The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) to strengthen enforcement against fraudulent estate agents. The anti-graft agency also advised the regulator to create a denylist for individuals and companies found guilty of real estate fraud.

The recommendation came during a meeting between the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate II, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, and the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Engineer Abdulhafis Gbolahan Toriola. Senior officials from LASRERA also attended the meeting.

Kaltungo said stronger regulation would help protect homebuyers, investors and property developers. He also called for regular information sharing between both agencies to improve investigations and enforcement.

EFCC Offers Investigative Support

The EFCC said it will continue to support LASRERA with investigations into fraudulent property transactions. Kaltungo explained that closer cooperation would help identify offenders faster and ensure they face prosecution under the law.

He also praised LASRERA for implementing the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority Law 2022. According to him, the law has created a stronger foundation for regulating the real estate industry in Lagos.

The commission disclosed that it is handling several cases involving alleged fake estate agents and property-related fraud. These cases involve individuals and organisations accused of misleading members of the public through illegal real estate transactions.

Lagos Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency

Engineer Abdulhafis Gbolahan Toriola said the Lagos State Government remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability and professionalism in the property market.

He noted that stronger collaboration with the EFCC would improve compliance with existing regulations. He added that the partnership would also increase public confidence in buying, selling and investing in property across the state.

Both organisations agreed to deepen their cooperation as part of efforts to reduce criminal activities within the real estate sector.

Why Stronger Regulation Matters

Property fraud remains a major challenge in Nigeria’s housing sector. Many buyers lose money through fake land sales, forged documents, multiple sales of the same property and unregistered estate operators.

These practices weaken investor confidence and slow the growth of the housing market. They also create risks for mortgage lenders, developers and genuine estate professionals.

Industry experts have consistently argued that stronger regulation can improve transparency and attract more investment into Nigeria’s real estate sector. Better enforcement can also encourage responsible housing development and strengthen consumer protection.

As Lagos continues to expand, effective regulation will play an important role in creating a safer property market. Closer cooperation between regulators and law enforcement agencies could help reduce fraud and improve confidence in real estate transactions across the state.

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The Federal Government has officially handed over 24 newly completed housing units to University of Ilesa, in a move aimed at improving staff welfare and strengthening institutional capacity.

The project, delivered by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, was unveiled during a ceremony attended by government officials, university management, and key stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, described the initiative as part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to expand access to affordable housing across the country.

Represented by the ministry’s Director of Public Buildings, Pemi Temitope, the minister said the project aligns with national priorities focused on addressing housing deficits, particularly within public institutions.

He emphasised that housing remains a critical pillar of national development, noting that access to decent accommodation is essential for social stability and productivity.

According to him, the government remains committed to implementing strategic housing initiatives that cater to the needs of Nigerians, including workers in vital sectors such as education.

Dangiwa further noted that universities play a central role in national development, stressing that improving staff welfare is key to enabling them deliver on their mandates effectively.

In response, Vice Chancellor Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu described the development as a landmark achievement for the institution.

He expressed appreciation to the ministry for what he called a timely intervention, adding that the housing units would significantly improve staff living conditions.

Asaolu assured that the facilities, located within the university premises, would be properly maintained and utilised for their intended purpose.

He added that the new housing will not only enhance staff welfare but also boost the university’s ability to attract and retain qualified personnel.

The post FG Delivers 24 Housing Units to University of Ilesa Staff appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Nine months after a midnight fire razed a residential building in Atabong community, Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno has rebuilt a home for a widow and her children who were left homeless by the tragedy.

The inferno, which occurred in the early hours of the night, destroyed a 15-room compound housing several families and properties worth millions of naira. Although no life was lost, the fire displaced residents and plunged affected households into months of hardship.

For Mrs Comfort Eshiet Daniels, a widow and mother, the fire marked one of the darkest moments of her life. With her home reduced to ashes, she and her children were forced to rely on temporary shelter and community support. That painful chapter, however, came to a close with the official handover of a newly rebuilt home by the Akwa Ibom State Government.

The commissioning ceremony, held in Atabong, drew government officials, community leaders and residents who gathered to witness the formal presentation of the completed building to the family.

Representing Governor Eno at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Frank Archibong, said the intervention reflected the governor’s compassion-driven leadership and commitment to protecting the most vulnerable citizens.

He noted that the governor’s approach to governance prioritises people over politics, especially those affected by unforeseen disasters.

