FirstBank, in collaboration with the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), has highlighted opportunities for Nigerians to access affordable mortgage financing as part of efforts to reduce the country’s housing deficit and improve access to homeownership.

The financial institutions made this known during a home loan webinar themed, “Beyond Rent: The Path to Home Ownership Leveraging FirstBank-MREIF Home Loan Scheme to Build Long-Term Wealth.”

The webinar was aimed at informing Nigerians in both the formal and informal sectors about available mortgage opportunities and how they can use the scheme to finance homeownership.

Under the FirstBank-MREIF home loan scheme, eligible applicants can access mortgages with repayment periods of up to 20 years at a fixed interest rate of 9.75 per cent per annum, subject to applicable terms and eligibility requirements.

The webinar also highlighted the broader opportunities provided through MREIF, an initiative of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, which seeks to expand access to long-term mortgage financing and address Nigeria’s housing deficit.

The fund ultimately aims to mobilise up to N1 trillion to expand mortgage access and support housing development across the country.

Speaking during the webinar, FirstBank’s Head of Personal Banking, Chukwuka Okonkwo, said the partnership was designed to broaden access to mortgage financing and contribute to closing Nigeria’s housing deficit.

Okonkwo said FirstBank’s extensive branch network and digital lending platforms provided the bank with the capacity to support Nigerians seeking to own homes.

He said the bank had also established partnerships with developers across several states after conducting research to identify properties that qualify for mortgage financing.

According to him, the bank intends to extend the mortgage opportunity to Nigerians in the diaspora and provide an end-to-end homeownership solution.

He said the partnership with MREIF would help ensure that the scheme reaches Nigerians across several states.

FirstBank’s Head of Security Documentation and Transactional Support, Legal Services, Uzoamaka Ihegazie, also explained the measures the bank takes to protect customers through proper property documentation.

She said the bank verifies property ownership and land documentation before financing is provided.

According to her, the process includes obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy, charting the survey plan to establish that the land is properly allocated for residential purposes and conducting title verification.

She said these documentation and verification processes were necessary to protect customers and prevent ownership-related problems after they take possession of their properties.

Also speaking, Executive Director, Sales and Investment, Leadway Pensure, Oluwafemi Adebayo, commended FirstBank for providing Nigerians with an opportunity to access mortgage financing.

He said access to homeownership was particularly important for Nigerians preparing for retirement, while also highlighting the possibility of using Retirement Savings Account pension schemes to procure property and create wealth.

The National Coordinator of MREIF, Sani Yakubu, said the fund was established to address Nigeria’s housing deficit by making long-term, low-cost mortgages available to average citizens while also stimulating activity in the construction sector.

Yakubu said many Nigerians had already benefited from the initiative and encouraged more eligible Nigerians to apply.

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The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has backed Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, over his call for economic policies that would improve the earning capacity and living conditions of young Nigerians.

NYCN Lagos Chairman, Mr Adigun Ibrahim, made the position known in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday, saying the council agreed that stronger incomes were essential to helping young people cope with rising housing and living costs.

Ibrahim said the challenge facing young workers extended beyond employment opportunities to whether their earnings were sufficient to support independent living. He noted that rent and other essential expenses were placing increasing pressure on young people whose incomes had not kept pace with the cost of living.

Hamzat had argued that improving the economy should include creating conditions that allow citizens, particularly young people, to earn more. He also pointed to the reliance of many young workers on parents and relatives for accommodation, especially at the early stages of their careers.

According to the deputy governor, controlling the cost of essential goods and services should be part of efforts to improve living conditions. The comments highlight the connection between household purchasing power and access to housing, particularly for workers attempting to establish independent households.

READ ALSO : Taraba Takes Delivery of 188 Federal Housing Units, Promises Transparent Allocation

Ibrahim said NYCN welcomed the emphasis on affordability but stressed that assistance from family members should serve as a temporary support system rather than a substitute for economic and housing policies that enable young people to live independently.

The council called for greater investment in affordable housing, improved wages, decent employment and economic programmes targeted at young people. It also advocated wider access to housing finance to help young workers obtain decent accommodation without placing excessive pressure on their incomes.

The issue has broader implications for Nigeria’s housing sector because housing affordability is closely tied to income levels and access to finance. Even where housing supply exists, workers may struggle to secure suitable accommodation when rents, transport costs and other household expenses consume a large share of their earnings.

