FG Sets Six-Week Deadline for Actionable Housing Reform Blueprint

The Federal Government has given a 14-member ministerial committee six weeks to develop a practical implementation strategy for wide-ranging reforms in Nigeria’s housing and built-environment sector.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, inaugurated the committee in Abuja and directed its members to convert recommendations from housing stakeholders into measurable actions.

The panel is officially known as the Ministerial Committee on the Implementation Framework for the Validated Stakeholder Resolutions on Housing Sector Reforms.

Its members were drawn from technical departments of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and relevant housing agencies.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore, was appointed chairman of the committee.

Under its terms of reference, the panel is expected to coordinate the implementation of approved reform measures and develop a detailed work plan identifying priorities, timelines, responsibilities and expected results.

The committee will also monitor progress and ensure that agencies or departments assigned specific responsibilities complete them within the approved timeframe.

Darma explained that the reform recommendations emerged from an earlier stakeholders’ validation conference, where participants examined housing data and proposed measures for repositioning the sector.

The recommendations have been divided into three categories: measures the ministry can implement immediately, proposals requiring approval from the Presidential Council and reforms that will require legislative action.

According to the minister, the government’s responsibility extends beyond the direct construction of houses. It must also create an enabling environment in which individuals, developers, investors and financial institutions can increase housing supply.

Darma identified stronger regulation as an important requirement for improving standards and unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s built environment.

He cited 2025 data indicating that the sector contributes approximately 17 per cent to the Nigerian economy, compared with between 22 and 27 per cent in countries such as South Africa and Kenya.

The minister expressed confidence that better policies, improved regulation and coordinated implementation could help the Nigerian housing sector increase its contribution to national economic growth.

He urged the committee to approach its assignment with urgency and produce a workable strategy within the six-week deadline.

Responding on behalf of the panel, Belgore said the committee had received a working document that would be reviewed to identify gaps and strengthen the proposed implementation framework.

He said the committee would focus on immediate interventions while preparing reforms requiring consideration by the Federal Executive Council or the National Assembly.

Belgore added that further consultations would be held with stakeholders to build broad support and ensure that the reforms reflected the needs of professionals, developers, financiers, artisans and other participants in the housing industry.

Standardising professional practices and improving coordination among engineers, architects, builders, artisans and other construction workers will also form part of the reform process.

Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Shehu Usman Osidi, welcomed the initiative but warned that sustained stakeholder engagement would be critical to its success.

Osidi recalled that previous efforts to amend the National Housing Fund and FMBN Acts, as well as a proposed ₦500 billion recapitalisation of the mortgage bank, encountered stakeholder resistance.

He advised the committee to apply lessons from those experiences and ensure that affected groups were properly consulted before major changes were implemented.

The Federal Housing Authority also pledged its cooperation with the committee and expressed confidence that the reforms could improve housing delivery across the country.

While the inauguration represents another step towards reforming the sector, the initiative’s success will depend on whether the committee’s recommendations are implemented, funded and supported by the necessary executive and legislative approvals.

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Housing Ministry Gives Reform Committee Six Weeks to Develop Action Plan

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 14-member ministerial committee to develop an implementation framework for reforms in Nigeria’s housing and built-environment sector.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma, inaugurated the committee in Abuja and directed its members to submit a practical implementation strategy within six weeks.

The committee is chaired by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore. Its membership includes officials from relevant housing agencies and the ministry’s technical departments.

The committee was established following a stakeholder validation conference convened to examine national housing-deficit data and determine policy priorities for transforming the sector.

Its responsibilities include coordinating the implementation of the validated reforms and developing a detailed work plan containing priority actions, timelines and measurable deliverables.

Members are also expected to monitor progress and ensure that responsibilities assigned to the ministry, its agencies and other institutions are completed within the approved timelines.

Darma explained that the recommendations adopted at the stakeholder conference had been divided into three categories.

The first category covers reforms that the housing ministry can implement immediately through administrative action. The second consists of measures requiring consideration and approval by the Presidential Council, while the third covers proposals that require legislation.

The classification is expected to help the ministry determine the appropriate implementation route for each recommendation and reduce delays associated with institutional approvals.

According to the minister, the government’s responsibility is either to provide homes directly or establish an enabling environment in which Nigerians can build, rent or purchase suitable accommodation.

He also called for stronger regulation of the built environment to improve professional standards, protect consumers and increase the sector’s contribution to national development.

Citing 2025 data from the National Bureau of Statistics, Darma said housing and the broader built-environment sector contributed about 17 per cent to Nigeria’s economy.

He compared the figure with contributions ranging between 22 and 27 per cent in countries such as South Africa and Kenya, arguing that appropriate reforms could help Nigeria close the gap.