“This intervention speaks to the heart of this administration,” Archibong said. “Governor Umo Eno believes governance must be felt at the grassroots, particularly by widows, children and families facing hardship.”

An emotional Mrs Daniels expressed deep appreciation to the governor for restoring stability to her household after months of uncertainty. She described the gesture as life-changing and pledged continued support for the administration.

“I had almost lost hope,” she said. “But today, my children and I have a place to call home again. This is more than a building; it is dignity restored.”

The newly completed structure consists of a three-bedroom bungalow alongside seven self-contained apartments, offering improved living conditions, safety and long-term comfort for the family.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey; Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Akan Tommy; the Village Head of Atabong, His Royal Majesty Ferdinand Ikwang; and Dr Essien Ndueso, Special Senior Assistant on Research and Documentation, alongside his wife, the spouse of the Paramount Ruler of Eket.

Community leaders praised the governor for what they described as a timely and humane intervention, noting that the rebuilding effort has strengthened public trust in government. Several speakers also pledged continued political support for Governor Eno ahead of future elections.

Residents of Atabong community said while memories of the devastating fire remain vivid, the rebuilt home now stands as a symbol of compassion, responsive leadership and renewed hope.

They added that the governor’s action has sent a strong message that victims of disasters are not abandoned once media attention fades.

Governor Eno’s intervention aligns with his broader social welfare agenda, which focuses on inclusive development, community support and targeted assistance for vulnerable groups across Akwa Ibom State.

As the family settles into their new home, the project serves as a reminder that governance, when driven by empathy, can change lives and rebuild futures long after tragedy strikes.

The post Eno Rebuilds Home for Widow After Akwa Ibom Fire appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

By: Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN)

Housing policy reflects how seriously a government treats the welfare of its people. A comparison between the United Kingdom and Nigeria shows two very different approaches—one built around strong public responsibility and regulation, the other largely left to market forces with limited protection for citizens.

1. Role of Government

United Kingdom

Housing is clearly recognised as a social responsibility of government. The UK government actively:

• Funds social and affordable housing
• Regulates rent increases
• Supports housing associations and councils
• Intervenes directly when affordability is threatened

Recent examples include £2.5bn low-interest loans at 0.1% for registered providers and long-term rent-setting frameworks to give certainty to both tenants and developers.

Nigeria

Nigeria’s housing policy largely treats housing as a private sector–driven activity. Government involvement is mostly limited to:

Policy declarations

Land administration

Occasional public housing projects

Direct government investment in rental housing is minimal, leaving affordability largely at the mercy of the market.

2. Housing Finance & Funding

• United Kingdom
• Government-backed grants and ultra-low interest loans
• Strong housing associations sector
• Long-term funding programmes (10–30 years)

Cheap borrowing allows providers to build and maintain homes without pushing rents sharply upward.

Nigeria

Housing finance is expensive and short-term

Mortgage interest rates often exceed 20%

Limited access to long-tenure loans

Developers transfer high financing costs directly to buyers and tenants through higher prices and rents.

3. Rent Regulation & Tenant Protection

United Kingdom

Rent increases are regulated, especially in social housing

Clear tenancy laws protect tenants from sudden eviction

Rent convergence policies are gradual and transparent

Advance rent demands are strictly controlled

Nigeria

Rent control laws exist in theory but are weakly enforced

Landlords often demand 1–2 years’ rent in advance

Sudden rent hikes of 30–70% are common

Tenants have limited access to fast dispute resolution

4. Housing Supply Strategy

United Kingdom

Focus on rental housing, not just homeownership

Strong emphasis on social and affordable homes

Planning policies encourage inclusionary housing

Local councils actively plan for population growth

Nigeria

Heavy focus on homeownership, even though most citizens are renters

Public housing supply is far below demand

Urban migration outpaces housing delivery

Planning often reacts after problems emerge

5. Regulation of Developers

United Kingdom

• Developers and housing providers must be registered
• Strong oversight by housing regulators
• Strict penalties for non-compliance
• Consumer protection is Central

Nigeria

The real estate sector remains largely unregulated

Anyone can operate as a developer

High incidence of fraud, double allocations, and abandoned projects

Weak consumer protection mechanism

6. Impact on Citizens

United Kingdom

Rent still rising, but within regulated frameworks

Housing stress exists, but safety nets are stronger

Government intervention cushions vulnerable households

Nigeria

• Rent consumes 40–60% of household income in major cities
• Rising homelessness and overcrowding
• Workers pushed to distant satellite towns
• Housing crisis spilling into transport, health, and security challenges