For the mortgage and housing finance market, the NYCN position also points to the importance of creating financing options that reflect the realities of younger workers. Access to suitable housing finance can be difficult when income is low or unstable, limiting the ability of many potential buyers to transition from renting to homeownership.

Ibrahim said policies should not require young Nigerians to reduce their ambitions because of economic constraints. Instead, he argued that government and other stakeholders should work toward an economy in which young people can earn enough to pursue independent lives and meet basic needs.

The NYCN chairman commended Hamzat for connecting discussions about youth welfare with earnings, housing and broader economic conditions. He also reaffirmed the council’s willingness to work with the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders on measures aimed at improving economic opportunities and living conditions for young Nigerians.

The wider significance of the discussion lies in the relationship between employment, income and housing affordability. For Nigeria’s growing young population, sustainable access to decent housing will depend not only on increasing housing supply but also on creating economic conditions that give workers the purchasing power and financing capacity to afford it.

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Two people have died after a refuse dump collapsed on a building in Ikot Effanga, along Old Odukpani Road in Calabar, Cross River State.

The incident happened in the early hours of Friday, August 28, 2026. The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the deaths in a statement issued on Friday.

Two Occupants Die

Police officers responded to the scene after receiving a report of the collapse. They found that a large refuse dump had fallen onto a building reportedly located within a valley.

The police identified one of the victims as Nfon Imé, a male. The second victim was a woman whose identity remains unknown.

Both victims were inside the building when the refuse collapsed. Rescue efforts later recovered their bodies from the scene.

Police took the bodies to a mortuary, according to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah.

Police Begin Investigation

The police command has started investigating the incident. Officers are also assessing the site to understand what caused the refuse dump to collapse.

The command has not yet established the full circumstances that led to the deaths. It said investigators would provide more information after they verify the facts.

READ ALSO : Two Rescued After One-Storey Building Collapses in Kubwa, Abuja

Police also appealed to residents to remain calm. The command warned against speculation while the investigation continues.

Housing Safety Concerns

The incident raises concerns about the safety of buildings located near large waste dumps and other high-risk areas.

The location of a building plays an important role in housing safety. Developers and property owners need to consider the condition of the land before construction begins.

Valleys and other low-lying areas can present special challenges. Developers may need to assess the land, drainage and surrounding environment before putting up buildings.

Poor waste disposal can also create problems in urban areas. Large waste piles can block drainage channels and place extra pressure on nearby land and structures.

Importance of Proper Urban Planning

The Calabar incident also shows why proper urban planning matters to housing development.

Safe housing depends on more than the construction of a strong building. Authorities and developers must also consider land use, drainage, waste disposal and the wider environment.

Building approval and enforcement can help prevent development in unsuitable locations. Regular monitoring can also help authorities identify risks before they threaten residents.

However, the police have not blamed any individual, developer or agency for the incident. The investigation is still underway, and the cause of the collapse has yet to be fully established.

Investigation Continues

The Cross River State Police Command said it would release further details as investigators confirm more information about the incident.

The deaths at Ikot Effanga highlight the need for greater attention to housing safety, waste management and land-use planning. As the investigation continues, its findings may help explain what caused the refuse dump to collapse and whether any preventable risks contributed to the tragedy.

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Two residents escaped serious danger on Friday after part of a one-storey residential building collapsed in Kubwa 2/2, near Yellow Page, Abuja.

The victims were inside the ground floor when the right section of the building suddenly gave way at about 11:30am. Rescue teams pulled both residents from the rubble alive and took them to Kubwa General Hospital for treatment.

The Head of Media and Public Relations at the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Nkechi Isa, confirmed the incident in a statement.

Rescue Operation

FEMD received a distress call about eight minutes after the collapse, at 11:38am. The agency then mobilised its response team to the affected property.

Rescuers reached the scene and worked to free the two trapped residents. Both victims survived the incident and remain in stable condition at the hospital.

No death has been reported in connection with the collapse.

The affected property contains six blocks of flats. However, most of the other occupants were away when the incident occurred. Their absence helped reduce the number of people exposed to the collapse.

Despite the successful rescue, the incident caused major damage to personal belongings and household items belonging to residents.

Authorities Begin Investigation

The Department of Development Control also responded to the scene alongside the FCT Police Command.

