Real estate operators have welcomed the Federal Government’s proposed housing reforms. They say the measures could improve buyer protection, strengthen regulation and build confidence in Nigeria’s property market.

However, developers want the government to add clear systems for checking construction progress. They also want better access to long-term finance to support housing delivery.

Developers Seek Stronger Buyer Protection

Speaking at an industry forum in Abuja, Mixta Africa said licensing and escrow arrangements could help protect property buyers.

Tola Akinsulire, Chief Commercial Officer of Mixta Africa, said the measures could reduce the risks consumers face in the housing market.

He said stronger regulation could also improve trust between developers and buyers.

Akinsulire said the government must also create a clear process for releasing funds held in escrow. He argued that developers should receive funds only after they meet agreed construction milestones.

He called for independent checks by qualified built-environment professionals. These checks should confirm the progress of each project before funds move to the developer.

The process should also include clear certification rules and records that auditors can verify.

Construction Milestones Need Independent Checks

Akinsulire said the key issue goes beyond where a buyer’s money sits.

The system must also show that a developer has completed the required work before receiving the next payment.

Independent project checks could give buyers greater confidence in housing projects. They could also help regulators track progress and identify problems at an early stage.

This approach could become important as more buyers commit large sums to homes before developers complete construction.

A transparent escrow system could link payments to actual progress on a project. It could also improve accountability among developers and professionals involved in housing delivery.

Developers Need Better Access to Finance

Mixta Africa also said regulation should not prevent credible developers from accessing finance.

Developers need funding to buy land, pay contractors and complete construction. Long project timelines can also increase the amount of capital required to deliver housing.

Leadforte Homes and Properties also backed the proposed reforms.

Bamise David, Chief Executive Officer of Leadforte Homes and Properties, said the measures could address several challenges facing Nigeria’s housing sector.

He identified high construction costs, limited access to long-term finance and weak land administration as major concerns.

David also pointed to the country’s housing deficit as another challenge that requires stronger private-sector participation.

Reforms Could Improve Housing Delivery

According to David, the proposed measures could improve transparency across the housing value chain.

He said stronger regulatory oversight could also encourage more private investment in housing development.

The comments from both developers highlight the need for balance in housing regulation. Buyers need stronger protection when they invest in property. At the same time, developers need access to finance to complete projects.

The success of an escrow system will therefore depend on how regulators verify construction milestones. Clear standards could help ensure that developers receive funds when they achieve agreed stages of work.

Wider Impact on Nigeria’s Housing Market

Nigeria needs more housing supply, but the quality and reliability of delivery also matter. Better regulation could help create a market where buyers have more confidence in developers and projects.

At the same time, access to suitable construction finance remains important. Developers cannot expand housing supply without the capital needed to acquire land and fund construction.

Industry stakeholders said effective implementation will determine the impact of the proposed reforms.

They stressed the importance of independent project verification, suitable construction finance and strong regulatory oversight.

If these measures work together, they could improve confidence in Nigeria’s housing market and support the delivery of quality and affordable homes.

The post Housing Operators Back Federal Government Reforms appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

COPEN Group has unveiled a 2,000-unit housing development project and launched a new digital platform aimed at simplifying access to housing finance and property ownership for Nigerians.

The announcement was made during the COPEN Brand Showcase, Stakeholder Appreciation and Strategic Housing Engagement 2026, held at the Amadeo Event Centre in Enugu under the theme, “A Home for Every Dream… A House for Every Pocket.”

The event attracted government officials, housing sector stakeholders, financial institutions, faith-based organisations and members of the public.

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of COPEN, Dr. Ugochukwu Chime, unveiled the flagship Spring City Housing Development located at Umuchigbo, Iji Nike, Enugu.

Chime said the project forms part of the company’s long-term strategy to deliver affordable, structured and sustainable housing communities across Nigeria.

According to him, the development will be executed in phases, beginning with the delivery of 400 housing units in the first phase to ensure quality construction and accessibility for prospective homeowners.

He explained that the project is designed to help individuals and families achieve sustainable homeownership while contributing to broader socio-economic development.

The COPEN chief executive acknowledged the support of the Enugu State Government and host communities in facilitating the successful take-off of the housing initiative.

He noted that beyond providing homes, the project is expected to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, support infrastructure development and enhance community development within the area.

As part of efforts to expand access to housing, Chime also unveiled the “Brother-Sister Help Me Own a House” initiative, which encourages collective support and cooperative financing for aspiring homeowners.

The initiative is being supported by key institutions, including the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and AG Mortgage Bank.