The minister said an efficient housing industry could contribute more substantially to economic growth through construction activity, job creation, local building-material production, mortgage expansion and real estate investment.

He urged the committee to treat its assignment with urgency and produce an implementation plan capable of translating stakeholder recommendations into measurable outcomes.

The development comes as the government faces growing calls to address high construction costs, difficult access to land, limited mortgage finance, weak regulation and the shortage of affordable homes.

The committee’s effectiveness will depend on whether its recommendations lead to clear policy decisions, enforceable standards and coordinated action among the ministry, housing agencies, financial institutions and private developers.

Its report is also expected to indicate which reforms can be implemented quickly and which will require executive or legislative intervention.

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Pan-African real estate development company, Mixta Africa, has called for a balanced regulatory framework that protects homebuyers while ensuring that credible developers retain access to sustainable construction finance.

The company expressed support for the Federal Government’s proposed National Housing and Built Environment Regulation Policy and the planned establishment of a National Housing Industry Regulatory Commission.

Mixta Africa said the reforms could improve transparency, strengthen consumer protection and restore confidence in Nigeria’s housing market if they are supported by clear and enforceable implementation standards.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Tola Akinsulire, described the proposed licensing and escrow requirements as important measures for reducing the risks faced by Nigerians purchasing homes, particularly through off-plan arrangements.

He, however, cautioned that keeping buyers’ payments in escrow accounts would not be sufficient unless the release of funds was tied to independently verified construction progress.

According to Akinsulire, qualified building professionals should certify that developers have completed agreed project milestones before money is released. The verification process, he added, should be governed by clear standards and supported by an auditable record.

“Independent verification creates a clear link between construction progress, fund release and accountability,” he said.

The company noted that off-plan payments have traditionally provided a significant portion of the working capital used by legitimate developers to execute housing projects. Consequently, restricting access to such payments without creating alternative financing arrangements could affect housing delivery.

Akinsulire explained that although escrow arrangements could safeguard subscribers’ money, they could not independently provide the capital required to undertake construction.

He urged the government and financial institutions to develop appropriately structured and competitively priced construction finance products for credible developers operating under the proposed regulatory framework.

“Escrow can protect the homebuyer, but escrow on its own does not finance construction,” he said.

Mixta Africa warned that reforms designed to protect consumers must be carefully implemented to avoid slowing down the development of new homes or worsening Nigeria’s housing supply challenges.

The firm called for sustained consultations involving the Federal Government, financial institutions, property developers, professional bodies and other housing industry stakeholders.

It said collaboration among these groups would help establish a framework that combines strong consumer protection, responsible project management, effective regulatory oversight and adequate construction financing.

Mixta Africa maintained that the success of the proposed reforms would ultimately depend on whether the government could translate them into practical and enforceable standards.

According to the company, a properly designed regulatory system could make Nigeria’s housing sector more transparent, sustainable and attractive to investors while protecting buyers and supporting the continued delivery of new homes.

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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 Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has called for the introduction of an annual certification system for real estate developers as part of broader efforts to improve professionalism, strengthen regulatory compliance, and reduce fraud in Nigeria’s property sector. The association believes regular certification will help restore public confidence and promote higher standards across the industry.

Speaking on the proposal, REDAN President Prince Akintoye Adeoye said annual certification would enable regulators to monitor developers more effectively, ensure continued compliance with industry standards, and identify operators who fail to meet professional and ethical requirements. He noted that stronger oversight is necessary to protect investors and homebuyers from fraudulent practices.

Adeoye explained that the proposed certification framework would encourage developers to maintain high standards in project execution, financial accountability, and customer service. He added that it would also make it easier for the public to distinguish legitimate developers from unregistered operators responsible for many cases of property fraud, project abandonment, and substandard construction.

According to him, Nigeria’s real estate industry requires a more structured regulatory framework that promotes transparency, accountability, and professionalism. He urged the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to work closely with REDAN and other stakeholders to develop and implement a sustainable certification and monitoring system for developers nationwide.

The REDAN president also stressed the importance of enforcing existing building regulations, planning approvals, and professional standards to reduce building collapses and improve the quality of housing delivery. He said certification should complement broader reforms aimed at strengthening governance within the housing and construction sectors.

Industry experts believe that introducing annual certification for developers would improve consumer protection, increase investor confidence, discourage fraudulent activities, and contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s real estate market.

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The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has attributed the growing cases of real estate fraud, substandard construction, and building collapses across the country to the activities of unregulated and unregistered property developers. The association called for stricter regulation and enforcement to protect homebuyers, improve construction standards, and restore confidence in Nigeria’s housing sector.