The agencies moved to secure the area and begin inquiries into what caused the structural failure. Authorities have not yet released a cause for the collapse.

The investigation will be important in determining whether issues linked to construction, structural integrity or compliance with approved building requirements played any role.

Building Safety and Housing in Abuja

The Kubwa incident again draws attention to the importance of building safety in Abuja’s growing residential communities.

Nigeria continues to face strong demand for housing. As developers respond to that demand, construction quality and regulatory compliance remain important parts of safe housing delivery.

Building approvals, proper structural design and effective site supervision can help reduce risks during construction and occupancy. Development control agencies also play an important role in ensuring that projects follow approved plans and relevant building requirements.

Building failures can have consequences beyond physical damage. Residents may lose household possessions, face temporary displacement and incur unexpected costs after a collapse.

For property owners and developers, the incident also highlights the need to treat structural safety as a core part of housing development. Affordable housing should not come at the expense of safety or compliance with construction standards.

Wider Housing Implications

The collapse in Kubwa highlights a wider challenge for Nigeria’s housing sector. The country needs more homes, but it also needs homes that can provide safe and secure living conditions.

Authorities, developers and other construction professionals all have roles to play in maintaining building standards. Stronger monitoring and timely intervention can help identify potential risks before they become emergencies.

For now, the two rescued residents remain under medical care at Kubwa General Hospital. Meanwhile, the relevant FCT authorities will continue to secure the site and investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

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The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has approved a nationwide audit of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to check compliance with the enhanced entry-point policy for engineers in the public service.

The council also plans to renew discussions with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) on the implementation of the policy.

COREN reached the decisions during its 190th Ordinary Council Meeting in Abuja.

COREN Steps Up Regulatory Enforcement

COREN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Okorie Uche, announced the decisions on Thursday.

Uche said the council would strengthen compliance and enforcement across the engineering profession. The measures will focus on professional standards, technical skills, regulation and public safety.

He said COREN wants engineering professionals and firms to meet established regulatory requirements.

The council also approved the registration of 2,001 engineering practitioners.

The new registrants include 1,410 engineers, 227 engineering technologists and 15 engineering technicians. The list also contains 334 engineering craftsmen and 15 expatriate practitioners.

COREN also approved 33 engineering firms for registration across different areas of engineering practice.

Renewable Energy Certification Gets Attention

The council approved full accreditation for some firms under its Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE) Certification Scheme.

COREN runs the scheme in partnership with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).

The initiative aims to improve professional capacity and promote standards in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The council also reviewed certification examination results from seven training centres. A total of 478 candidates took the examinations, while 177 candidates passed.

COREN then directed Enerplaz Paygo Solutions in Port Harcourt to adopt the COREN/NESP-approved Solar Photovoltaic Installation Training Curriculum.

Stronger Response to Engineering Failures

The council also considered the problem of recurring engineering failures and building collapses.

COREN approved measures to strengthen its regulatory intervention and enforcement activities. The council said the measures would help it respond more effectively to breaches that could put lives and property at risk.

The new approach includes a competency development programme for Engineering Regulation Inspection Officers.

COREN also approved a wider regulatory strategy. The plan includes a nationwide public awareness campaign and an integrated digital compliance and verification platform.

Other measures include mandatory COREN compliance for engineering procurement and approvals. The council also plans to strengthen Engineering Compliance Inspectorate Units.

National Engineering Practice Database Planned

COREN plans to establish a National Engineering Practice Database.

The database will support the monitoring, verification and regulation of engineering activities across Nigeria.

The council also intends to work more closely with relevant government agencies. It will enforce stricter compliance with annual practising licence requirements.

The move could give regulators better information about engineering professionals and firms operating across the country.

COREN to Regulate Engineering Artisans

The council also approved the automation of registration for engineering artisans and Skills Training Centres through the COREN Portal.

It further approved measures to strengthen the recognition and regulation of engineering craftsmen.

COREN will collaborate with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to develop National Occupational Standards for several technical occupations.

These occupations include bicycle mechanics, GSM phone repairs, satellite installation, tractor operation and maintenance, motor body building and transmission repairs.

The move is aimed at improving technical skills and creating clearer standards for different engineering-related occupations.

New Framework for Engineering Education

COREN also approved the implementation of the National Engineering Admission Quota and Carrying Capacity Enforcement Framework.