Stakeholders, including the Enugu State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, commended the company’s efforts to deepen mortgage access and promote affordable housing delivery.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of the Urban Home Front Application, a digital platform developed to simplify property subscriptions, documentation processes and mortgage applications through collaboration with partner institutions.

According to COPEN, the platform is expected to reduce bottlenecks in property acquisition and improve access to housing finance for Nigerians.

Participants at the event praised the company’s growing contribution to housing delivery and investment facilitation, citing its record in developing structured residential estates targeted at middle-income earners.

Several partners and clients also shared testimonials, describing the company as credible and reliable in project execution and housing development.

COPEN reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and promoting inclusive homeownership opportunities in line with its vision of providing “A Home for Every Dream and a House for Every Pocket.”

The post COPEN Unveils 2,000-Unit Housing Project, Launches Digital Homeownership Platform appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has called for stronger collaboration among governments, developers, investors and built environment professionals to address the growing impact of climate change on housing and infrastructure across the country.

In a statement marking the 2026 World Environment Day, themed “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” REDAN warned that Nigeria is already experiencing severe environmental challenges, including flooding, drought, desertification, coastal erosion and biodiversity loss.

The association said these environmental disruptions pose significant threats to communities, livelihoods and economic development, underscoring the need for urgent and coordinated action.

Speaking through its President, Oba Akintoye Adeoye, REDAN described climate change as a present-day reality that requires all stakeholders in the housing and construction sectors to embrace sustainable solutions.

According to the association, every flood-ravaged community, erosion-threatened settlement and environmentally degraded neighbourhood highlights the need for the built environment sector to become part of the climate solution.

REDAN stressed that housing development and climate action must go hand in hand, noting that the future of Nigeria’s urban centres depends on resilient and sustainable planning.

The association said its response to climate challenges is guided by its core values of Advocacy, Transparency, Innovation, Professionalism and Sustainability (ATIPS), which it believes should shape decision-making across the real estate value chain.

It called for stronger policies and regulatory frameworks that promote climate-resilient housing, sustainable urban planning, green infrastructure, responsible land administration and environmental stewardship.

REDAN also urged industry operators to adopt Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles to improve transparency, attract responsible investments and enhance public confidence in the real estate sector.

The association advocated the use of climate-smart construction technologies, renewable energy systems, sustainable building materials, water conservation practices, waste reduction strategies and smart-city concepts to improve housing delivery and environmental performance.

It further emphasised the importance of professionalism and strict compliance with environmental standards in planning, design, construction and property management.

According to REDAN, housing development must strike a balance between economic growth, environmental protection and social inclusion to ensure communities remain safe, affordable and resilient.

As part of its sustainability agenda, the association highlighted the launch of the Africa ESG Conference and Exhibition in 2025, describing it as a platform for promoting responsible investment and sustainable development across Africa’s housing and real estate sectors.

REDAN invited stakeholders to participate in the 2026 edition of the conference, expressing confidence that it would deepen collaboration, encourage innovation and strengthen collective efforts towards building a more sustainable built environment.

The association also called on federal and state governments, legislators, financial institutions, developers, construction firms, architects, engineers, planners, surveyors, building material manufacturers, development partners and academic institutions to work together in creating climate-resilient communities.

“The climate signals are clear, but so are the solutions. Nature itself is showing us the way forward. The future belongs to greener cities, smarter buildings, resilient communities and sustainable economies,” the association stated.

REDAN reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with government agencies, private sector operators, development organisations and communities to ensure that housing development contributes to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

The post REDAN Seeks Stronger Collaboration to Tackle Climate Change Impact on Housing appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Dangote Cement Plc, Africa’s leading cement manufacturer, has confirmed plans to host a major Side Event and Stakeholders’ Engagement Session as a Power Sponsor at the 20th Anniversary Edition of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS 2026), scheduled to hold from 13th – 18th July, 2026 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The announcement was made by Festus Adebayo, Chief Executive Officer of Africa’s largest housing event — the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS).

According to him, the Dangote Cement Side Event will bring together key stakeholders across the housing and construction value chain, including developers, contractors, engineers, architects, building materials dealers, government agencies, infrastructure companies, investors, and construction professionals.

He stated that the side event will provide a strategic platform for Dangote Cement to engage directly with industry stakeholders, showcase its innovative cement products, strengthen market relationships, and enlighten the public on Dangote Cement products, applications, quality standards, and pricing.

Festus Adebayo described Dangote Cement as one of Africa’s most influential industrial brands whose contribution to housing delivery, infrastructure development, and economic growth across the continent remains significant.