Key Differences at a Glance

Area United Kingdom Nigeria

• Government role Strong, direct Weak, indirect
• Housing funding Cheap, long-term Expensive, short-term
• Rent regulation Enforced Poorly enforced
• Rental housing focus High Low
• Developer regulation Strict Weak
• Tenant protection Strong Limited

Lessons Nigeria Can Learn from the UK

1. Treat housing as social infrastructure, not a luxury

2. Invest public funds in rental housing, not just ownership

3. Provide low-interest financing for housing delivery

4. Enforce tenancy laws to protect citizens

5. Regulate the real estate sector to eliminate fraud

6. Plan housing alongside urban migration and transport

Conclusion

While the UK still faces housing challenges, its policies show a clear understanding that housing stability underpins economic stability. Nigeria’s current approach—largely market-led with minimal safeguards—has resulted in soaring rents, housing insecurity, and social strain.

For Nigeria to reverse its housing crisis, it must move closer to the UK model: strong government leadership, sustainable financing, strict regulation, and a clear commitment to housing as a social responsibility.

—

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Ogun State has recorded significant progress in addressing its housing deficit, with over 5,000 residential units delivered across the state’s three senatorial districts since 2019.

Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this on Wednesday while providing a progress update via X, reiterating his administration’s ambitious plan to double that number and reach a total of 10,000 homes by 2027.

The governor emphasized that the state’s housing drive has had a notable impact on both affordability and investment returns for subscribers.

He highlighted two-bedroom bungalows in areas such as Kobape and Kainji, which were initially sold to civil servants for approximately ₦4.95 million and to the general public for ₦5 million.

Today, these properties have appreciated significantly, with market values surpassing ₦25 million, reflecting a substantial return on investment.

The Ogun housing programme, according to Abiodun, is built on three key principles: affordability, quality, and sustainability.

The projects are strategically distributed across the state, covering Kobape and Kainji in Ogun Central, Ilaro in Ogun West, and Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and the Gateway Aviation Village in Iperu in Ogun East.

Each estate is designed to enhance urban living standards, promote community development, and provide safe and planned residential environments.

The governor underscored the government’s deliberate and consistent approach to urban renewal, noting that previously neglected areas, such as Ibara GRA in Abeokuta, are now undergoing steady transformation. These initiatives aim to reposition the state capital as a modern, investment-friendly city while directly addressing housing shortages that have long affected the region.

Abiodun stated, “We have remained deliberate and committed in our resolve to transform Ogun State’s housing and urban environment.

Our housing drive, anchored on affordability, quality, and sustainability, has delivered estates across the three senatorial districts. We remain resolute in our commitment to making housing more accessible and reaching our target of 10,000 units by 2027.”

The governor’s update also highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of the housing programme. By providing affordable housing, the state has stimulated the real estate and construction sectors, created employment opportunities, and encouraged private investment in complementary infrastructure.

The development of these estates is expected to enhance living standards, promote economic growth, and support sustainable urbanisation across Ogun State.

Civil servants and members of the public who have benefited from the housing initiative describe it as transformative. For many, access to affordable homes has alleviated the burden of high rental costs, provided security of tenure, and improved overall quality of life.

Residents of the newly developed estates have commended the government for prioritizing safety, planning, and accessibility, noting that these factors have contributed to community cohesion and enhanced investor confidence.

The administration’s housing strategy is part of a larger vision to strengthen urban infrastructure and promote inclusive economic development. By 2027, Ogun State plans not only to meet its housing targets but also to ensure that the benefits of urban renewal are equitably distributed among residents. The programme reflects a proactive approach to urban governance, combining practical solutions with strategic planning to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population.

As the state continues its housing drive, challenges such as land acquisition, construction delays, and financing remain. However, the government has pledged to maintain momentum and address these obstacles through innovative public-private partnerships, streamlined project management, and increased engagement with stakeholders, including civil society and private developers.

Observers note that Ogun’s model could serve as a blueprint for other states in Nigeria facing housing shortages and urban planning challenges.

By balancing affordability with market growth, the state demonstrates that housing development can be both socially inclusive and economically sustainable. The programme also aligns with national efforts to improve access to decent housing, particularly for low- and middle-income earners.