Speaking during an interview, REDAN President Prince Akintoye Adeoye said many of the challenges confronting the real estate industry stem from the absence of effective regulation and the activities of individuals operating outside recognised professional and legal frameworks. He stressed that many fraudulent operators lack the technical expertise and ethical standards required to deliver safe and quality housing projects.

Adeoye noted that patronising unregistered developers exposes buyers to risks such as land fraud, project abandonment, structural defects, and building collapse. He urged prospective homeowners and investors to verify the credentials of developers before making payments or committing to property transactions.

According to him, REDAN has continued to advocate for stronger collaboration with government agencies and regulatory institutions to sanitise the real estate sector. He said improved oversight, stricter compliance with planning regulations, and the enforcement of professional standards would significantly reduce fraudulent practices and improve the quality of housing delivery.

The REDAN president also emphasised the need for all developers to comply with building codes, obtain statutory approvals, and engage qualified professionals, including architects, engineers, builders, and quantity surveyors, throughout the construction process. He maintained that adherence to established standards is essential to preventing avoidable structural failures.

Industry stakeholders believe that strengthening regulation, improving consumer awareness, and enforcing professional standards will help reduce building collapses, discourage fraudulent property transactions, and create a safer, more transparent, and more sustainable real estate market capable of attracting greater investment.

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The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has called for stronger regulation of Nigeria’s built environment to curb the rising incidence of building collapse and promote safer, more sustainable housing development. The association said effective regulation remains critical to protecting lives, improving urban planning, and strengthening investor confidence in the real estate sector.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ validation workshop on the National Housing Data Programme and the proposed National Housing and Built Environment Regulation Policy in Abuja, REDAN President Oba Akintoye Adeoye stressed that weak enforcement of building standards continues to contribute to structural failures, poor urban development, and other challenges affecting the housing sector.

Adeoye described regulation as the foundation of a safe and orderly built environment, noting that transparent and effective oversight would create a framework that protects lives and property while encouraging investment and sustainable urban growth. He maintained that stronger enforcement of existing standards is essential to improving the quality and safety of buildings across Nigeria.

The REDAN president also highlighted the importance of credible housing data, describing the National Housing Data Programme as a major step towards evidence-based policymaking and improved housing delivery. He noted that Nigeria’s housing sector has operated for years without comprehensive data, forcing policymakers and investors to rely on estimates rather than verified information.

According to Adeoye, reliable housing data will improve government planning, support investment decisions, enhance market transparency, and strengthen efforts to address the country’s housing deficit. He urged public institutions, developers, professional bodies, and other stakeholders to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to ensure the successful implementation of the new housing data and regulatory initiatives.

Stakeholders believe that combining stronger regulation with reliable housing data will improve building safety, reduce structural failures, encourage responsible real estate development, and create a more resilient housing market capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.

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The Edo State Development and Building Control Agency has intensified its enforcement operations across the state, demolishing more than 500 illegal structures in Ugbor and Etete areas of the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin City.

The exercise forms part of the state government’s broader urban renewal and regulatory compliance strategy aimed at promoting orderly development and safer communities.

According to the agency, the demolition targets unauthorised shanties, unsafe buildings, and structures erected without approved planning permissions, many of which violated existing building regulations.

Established under the 2022 Edo State building control law, the agency is responsible for approving building plans, monitoring construction activities, and ensuring full compliance with physical planning standards across the state.

Speaking in Benin City, the General Manager of the agency, Hon. Igabali Imoisili Darlington, said the operation aligns with the government’s SHINE agenda, particularly its focus on infrastructure development and sustainable urban growth.

He explained that enforcement efforts are not limited to Benin City but extend to Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts as part of a statewide compliance framework.

Darlington noted that the agency inherited significant challenges, including weak regulatory compliance and low public trust, which initially limited development control effectiveness.

However, he said recent reforms have improved compliance levels significantly, with registered building approvals increasing by over 200 percent.

He added that monthly building plan approvals are expected to rise further as public awareness and trust continue to improve, projecting between 500 and 1,000 approvals monthly.

The agency also introduced a regularisation programme for property owners with undocumented structures, allowing them to obtain proper approvals and improve property value while ensuring safety compliance.

Darlington stressed that proper documentation remains essential for urban safety, environmental protection, and sustainable infrastructure planning.

On recent enforcement actions, he confirmed that over 500 illegal structures were removed in Ugbor, while additional demolitions were carried out in Etete, where buildings, makeshift factories, and religious structures erected under power lines were cleared.

He further stated that the agency has encountered some resistance from communities but maintained that enforcement will continue without political interference, as the government prioritises public safety and environmental order.

The Edo State Government reiterated its commitment to restoring urban planning discipline and ensuring that all developments align with approved physical planning standards.

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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.

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