“Dangote Cement has continued to play a major role in supporting housing delivery and infrastructure growth across Africa. Their participation as a Power Sponsor at AIHS 2026 further demonstrates their commitment to the advancement of the housing and construction industry,” he stated.

The event will also provide participants with firsthand information on the various Dangote Cement brands, their applications, performance advantages, market availability, and current pricing structures.

Some of the major Dangote Cement brands expected to be highlighted during the side event include:

• Dangote 3X Cement — recognised for strength, durability, and versatility for general construction works
• Dangote Falcon Cement — designed for cost-effective and efficient building solutions
• Dangote BlocMaster Cement — specially formulated for block making and plastering applications
• Dangote Oil Well Cement — serving specialised industrial and energy-related construction needs

The company is also expected to use the platform to educate stakeholders on the importance of quality building materials in reducing building collapse, improving construction standards, and promoting sustainable housing development across Africa.

AIHS 2026 is expected to attract over 20,000 participants, more than 400 exhibitors, and delegates from over 25 countries, making it one of the continent’s largest gatherings for housing finance, construction technology, infrastructure investment, real estate development, and urban planning discussions.

As a Power Sponsor, Dangote Cement will enjoy premium brand visibility, exhibition opportunities, executive networking access, and participation in high-level policy and investment engagements throughout the event.

Industry stakeholders have described the partnership between Dangote Cement and AIHS 2026 as a major boost for the housing and construction sector, especially at a time when discussions around affordable housing delivery, local building materials, and construction cost reduction continue to dominate industry conversations.

AIHS 2026 is themed:

“Housing Solutions for Low Income and Informal Workers in Africa.”

Signed:

Festus Adebayo
Chief Executive Officer
Africa International Housing Show (AIHS)

Website: www.africahousingshow.com
WhatsApp: +2349165000000

The post Dangote Cement to Host Side Event and Housing Industry Stakeholders’ Engagement as Power Sponsor of AIHS 2026 appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Estate surveying and valuation firm Ubosi Eleh + Co has stressed that proper documentation and ownership titles for properties could become a powerful tool in reducing poverty and expanding economic opportunities in Nigeria.

The firm made the assertion during a media briefing in Lagos ahead of activities marking its 35th anniversary celebration scheduled for the second week of June.

According to industry experts, formal property ownership documentation can unlock access to credit, improve wealth creation and strengthen government revenue generation.

Property Titles Can Unlock Access to Capital

Speaking during the briefing, Principal Partner of Ubosi Eleh + Co, Emeka Eleh, said millions of Nigerians possess properties with economic value but are unable to maximise those assets due to lack of formal documentation.

According to him, property titles make it easier for owners to use their assets as collateral for loans and business financing.

Eleh explained that once ownership is formally recognised, property owners can leverage their assets to access funding that could support small businesses and economic growth.

He noted that individuals often struggle to raise capital from untitled properties despite their significant market value.

Call for Land Reform in Nigeria

Eleh urged government authorities to initiate broad land reforms capable of providing legal titles to property owners across the country.

According to him, such reforms would not only benefit individuals but also strengthen government revenue through improved property taxation systems.

He explained that a properly documented property system enables authorities to identify assets and collect taxes more efficiently.

Property Tax Seen as Major Revenue Source

Eleh pointed out that developed economies rely heavily on property taxes to fund public services and infrastructure.

According to him, cities in advanced countries generate significant portions of their revenue from property-related taxes due to effective land documentation systems.

He argued that strengthening land administration and documentation processes could create long-term benefits for Nigeria’s economy.

Nigeria’s Property Market Becoming More Open

Also speaking during the event, Principal Partner at Ubosi Eleh + Co, Chudo Ubosi, said the Nigerian property sector is gradually moving away from a culture of secrecy toward greater openness and transparency.

He explained that property owners are increasingly becoming comfortable with publicly advertising and transacting property assets.

Ubosi noted that the evolution reflects growing confidence within the sector and changing attitudes toward real estate ownership and investment.

He also credited strategic communication and marketing efforts for the company’s growth over the last 35 years.

The post Property Titles Can Help Fight Poverty in Nigeria — Estate Firm appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the Abuja offices of Ochacho Real Estate and TI’Bilon Construction and Facility Management Company over allegations of regulatory non-compliance and failure to hand over fully paid housing units to customers.

The commission disclosed the development in a statement shared on its official social media platform on Thursday, stating that the enforcement action formed part of ongoing efforts to protect consumers from unfair practices in Nigeria’s real estate sector.