Governor Abiodun concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to reshaping the housing landscape in Ogun State.

He stated that the housing initiative is designed to build communities that are not only modern and planned but also safe, resilient, and investment-friendly.

With continued focus, strategic partnerships, and sustained execution, Ogun State is poised to meet its 2027 housing target, while transforming urban living for its residents.

The delivery of over 5,000 homes since 2019, coupled with plans to double the number in the next three years, reflects a commitment to long-term social and economic development.

As the housing programme progresses, residents, investors, and urban planners will be closely watching the impact on affordability, property values, and the broader urban ecosystem across Ogun State.

The post Ogun Delivers 5,000 Homes, Targets 10,000 by 2027 – Abiodun appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has called for enhanced advocacy and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to promote a resilient and sustainable built environment, particularly in addressing Nigeria’s widening housing deficit.

Speaking at the institute’s 6th National Executive Council and Chapter Chairmen Retreat, themed “From Intention to Structure, From Structure to Delivery,” NIQS President Aminu Bashir emphasised the importance of visionary leadership in driving effective housing solutions and institutional capacity in the built environment sector.

Bashir highlighted that purposeful leadership is key to translating strategy into tangible results that benefit members, the profession, and the public. He noted that projects to close the housing gap must integrate planning, regulation, and collaboration with state and federal authorities.

Delivering the keynote address, Waziri Adio, former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), urged NIQS to adopt a data-driven culture, describing it as essential for relevance, credibility, and sustainable decision-making. “In today’s world, data is power. Evidence-based advocacy ensures that interventions in housing and infrastructure are effective, targeted, and impactful,” he said.

Adio stressed that embracing Data-Driven Decision-Making (DDDM) allows professional bodies to validate strategies before implementation, create public value, and influence policies that strengthen urban planning and housing delivery. He called on NIQS to commission regular studies and deploy data to support practical solutions for urban challenges, including the Lagos housing deficit and other emerging urban centres.

The retreat also encouraged members to identify signature interventions that define their legacy, emphasising inclusive leadership, stakeholder engagement, and continuous consultation as tools for delivering sustainable housing and infrastructural outcomes.

Housing experts welcomed the move, noting that strengthening collaboration among developers, quantity surveyors, and government agencies can accelerate the delivery of quality housing while aligning with urban planning and environmental standards.

NIQS’s initiative aligns with broader efforts to leverage professional expertise, technology, and policy to reduce housing shortages, ensure safety in urban development, and create livable cities for Nigeria’s rapidly growing population.

The post NIQS Urges Data-Driven Collaboration to Build Sustainable Housing in Nigeria appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

As Nigeria’s real estate market expands, land banking has emerged as the most promising investment strategy for long-term wealth creation, according to industry analysts.

Land banking involves purchasing undeveloped land—often on city outskirts—and holding it until its value appreciates due to urbanization, population growth, or infrastructure development. This approach offers high capital gains for patient investors who perform careful due diligence.

“With Nigeria’s population projected to surpass 250 million by 2050, demand for housing and commercial real estate will rise sharply, making land banking a strategic opportunity, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas,” said Oladipupo Clement, a property market analyst.

Other promising real estate sectors include affordable housing, build-to-rent apartments, logistics and warehousing, retail, mixed-use developments, student housing, and co-living spaces.

Imelda Olaoye, founder of Thinkmintsocial, warned investors to consider risks such as title disputes, regulatory delays, and rising construction costs. She advised strategic positioning in government-backed growth zones and diversification across cities and property types.

Key locations for land banking include Lagos (notably Ibeju-Lekki), the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), Rivers, Ogun, and Enugu states. Ibeju-Lekki has seen significant land-value appreciation due to developments like the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, and Lekki Deep Sea Port.

Benefits of land banking include impressive capital appreciation, low maintenance costs, and a hedge against inflation. Investors who act early in infrastructure-backed corridors are likely to enjoy the strongest returns over time.

Clement described land banking as a “sleeping goldmine” for forward-thinking investors who leverage professional advice, monitor infrastructure projects, and remain informed on government policies.

Makoko Demolition Raises Social Justice Concerns

While real estate opportunities grow, concerns persist over urban development practices, highlighted by the recent Makoko demolitions in Lagos. Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) called on the government to balance urban safety with social justice.