The framework will support quality assurance in engineering education. It will also help ensure that engineering programmes at Nigerian universities remain within approved capacity and standards.

The council further approved revised Terms of Reference for its Codes and Standards Committee.

The committee will focus on developing, reviewing, promoting and monitoring engineering codes and standards.

COREN Approves Engineering Fee Scale

The council approved the adoption of the Engineering Sliding Scale of Fees in Nigeria (ESSOFIN).

COREN also plans to hold regional stakeholder engagement workshops before the end of 2026.

The workshops will allow practitioners, government institutions and other industry stakeholders to discuss the new measures. They are also expected to support consultation, consensus-building and wider acceptance of the initiatives.

The nationwide MDA audit and other regulatory measures come as COREN seeks to strengthen oversight of engineering practice in Nigeria. Effective enforcement of professional standards remains important to the safety and quality of buildings, infrastructure and other engineering projects across the country.

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About 91.4% of Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) registered under Nigeria’s Personal Pension Plan (PPP) had no contributions at the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Data from the National Pension Commission (PenCom) showed that 219,316 PPP RSAs had been registered by the end of March. Only 18,811 accounts, or 8.58%, had received contributions.

This left 200,505 registered accounts without funding.

PPP Contributions Reach N147.16 Million

Despite the large number of unfunded accounts, contributions under the scheme continued during the quarter.

PPP contributors paid N147.16 million into their accounts between January and March 2026. This brought total contributions since the scheme began to N1.66 billion.

The figures point to a wide gap between registration and actual participation. Many Nigerians have opened personal pension accounts but have yet to make contributions.

The data came from PenCom’s first-quarter 2026 pension industry report.

Personal Pension Withdrawals

The report also recorded withdrawals from personal pension accounts during the quarter.

Fifteen Personal Pension Contributors (PPCs) withdrew a combined N11.12 million on a contingent basis. Four Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) processed the withdrawals.

Since the scheme began, 346 PPCs have made contingent withdrawals. Their total withdrawals stood at N124.30 million.

The report also showed differences in market share among PFAs. AccessARM accounted for 33.64% of new PPP RSA registrations during the first quarter.

Its cumulative share stood at 52.4% of all PPP RSAs.

PenCom Reviews Pension Contribution Rates

The PPP figures come as PenCom continues work on reforms to Nigeria’s pension system.

In July, the commission disclosed plans to review statutory pension contribution rates as part of its review of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014.

Under the existing framework, employers contribute at least 10% of an employee’s monthly emoluments. Employees contribute 8%.

Together, the mandatory contributions amount to 18%.

PenCom has indicated that the rate could increase under the proposed reforms. The commission is also working on a new investment vehicle that could direct some pension assets into critical infrastructure projects.

Pension Assets Continue to Grow

The low funding rate among PPP accounts contrasts with the continued growth of Nigeria’s wider pension industry.

PenCom’s unaudited industry report showed that total pension assets reached N31.32 trillion in May 2026.

That figure represented a 1.23% increase from N30.94 trillion in April. Pension assets rose by about N384.98 billion during the month.

The industry also recorded strong annual growth. Total pension assets increased by 29.5% from N24.18 trillion in May 2025.

The growth has increased the importance of pension savings within Nigeria’s financial system. It also gives pension fund managers a larger pool of capital to invest in approved assets.

Personal Pension Coverage Remains a Challenge

The latest PPP figures show that account registration alone does not guarantee retirement savings.

While more Nigerians continue to register pension accounts, the number of accounts receiving contributions remains relatively small. This creates a challenge for efforts to expand retirement protection among people outside the formal employment system.

The issue also matters for Nigeria’s long-term financial security. Regular pension contributions can help individuals build retirement savings while increasing the pool of domestic capital available for investment.

PenCom’s ongoing reforms will therefore face the dual challenge of increasing participation and ensuring that registered accounts become active savings vehicles.

The first-quarter data shows that Nigeria’s pension industry is growing in size, but the large number of unfunded personal pension accounts highlights the need to turn registration into consistent contributions. Closing that gap will be important for expanding retirement coverage and strengthening long-term savings in the country.

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The MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) has provided more than N140 billion in mortgage financing to over 2,000 Nigerians since it began operations in March 2025.

The Federal Government-backed housing finance initiative has expanded its reach across the country. Mortgage beneficiaries now span 27 states, according to Olubiyi Adekunbi, Head of Real Estate Investment at ARM Investment Managers.