According to the FCCPC, both firms allegedly failed to comply with repeated directives issued by the commission regarding complaints from subscribers who had completed payment for housing units but were yet to receive possession of their properties.

The commission said the affected companies repeatedly ignored compliance notices directing them to address the complaints and fulfil their obligations to buyers.

As a result, the regulatory agency moved to seal their offices pending compliance.

“The sealed offices will remain shut indefinitely until both organisations fully fulfill their outstanding obligations to the affected consumers,” the commission stated.

The FCCPC explained that the action was taken under Section 150(4) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018, which grants the commission authority to enforce compliance and take action against organisations that fail to obey regulatory directives.

The development highlights growing concerns over consumer complaints in Nigeria’s real estate sector, where delays in property delivery and disputes involving off-plan housing subscriptions have continued to generate scrutiny from regulators.

The commission reiterated its commitment to consumer protection and warned operators across sectors against practices that undermine consumer rights or violate regulatory standards.

The post FCCPC Seals Abuja Offices of Ochacho Real Estate, TI’Bilon Over Alleged Failure to Deliver Homes appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

In a move expected to reshape Nigeria’s real estate landscape, the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has entered into a strategic partnership with Sytemap Technologies Limited to digitise land and property transactions across the country.

The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Thursday, is aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s property market, including disputed land titles, multiple sales of the same property, and prolonged legal battles that have eroded public trust in real estate transactions.

For many Nigerians, buying land or property has historically been fraught with uncertainty, as weak documentation systems and fragmented records leave buyers vulnerable to fraud and financial loss. Industry data suggests that the country loses over ₦36 trillion annually in untitled and disputed land capital—resources that could otherwise support housing delivery, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

Under the new agreement, REDAN will leverage its nationwide network of verified and registered developers, while Sytemap will deploy its digital land and real estate infrastructure to simplify how properties are listed, mapped, verified, and transacted.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, REDAN President, Oba Akintoye Adeoye, described the partnership as a critical step toward restoring confidence in the property market. He said the initiative would create a trusted digital foundation that benefits developers, buyers, regulators, and institutional investors alike.

According to Adeoye, when real estate transactions are built on transparent and verifiable data, it reduces disputes, accelerates housing delivery, and strengthens investor confidence across the sector.

As part of the agreement, REDAN will facilitate the onboarding of its members onto RightHOME, a unified digital platform designed to host verified property listings and enforce consistent industry standards. Sytemap will provide the technology backbone, including digital mapping tools, transaction tracking systems, and fraud-prevention mechanisms, ensuring that properties listed on the platform are traceable and credible.

Real estate experts say the initiative could significantly reduce land-related fraud, particularly in high-growth corridors such as Lagos and Ogun states, where reports indicate hundreds of thousands of disputed land cases annually.

For ordinary Nigerians, the partnership promises clearer ownership records, fewer disputes, and faster transaction timelines. Developers, on the other hand, are expected to benefit from reduced operational friction, improved market credibility, and greater access to digitally confident buyers.

The Chief Executive Officer of Sytemap Technologies, Nnamdi Uba, said the collaboration represents more than a technological upgrade, stressing that it addresses the emotional and financial toll of insecure property investments.

“This is about dignity, security, and peace of mind for people investing their life savings,” Uba said, noting that REDAN’s endorsement signals that the real estate industry is ready to embrace a more accountable and transparent future.

The MoU was signed on behalf of Sytemap by its Chief Operating Officer, Ndifreke Ikokpu, while Cholatte Odunlade-Akeji, Chief Executive Officer of RightHOME, executed the agreement for the platform’s special purpose vehicle.

Analysts view the REDAN–Sytemap partnership as part of a broader shift toward digital transformation and institutional trust in Nigeria’s real estate sector, an industry considered critical to addressing the country’s housing deficit and unlocking long-term economic value.

The post REDAN Partners Sytemap to Digitise Property Transactions, Tackle Land Fraud Nationwide appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has raised concerns over what it described as widespread corruption within Nigeria’s housing and financial sectors, warning that the menace is crippling the country’s mortgage system and making homeownership increasingly difficult for citizens.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos as part of the Institute’s golden jubilee celebration, NIQS General Secretary, Azeez Ayodabo, urged the Federal Government to review existing mortgage policies to make access more flexible and income-based.

“The government should adjust mortgage thresholds according to income categories. It’s unrealistic to advertise a three-bedroom maisonette for a level six or seven civil servant. Housing schemes should be structured in categories—bungalows, flats, terraces, and duplexes—to match citizens’ earnings,” Ayodabo said.