“Development should not render residents homeless. A modern city protects both infrastructure and its people,” said Festus Adebayo, HDAN Executive Director. The network urged Lagos authorities to adopt participatory urban planning, provide humane resettlement options, and align compensation with housing and human rights standards.

The intersection of land investment and urban development underscores the importance of strategic planning, community engagement, and sustainable policies in Nigeria’s growing real estate landscape.

The post Land Banking Emerges as Top Investment Destination Amid Growing Real Estate Opportunities in Nigeria appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

By Oyetunde M. Ajayi

Housing is universally acknowledged as a basic human need, yet in Nigeria, it has increasingly become a luxury beyond the reach of the majority.

Across cities and towns, from Lagos and Abuja to Port Harcourt, Abeokuta, Ibadan and Onitsha, the signs of a deepening housing crisis are unmistakable: soaring rents, overcrowded dwellings, the expansion of informal settlements, and a growing population of urban poor struggling to secure decent shelter.

While many factors contribute to this crisis, rapid urbanisation, population growth, rising construction costs, and weak mortgage systems, one policy framework stands out for urgent reconsideration: The Land Use Act of 1978. The Land Use Act was promulgated with laudable objectives. It sought to unify land tenure systems, curb land speculation, make land accessible for development, and ensure equitable distribution of land for all Nigerians.

By vesting land in each state in the hands of the Governor, to be held in trust for the people, the Act aimed to simplify land administration and promote orderly development. Nearly five decades later, however, the realities on ground suggest that the Act has fallen short of these intentions and, in many respects, has become a structural bottleneck in housing delivery.

One of the most critical challenges posed by the Land Use Act is the over-centralisation of land control. By concentrating decision-making power in the offices of state governors, access to land has become highly bureaucratic, slow, and often politicised. Ordinary Nigerians seeking land for housing must navigate a maze of approvals, consent requirements, and administrative delays. The process of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), which is essential for secure tenure and access to mortgage finance, is notoriously cumbersome, expensive, and time-consuming. In some states, it can take years, discouraging formal housing development and pushing many citizens toward informal land markets.

This bureaucratic rigidity has direct implications for housing affordability. When access to land is constrained, land prices rise. Developers transfer these costs to homebuyers and tenants, resulting in exorbitant house prices and rents. For low- and middle-income earners, the majority of Nigeria’s urban population, formal housing becomes unattainable.

Consequently, informal settlements proliferate, often without basic services, proper planning, or security of tenure, further deepening urban inequality and environmental vulnerability.

The Land Use Act has also weakened the functioning of land as collateral for housing finance. Because land rights are not fully alienable without gubernatorial consent, financial institutions are often reluctant to accept land titles as reliable security. This undermines mortgage development and limits long-term housing finance.

In a country where housing delivery requires massive private sector participation, a legal framework that discourages investment and increases risk is counterproductive. Moreover, the Act has failed to adequately recognise Nigeria’s socio-cultural diversity in land tenure systems. Customary landholding arrangements, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, continue to operate alongside statutory systems, creating legal ambiguities and frequent conflicts. Rather than harmonising these systems effectively, the Act has often widened the gap between formal law and lived realities, leaving many Nigerians with insecure and undocumented land rights.

Given the scale of today’s housing crisis, a fundamental rethink of the Land Use Act is no longer optional, it is imperative. This does not necessarily mean discarding the Act in its entirety, but rather undertaking comprehensive reforms that align land administration with contemporary housing and urban development needs.

First, there is an urgent need to decentralise and streamline land administration processes. Greater roles should be assigned to local governments and professional land agencies, with clear timelines, transparency, and digital systems to reduce delays and corruption. Second, the consent provisions should be reviewed to make land transactions simpler, faster, and less costly, while still safeguarding public interest.

Third, land titling and registration processes must be made affordable and accessible, especially for low-income households, to enhance tenure security and unlock housing finance. Importantly, land reform must be integrated into a broader national housing strategy that links land access with infrastructure provision, mortgage finance, and inclusive urban planning. Without such integration, reforms will yield limited results.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s housing crisis is not merely a consequence of market forces or population growth; it is deeply rooted in institutional and legal frameworks that shape access to land. The Land Use Act, though well-intentioned, has become misaligned with present-day realities.