Adekunbi disclosed the figures during a FirstBank webinar titled “Beyond Rent: The Path to Home Ownership Leveraging FirstBank-MREIF Home Loan Scheme to Build Long-Term Wealth.”

MREIF Mortgage Disbursements Begin in 2025

MREIF began mortgage disbursements in April 2025. By August 2026, more than 2,000 people had received financing through the scheme.

Adekunbi said the fund has maintained a relatively fast application process. He added that applicants do not need personal connections to move their applications through the system.

The quickest mortgage transaction under the programme took less than three weeks, he said. However, applicants must submit the required documents and complete all due diligence checks before approval.

Adekunbi said eligible applicants could potentially complete the process and secure a home within a month.

Mortgages Available Across 27 States

Lagos and Abuja account for the largest share of applications under the scheme. However, MREIF has extended mortgage financing to properties in 27 states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Properties in Ogun, Oyo, Enugu, Kano and Kaduna can qualify for financing. Applicants must provide valid land titles and clear ownership records for the properties.

The scheme also serves Nigerians living abroad, provided they meet the required eligibility and documentation conditions.

Adekunbi said the average age of applicants stands at 43. Mortgage repayment periods generally take retirement age into account.

Most loans are structured around a retirement age of 60. Some professionals, including lecturers and judges, may qualify for different arrangements because of their higher retirement ages.

Nigeria Needs More Housing Finance

The MREIF expansion comes as Nigeria continues to face a major shortage of housing.

Sani Yakubu, MREIF National Coordinator at the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), said Nigeria needs to build at least 700,000 housing units each year to address the housing gap.

He said the country currently produces about 100,000 units annually. The difference between required and actual housing production highlights the scale of the supply challenge.

Yakubu linked part of the problem to limited access to affordable mortgage finance. Developers also face difficulties raising capital and obtaining proper land documentation.

He said MREIF aims to support existing financial institutions rather than replace them. The fund, he explained, is intended to help strengthen the mortgage market and increase access to long-term housing finance.

Government Provides N150bn for First Tranche

The first N250 billion tranche of the MREIF programme received N150 billion from the Federal Government.

Private-sector investors contributed the remaining N100 billion. The tranche forms part of the wider N1 trillion MREIF programme registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Nigerian professionals developed the fund structure. Vetiva Capital Management serves as financial adviser, while STL Trustees acts as trustee and First Nominees serves as nominee.

The funding model is designed to attract additional capital into Nigeria’s real estate and mortgage sectors. Greater availability of long-term finance could help more households move from renting to home ownership.

MREIF Mortgage Terms

MREIF offers mortgages of up to N100 million at an interest rate of 9.75%. Eligible borrowers can repay the loans over periods of up to 20 years.

Applicants must provide at least 10% equity toward the property purchase. Contributors to the Contributory Pension Scheme can also use up to 25% of their Retirement Savings Account balance to meet the equity requirement.

MREIF caps its mortgage exposure at N100 million per property. Buyers seeking properties above that value must fund the balance through other sources.

These may include personal savings, approved pension withdrawals or other available funding.

MREIF Reports N14.49bn Profit

The mortgage expansion follows MREIF’s reported financial performance for the first half of 2026.

The fund recorded N14.49 billion in profit before tax for the six months ended June 30, 2026. It generated total income of N17.48 billion during the period.

Interest income from financial assets measured at amortised cost contributed N8.10 billion. Cash and cash equivalents generated a further N6.21 billion.

After a withholding tax charge of N250.5 million, profit after tax stood at N14.24 billion.

FirstBank Partnership Expands Mortgage Access

The latest figures also follow FirstBank’s partnership with MREIF to expand access to mortgage financing.

Under the partnership, eligible Nigerians can seek mortgage loans of up to N100 million. The initiative is part of broader efforts to increase access to home financing and support home ownership.

MREIF’s growing disbursement figures show the potential role of long-term mortgage finance in Nigeria’s housing market. However, expanding access will also require adequate housing supply, clear land titles and financing that households can sustain over the life of their loans.

For Nigeria’s housing sector, the continued rollout of MREIF could help connect homebuyers with longer-term finance while giving developers greater access to capital. The fund’s ability to expand beyond major markets will also be important as the country seeks to increase home ownership and narrow its housing supply gap.