He lamented that corruption and lack of transparency have weakened the system. According to him, many developers who accessed government loans between 2006 and 2009 failed to deliver affordable homes despite receiving public funds.

“Corruption has eroded the mortgage system. Some exploited connections to access loans meant for the public and diverted funds, forcing the government to take direct control of the process,” he added.

Ayodabo also stressed the vital role of quantity surveyors in ensuring cost efficiency and project integrity.

“Quantity surveyors should be involved throughout projects, not just in preparing the Bill of Quantities. Their oversight prevents cost overruns, material substitution, and poor workmanship,” he explained.

Lagos Chapter Chairman, Rilwan Balogun, called for broader inclusion of quantity surveyors in national infrastructure projects, noting that their expertise is critical to transparency and value for money.

“Engaging QS consortiums early in projects like the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway could have prevented inflated costs and opacity,” he stated.

Balogun added that government should mandate the submission of properly prepared Bills of Quantities for all building approvals to reduce cases of abandoned and substandard projects.

Also speaking, NIQS Deputy Chairman, Femi Falusi, highlighted the encroachment of non-professionals into the QS field due to technology misuse.

He called for policies that make it mandatory for all cost estimates and Bills of Quantities to be prepared and stamped by registered quantity surveyors, adding that the Institute continues to encourage members to embrace digital tools and innovation to remain competitive.

The post Corruption Eroding Nigeria’s Mortgage System, NIQS Warns appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Experts Call for End to Rivalry in Building Industr

Experts in Nigeria’s real estate and construction sector have called for more cooperation and unity among professionals to solve the many problems facing the industry.

They said rivalry and lack of teamwork among builders, architects, engineers, and other professionals are slowing down growth in the sector.

The call was made at the two-day Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Lagos State chapter. The theme of the event was “Collaboration, Cooperation and Inclusiveness for Successful and Sustainable Building Delivery.”

Some of the problems discussed include substandard building materials, weak laws, building collapses, poor training of artisans, rising prices of materials, and the use of unqualified workers.

Vice President and Chairman, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), South West, Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, said professionals must work together to move the industry forward.

“We can’t continue working separately. The situation in the building sector is so bad that some construction quotations expire within a week due to price increases,” he said.

Adeyemi urged government to enforce the National Building Code in all states and encourage schools to teach students how to work together on real-life building projects.

Chairman of the event and Managing Director, Megamound Investment Limited, Mr. Olumide Osunsina, said successful projects require cooperation between government, communities, and the private sector.

“No single person or group can build a sustainable project alone,” he said, adding that government should make approval processes easier and promote partnerships that include sustainability goals.

Chairman of NIOB Lagos, Mr. Thomas Adeoye, said the theme was a reminder for everyone in the building sector to “think strategically, build responsibly, and collaborate deeply.”

Also, President of NIOB, Mr. Bimbo Kolade, represented by Third Vice President, Dr. Emmanuel Aladeloba, said building is a team effort that needs the input of many professionals.

Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Dr. Samson Opaluwah, represented by the Registrar, Mr. Adetunji Adeniran, said the council is already partnering with other organizations to improve professional skills and promote inclusiveness in the industry.

The post Experts Call for End to Rivalry in Building Industry appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Despite a steady decline in Nigeria’s inflation rate, prices of key building materials such as cement and iron rods have remained stubbornly high, raising concerns for builders and developers across the country.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that headline inflation eased for the fifth consecutive month, dropping to 20.12 percent in August from 21.88 percent in July 2025. However, this decline has yet to translate into relief in the construction sector, where prices have largely stayed elevated.

BusinessDay market checks reveal that as of last week, a 50kg bag of Dangote cement sold for N10,200 in Lagos, while Lafarge and Elephant brands went for N10,000. In Enugu, prices were even higher, ranging between N10,200 and N10,500 depending on the brand and location, according to dealer Samuel Chinwendu.

Similarly, iron rods have seen little price movement in recent months. “One length of 12mm rod sells for N9,500 for the local brand and N12,500 for the imported ones,” said Sebastin Ovie, a building materials seller in Ojo, Lagos.

Other materials such as sand and granite have also held steady, selling at N50,000 and N60,000 per ton respectively over the past six months.

Industry watchers attribute the stubbornly high prices to factors including currency depreciation, increased demand from government-backed infrastructure projects, and market dynamics that do not always mirror the inflation trend.

The sustained high cost of materials is expected to continue exerting pressure on construction costs, potentially slowing down housing delivery and infrastructure development in the short term.

By: Chuka Uroko

Source: Business Day

The post Building Materials Prices Remain High Despite Inflation Drop appeared first on Housing TV Africa.