As Nigeria confronts rapid urbanisation and an ever-growing housing deficit, the time has come for bold, people-centred land reforms. Rethinking the Land Use Act is not just a legal exercise, it is a crucial step toward making decent, affordable housing a reality for millions of Nigerians.

The post Land Use Act and today’s housing crisis: Time for rethink appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has vowed to end complaints of harassment, double taxation and alleged illegal levies imposed on businesses by the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The commitment was made during a stakeholders’ meeting with hotel operators, food vendors and service providers at the Area Council Service Commission Hall in Abuja.

Business owners accused AMAC officials of issuing demand notices, threatening to seal premises and initiating court actions over fees already paid to the FCTA, despite existing court judgments barring the council from enforcing public health and environmental regulations in the capital.

The dispute centres on two key judgments of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, which ruled that AMAC lacks the legal authority to regulate public health and environmental services in Abuja.

In Bureau of Public Enterprises v. Abuja Municipal Area Council (Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/546/2022), delivered on March 13, 2023, Justice Muawiyah Baba Idris declared AMAC’s 2020 Environmental Sanitation and Premises Inspection Bye-Law invalid, citing the absence of mandatory ministerial approval under the Public Health Act.

The court ruled that AMAC had no power to legislate or enforce public health regulations, stating that such responsibilities rest with the Federal Ministers of Health and Environment.

This position was reaffirmed on February 14, 2025, in Devyani International Nigeria Ltd. (KFC) v. AMAC (Suit No. CV/1642/2024), where Justice Y. Halilu held that food safety regulation, environmental health services and medical fitness certification fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the FCTA.

Despite the judgments, business operators alleged that AMAC officials resumed enforcement actions shortly after payments were made to the FCTA.

One operator, Rebecca Aminu, said the continued demands were crippling small businesses.

“We’ve complied fully with FCTA requirements, yet AMAC keeps issuing notices for the same services and threatening to seal our premises,” she said.

Another operator, Folorunsho Emmanuel, described the situation as unsustainable, noting that businesses are often forced to pay twice for the same services or face legal action.

Responding to the complaints, the Director of Public Health at the FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr Dan Gadzama, warned business owners against making payments to AMAC on matters already resolved by the courts, stressing that such payments would not be recognised by the FCTA.

Similarly, the Head of Tax and Revenue at the FCTA, Alhaji Musa Isah, said steps were being taken to eliminate overlaps through legal and administrative measures to protect businesses operating within the territory.

The FCTA’s legal representative, Alex Ibe, warned that continued disregard for court judgments could amount to contempt of court, adding that the administration was considering further legal action to enforce compliance and safeguard lawful business operations.

The post FCTA Moves to Halt AMAC’s Alleged Illegal Levies on Abuja Businesses appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Hotels across Lagos recorded a significant rise in bookings during the 2025 Detty December season as local and foreign visitors turned away from short-let apartments amid steep price increases.

Operators in major hospitality hubs such as Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki and Ikeja confirmed that occupancy levels peaked weeks earlier than usual, driven largely by tourists, returning Nigerians in the diaspora, and event-driven travellers attending concerts, festivals and end-of-year social functions.

Industry players attributed the surge to what many visitors described as “unreasonable” short-let pricing. Several short-let apartments reportedly doubled or tripled their nightly rates ahead of December, making hotels a more predictable and, in some cases, cheaper alternative.

A hotel manager in Victoria Island said guests increasingly preferred hotels because of fixed pricing, security, housekeeping services and uninterrupted power supply, factors that became more attractive as short-let costs rose sharply.

Travel and hospitality analysts noted that while short-let apartments gained popularity in recent years for flexibility and privacy, excessive seasonal pricing is beginning to push customers back to traditional hotels, especially during peak travel periods like Detty December.

Some visitors also cited concerns over last-minute cancellations and additional charges often associated with short-let bookings, saying hotels offered better consumer protection and clearer booking terms.

The development has provided a strong revenue boost for Lagos hotels, many of which reported near-full occupancy throughout December. Analysts believe the trend could force a pricing correction in the short-let market if operators hope to remain competitive in future festive seasons.

As Lagos continues to position itself as Africa’s entertainment and tourism hub during the yuletide period, stakeholders say pricing discipline and service quality will play a key role in shaping visitor preferences beyond Detty December.

The post Detty December: Lagos Hotels Record Surge as Visitors Reject Skyrocketing Short-Let Rents appeared first on Housing TV Africa.