committee.

The permanent secretary who chaired the inauguration that took place virtually, said the committee tasked with improving housing data management across Nigeria, aims to establish a comprehensive National Housing Data Center. He called on all members to collaborate effectively, setting a new standard for housing data development in Nigeria.

READ ALSO:HDAN Highlights Seven Landmark Achievements of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development under Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa

Dr. Ogunbiyi expressed his commitment in leading the initiative, noting that the formation of the technical committee marks a significant milestone in the nation’s housing data management efforts. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the committee’s mission, reminding members that the responsibility for success lies with the entire team.

During the inauguration, Dr. Ogunbiyi stated, “The task ahead is not for just one or two people; it is a collective effort. We have 12 months to achieve our goals, and I am confident in the capabilities of this esteemed group of professionals.” He also highlighted the importance of curating accurate housing data to shape effective policies and programs, stressing that housing is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development.

The committee is expected to work together to develop an efficient roadmap for housing data development and management. Dr. Ogunbiyi encouraged collaboration and innovation, acknowledging that while the task at hand is challenging, perseverance and adaptability will be key to overcoming obstacles.

READ ALSO: Federal Ministry of Housing begins collaboration with NPC in providing credible Housing Data

The inauguration concluded with remarks from representatives of the committee, including the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), which will head the technical working group.

The NMRC, along with other committee members, reiterated their commitment to delivering comprehensive housing data that will drive national housing policies and programs.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ogunbiyi called on well meaning agencies and international organizations to support the initiative with funding to boost the progress of the project.

The 20-member technical committee, drawn from various organizations include representatives from the National Population Commission, National Bureau of Statistics, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Federal Housing Authority, Family Homes Funds Limited, Mortgage Bankers Association of Nigeria, Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), Real Estate Developers’ Association of Nigeria, and Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria.

The technical group is a subcommittee under a 13- member Steering Committee on the National Housing Data Centre in Nigeria which was inaugurated by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024.

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The Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company has restated its commitment to providing interim housing data to aid decision-making, aimed at addressing the country’s housing deficit.

The Chief Executive Officer of NMRC, Kehinde Ogundimu, stated this during the inauguration of a new joint steering committee on housing data in Abuja recently.

To ensure the continuity of data provision, Ogundimu suggested that NMRC could offer interim solutions while the National Data Centre was being established.

“If there are any interim measures that are needed, maybe a temporary data portal or something, NMRC can provide that while we are providing one that will be substantive and robust for the entire nation,” Ogundimu stated.

READ ALSO: NMRC to Address Council of State on Housing on the Need for all States to Pass MMFL

He highlighted the critical need for comprehensive and reliable housing data, saying, “We need to explore, gather all the details from where we can gather them, put them in the database, and then begin to refine them by the analysis that we make of such data.”

Ogundimu expressed optimism about the new system and portal introduced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, which aim to streamline data collection and analysis.

“I am so happy that the ministers are providing all the information they have been able to glean from this new system, the portal that they have. It will help in decision-making, both in policy decisions and in financial decisions, project planning, and so many other things,” he added.

He argued that without proper planning, efforts to drive progress could be futile, leading to ineffective and unsustainable projects.

Atebije acknowledged the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to improve various sectors, including housing, transportation, and healthcare.

However, he pointed out that public dissatisfaction with governance, particularly in light of recent nationwide protests, underscored the need for more comprehensive and inclusive development strategies.

READ ALSO: Best of AIHS Awards and Honours: Leading Exhibitors, Partners Win, Celebrate at the end of the show Dinner

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……Dangiwa Launches National Housing Data Committee

…….. Minister Calls for Urgent Overhaul of Housing Data

In a significant stride toward addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has inaugurated the Joint Steering Committee on the National Housing Data Centre.

Speaking at the event in Abuja on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the Minister emphasized the critical need for reliable housing data, highlighting its importance as the foundation for effective policy-making and economic growth.

READ ALSO: NAHB Criticizes VP Harris’s Housing Proposal for Failing to Address Regulatory Burdens

“Ensuring access to decent and affordable housing is not only a social and moral responsibility of the government; it is also a catalyst for economic development, job creation, and poverty alleviation,” the Minister declared, underscoring the far-reaching impact of a robust housing sector on national stability and prosperity.

The Minister pointed out the current lack of credible, scientific, and verifiable data as a significant impediment to progress in the housing sector. “Without data, we cannot know the magnitude of the problem we are facing… we would be flying blind. This is not sustainable,” the Minister warned, stressing the urgency of establishing a comprehensive housing data framework.

The newly formed Joint Steering Committee comprises key stakeholders from both public and private sectors, including the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, National Population Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Mortage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Nigeria Mortage Refinance Company (NMRC) Family Homes Fund (FHF), Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), Association of Housing Cooperation of Nigeria (AHCN) Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) among others.

READ ALSO: Ogun State Housing Corporation Issues Seven-Day Quit Notice to Illegal Occupants

Their mandate includes developing a blueprint for the National Housing Data Centre, which is set to revolutionize how housing data is gathered, managed, and utilized across the country.

The Minister expressed optimism that the committee’s work would pave the way for a more transparent and efficient housing market in Nigeria, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The timeline for the committee’s deliverables is set for six months, with specific milestones to be achieved within two to four months.

“I urge all the members to take this national assignment seriously… Let us work towards meeting them and charting a new and credible path forward for housing data acquisition, management, and usage,” the Minister urged, signaling a clear commitment to transformative change in the sector.

The inauguration marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s housing policy, setting the stage for improved access to affordable housing and a stronger economy driven by informed decision-making.

The post “Without Data, We Would Be Flying Blind”-Housing Minister appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

By Esther Alexander

The Honorable Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has assured his unwavering support towards achieving credible housing data in Nigeria.

The collaboration was reiterated when the minister received a delegation of the National Population Commission (NPC) led by the Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra in Abuja.

According to Dangiwa, Nigeria has struggled with conflicting and unverified figures regarding its housing deficit, with estimates ranging from 17 million to 28 million. “These discrepancies have not only been a source of embarrassment but also an obstacle to effective policymaking and strategic planning”.

Dangiwa emphasized the need for accurate, credible, verifiable, and scientifically sound data on the housing deficit and the living conditions of homes across Nigeria. Such data, he said, is essential to develop effective strategies to tackle the housing shortage and ensure that every Nigerian has access to safe and affordable housing.

“The collaboration with the National Population Commission will involve the design and implementation of survey instruments tailored to address housing-related questions. By working together, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the NPC aim to establish accurate and credible data on the housing deficit, providing a solid foundation for housing policy design and planning”.

He also added that the collaboration with the National Population Commission, particularly in the context of the upcoming national census, represents a pivotal step in achieving a successful housing data.

“The census provides a unique opportunity to gather precise and comprehensive data on the housing needs of Nigeria’s population”.

“The initiative goes beyond mere numbers; it is about improving the quality of life for Nigerians”.

While speaking, the Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra also assured that the commission is working tirelessly with the National Assembly to ensure that the upcoming census is conducted following the United Nations recommendation.

He added that the commission is ready to work with relevant agencies in achieving a successful population and housing census.

Read Also: National Housing Fund: Banks, insurers’ keeps owing… as HDAN threaten to sue CBN

Source: AfricaHousingNews

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