The post MREIF Disburses N140bn in Mortgages to Over 2,000 Nigerians appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government has started construction of 241 housing units in Osogbo, Osun State.

The project sits on 33.3 hectares of land at East Bypass in the state capital. The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) is developing the estate through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Summit Group Ltd.

At the same time, the FHA has announced the completion of 300 housing units in Bwari, Abuja. The units are now ready for commissioning.

FHA Uses PPP Model for Osun Project

The FHA Managing Director, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, said the agency chose the PPP model to improve housing delivery.

Ojo spoke through the FHA Executive Director of Estate Services, Arc. Nya-Etok Ezekiel, at the ground-breaking ceremony in Osogbo.

He said the partnership would support innovation and improve efficiency. It would also help the project meet required development standards.

The FHA said the Osun project forms part of its wider effort to increase housing supply. The agency also aims to work with private investors to speed up development.

Nigeria continues to face a large gap between housing demand and supply. This makes new housing developments important for both urban growth and the construction sector.

Osogbo Estate to Include Commercial Facilities

The planned estate will use a mixed-use layout. It will combine residential buildings with commercial and recreational facilities.

The design will also include commercial and institutional areas. A clinic, police station, religious sites and a central sewage system are part of the planned infrastructure.

The FHA said the layout would bring homes, businesses and leisure facilities into one community. Such planning can help estates provide more than housing alone.

Summit Group Limited will construct the 241 housing units. Its Managing Director, Otunba Olalere Olabode, confirmed that the units would come in different sizes.

The 33.3-hectare site will therefore support a range of housing options within the same development.

FHA Highlights Housing Projects Across Nigeria

Ojo also highlighted other FHA projects across the country.

According to him, the agency began work on a partnership project in Ogun State on May 13, 2026. The FHA also launched the Renewed Hope Estate in Umuahia, Abia State, on April 11, 2026.

He said the agency had also pursued similar initiatives in Akwa Ibom and Kaduna states.

The FHA said these projects reflect its focus on housing delivery, job creation and economic growth. It also stressed the importance of considering local needs when planning new developments.

Bwari Housing Units Ready for Commissioning

The announcement of 300 completed units in Bwari adds another development to the FHA’s current housing portfolio.

Completion is an important stage in housing delivery. However, new estates also need supporting infrastructure and services to function effectively.

The Bwari project will now move towards commissioning, while the Osogbo development enters its construction phase.

Housing Delivery and Urban Development

The Osogbo project shows how government agencies can use private-sector partnerships to develop housing and supporting infrastructure.

PPP arrangements can help bring private investment and technical capacity into public housing projects. They can also spread development responsibilities between government agencies and private partners.

For prospective residents, however, the value of new housing will depend on factors such as location, infrastructure, housing size and affordability.

The two FHA developments in Osun and Abuja therefore highlight different stages of housing delivery. While the Osogbo project has just begun, the Bwari development has reached completion and is awaiting commissioning.

Both projects form part of the broader effort to increase housing supply and develop communities with supporting infrastructure. Their significance will ultimately depend on how effectively the homes meet the needs of residents and contribute to the growth of their respective locations.

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The Federal Government has pledged to include judicial officers and court personnel in its housing interventions across Nigeria.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), retired Justice Babatunde Adejumo (OFR).

Darma said the ministry would carry the judiciary along as it implements housing projects across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

FG Targets Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

The minister said the government remains committed to reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit, which he estimated at about 15 million units.

He acknowledged the scale of the challenge. However, he said sustained commitment, proper planning, strong partnerships and joint efforts could help reduce the gap.

Darma also assured judicial officers and court workers that they would not be excluded from federal housing programmes.

The minister said the housing ministry takes a broad national approach to its projects. The programmes cover different locations and levels of government, including states and local government areas.

He added that the ministry would continue to seek partnerships with institutions that can support the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda.

Judiciary Seeks Housing Consideration

Adejumo commended the Federal Government for its efforts to tackle the country’s housing shortage.

He also called on the ministry to consider the housing needs of judicial officers and court personnel when allocating homes under its housing programmes.

According to him, members of the judiciary and court staff also face housing challenges. He therefore expressed the NJI’s willingness to work with the ministry through lawful and legitimate partnerships.

Adejumo stressed that such cooperation must respect the independence and constitutional duties of the judiciary.

NJI Offers Training Support

The proposed partnership could also cover training and human capacity development.

Adejumo said the NJI has conference facilities and other resources that the ministry could use for relevant training programmes.

The institute provides training, capacity building and continuing education for judicial officers and court personnel.

He said cooperation between the two institutions could create opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional development.

The partnership could also help both organisations develop training programmes linked to the implementation of housing policies and programmes.

Housing and Public Sector Welfare

The discussion highlights the wider role of housing in public-sector welfare.

Government housing programmes do not only involve the construction of homes. They also involve land, infrastructure, finance, allocation and access to suitable locations.

For the housing and construction sectors, wider government housing programmes can also support demand for new developments. They can create opportunities for developers, contractors, financiers and other professionals across the property value chain.

The inclusion of judicial officers and court personnel could therefore form part of a broader effort to address housing needs among public-sector workers.

The Federal Government’s engagement with the NJI also shows the importance of institutional partnerships in delivering housing programmes. As Nigeria works to reduce its housing deficit, effective planning and transparent implementation will remain important to expanding access to decent housing.

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REDAN Seeks New Housing Finance Models

The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has called for stronger blended finance structures to increase investment in Nigeria’s housing and infrastructure sectors.

REDAN President, Oba Akintoye Adeoye, made the call at the 2026 Africa Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Conference and Exhibition in Lagos.

John Saka, Executive Secretary and Business Development Specialist at REDAN’s national secretariat, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.

Adeoye said Nigeria’s housing and infrastructure needs require more than traditional sources of funding. He called for closer cooperation among government, developers, mortgage institutions, commercial banks and development finance institutions.

He also identified institutional investors and other sources of capital as important partners in expanding housing investment.

Blended Finance Could Support Housing Investment

Blended finance combines public, private and development-focused funds to reduce investment risks. It can also help attract private capital to projects that may face funding challenges under normal commercial terms.

Adeoye said this approach could help developers finance more housing projects while improving affordability for Nigerians.

He urged REDAN and the Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN) to promote financing models that support sustainable and affordable housing.

According to him, stronger links between developers and financial institutions could create better conditions for long-term investment in the sector.

The issue is important because housing projects often require significant upfront capital. Developers also need access to financing that matches the long development periods of housing and infrastructure projects.

Better financing structures could therefore support projects that might struggle to secure funding through conventional commercial loans alone.

REDAN Pushes Green Innovation

Adeoye also urged real estate developers to adopt more green technologies and sustainable construction practices.

He said developers could improve efficiency and long-term value through energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy and sustainable construction materials.

He also highlighted water efficiency, waste management, climate-resilient infrastructure and smart technologies as areas with room for greater innovation.

Adeoye said developers should view sustainable real estate as an investment rather than simply an additional cost.

Energy-efficient buildings can reduce operating expenses over time. Sustainable materials and better resource management can also improve building performance and the experience of occupants.

For Nigeria’s housing industry, the shift towards sustainable development could also support buildings that are better prepared for environmental and climate-related pressures.

Governance Remains Critical

The REDAN president also stressed the need for stronger governance across the real estate sector.

He identified transparency, accountability, ethical business practices and responsible leadership as key elements of a credible property market.

Adeoye said good governance can strengthen consumer confidence and improve investor trust. It can also support access to finance and improve the credibility of real estate businesses.

Strong governance remains important to both developers and consumers. Clear business practices can help protect buyers while creating greater confidence among financial institutions and investors.

ESG Conference Focuses on Practical Solutions

The 2026 Africa ESG Conference and Exhibition focused on the theme, “ESG as a Competitive Advantage: Blended Finance, Green Innovation, and Governance for Nigeria’s Real Estate Future.”

REDAN and the Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria jointly organised the conference. The Nigeria Mega Project Expo 2026 partnered with both organisations for the event.

The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss how environmental, social and governance principles can influence Nigeria’s real estate sector.

Adeoye urged participants to move beyond discussions and focus on practical solutions and partnerships.

For Nigeria’s housing market, the discussion highlights the close link between finance, sustainability and good governance. Expanding access to suitable funding, encouraging efficient building practices and improving industry standards can help create stronger conditions for housing and infrastructure investment.

The wider significance lies in bringing developers, lenders, government agencies and investors closer together. Such cooperation can help the sector develop financing models and business practices that support a more sustainable and accessible real estate market.

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