Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has said the reinforced concrete pavement being deployed on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is designed to last between 50 and 100 years with minimal maintenance.

Umahi said the technology forms part of the Federal Government’s strategy to construct roads capable of handling heavy traffic while reducing the need for frequent reconstruction.

“We are talking of 50 to 100-year guarantee for reinforced concrete pavement, with low maintenance,” the minister said.

According to him, the durability of the pavement is particularly important for major economic corridors expected to carry heavy commercial traffic.

55km Coastal Highway Section Nears Concrete Pavement Completion

Umahi disclosed that construction work on the 55-kilometre Section Two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is progressing, with the concrete pavement expected to be completed in November.

He, however, said some bridges and flyovers would require additional time because of engineering challenges around the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Sea Port corridors.

The minister explained that the structures must be designed to accommodate heavy-duty trucks while also taking the soil conditions in the area into consideration.

Government Plans Drainage Works

Umahi also disclosed plans to address drainage concerns along the completed section of the highway.

He said service lanes and drainage channels were being incorporated to improve the evacuation of floodwater from the coastal corridor.

“We are creating five-foot drainage channels on both sides, and culverts will cross the coastal highway to connect to Lagos State drainage channels that lead to the lagoon,” he said.

The minister maintained that the highway was designed to withstand the environmental and traffic pressures associated with the coastal corridor.

The Federal Ministry of Finance has similarly stated that the highway is being constructed with continuously reinforced concrete pavement designed for a minimum lifespan of 50 years with minimal maintenance.

The post Lagos-Calabar Highway: Umahi Reveals How Concrete Pavement Will Cut Maintenance Costs appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Flooding has disrupted life and economic activities in Nkpolu-Rumuigbo community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, with residents and business owners counting losses after heavy rainfall left parts of the area submerged.

The flooding affected homes, businesses, roads and other facilities, making movement difficult and forcing some residents to move their belongings to safer locations.

Several business owners in the affected areas were unable to open their shops or continue normal operations as floodwater spread across streets and commercial areas.

Residents said the situation has become a major concern as rising water continues to affect movement and daily activities in the community.

The flooding has also added pressure to communities across Port Harcourt and surrounding areas that have experienced widespread inundation following heavy rainfall.

Businesses forced to close

Businesses around Nkpolu and neighbouring communities have been particularly affected, with traders and other operators unable to access their premises.

The disruption has resulted in lost trading hours and damage to property and goods, adding to the economic burden on residents who depend on daily business activities for their livelihoods.

Similar disruptions have been reported in other parts of Rivers State, where flooding has affected commercial activities, schools, religious centres and residential areas.

Homes and residents affected

For residents living in low-lying parts of the affected communities, the floodwater has made it difficult to remain in their homes.

Some residents have had to move valuable belongings to higher locations or leave flooded buildings altogether.

Reports from other affected communities in Rivers State described residents attempting to rescue household items from rising water, while some families were forced to seek temporary shelter elsewhere.

The flooding has also affected schools and other community facilities. In Nkpolu, rising water forced activities at Rumuakoara Community Secondary School to be disrupted, while schools in other affected communities also experienced difficulties.

Religious activities have equally been affected in some locations, with churches and other public facilities recording reduced activities or shutting down because residents could no longer move freely through flooded areas.

Roads and movement disrupted

Flooding has continued to affect movement along several roads and communities in and around Port Harcourt.

Areas reported to have experienced flooding include Nkpolu, Rumuigbo, Rumuekini, Ozouba, Choba, Eneka, NTA Road, Stadium Road, Mgboba, GRA, Peter Odili Road, Rupokwu, Alakahia, Oyigbo, Atali, Rumulumeni, Rumoaholi and other communities.

Some roads became difficult or impossible to navigate, leaving motorists and pedestrians stranded and disrupting access to homes and businesses.

The recurring flooding has also renewed concerns about drainage, road infrastructure and the ability of existing urban infrastructure to cope with heavy rainfall.

Growing concern over recurring flooding

Flooding has become a recurring challenge in several parts of Port Harcourt, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.

Earlier reports on the Nkpolu-Rumuigbo axis have also highlighted the condition of Obi Wali Road, where flooding has previously disrupted businesses and movement between Rumuigbo Junction and Nkpolu Junction.

Residents and traders in the area have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of flooding on businesses and transportation.

The latest incident has again drawn attention to the need for effective drainage systems, functioning roads and stronger flood management measures in vulnerable communities.

For residents and business owners affected by the latest flooding, the immediate concern remains the recovery of damaged property and goods, restoration of access and measures to prevent similar losses when heavy rainfall returns.

With flooding affecting several communities across Rivers State, the situation continues to highlight the challenges facing urban areas where drainage and road infrastructure have struggled to cope with intense rainfall.

The post Rivers Flood: Homes, Shops and Businesses Hit by Rising Waters in Port Harcourt appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents and road users in Edo State have called for the speedy completion of the Benin-Warri-Sapele Road, saying faster construction would ease transportation challenges and revive businesses along the corridor.

The residents also commended the Federal and Edo State governments for work already carried out on the road, which they said had suffered years of deterioration.

The development was reported by South-South PUNCH after its correspondent visited the bypass section of the road in Ogheghe.

The road reportedly received renewed attention after Governor Monday Okpebholo assumed office, with the state government taking over the reconstruction of a significant portion following Federal Government approval.

Other sections are also being handled by the Federal Government, providing some relief for motorists and commuters travelling between Edo and Delta states.

Driver urges government to speed up work

A driver, John Osa, who said he had used the road for more than 15 years, welcomed the ongoing reconstruction.

“I am excited that the road is being reconstructed. But the government must put more effort so that the work can be finished on time,” Osa said.

He urged the authorities to intensify construction efforts to improve the movement of passengers and goods along the route.

A motorcycle rider, Aliyu Dahiru, also commended the Edo State Government for intervening in the road’s reconstruction.

Dahiru said poor road conditions had previously forced motorists and motorcycle riders to spend more money repairing their vehicles.

Business owners hope reconstruction revives trade

Business owners along the affected corridor also expressed optimism that completing the reconstruction would restore commercial activities in the area.

A businesswoman identified simply as Joy said the poor condition of the road had forced several businesses to shut down or relocate.

“I only just reopened my shop and the business is picking up gradually,” she said.

Joy expressed confidence that commercial activities would improve further once the reconstruction is completed.

She also thanked the governments responsible for the ongoing work.

Residents welcome Umahi’s inspection

Another resident, Francis, said travelling time on the road had already reduced since reconstruction began.

He expressed hope that the recent inspection of the project by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, would accelerate completion.

“I am happy that the minister was here recently to inspect the road; it means that the federal government is interested in the completion of the road,” Francis said.

During the minister’s inspection, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) announced plans to take over about 15.4 kilometres of the road.

The commission also promised to work with officials of Edo and Delta states to ensure seamless execution of the project.

Residents are now urging the relevant authorities to sustain the momentum and complete the remaining sections as quickly as possible.

They believe a fully reconstructed Benin-Warri-Sapele Road would improve transportation, reduce vehicle maintenance costs and support businesses along the corridor.

The post Sapele Road: Edo Residents Send Fresh Message to FG, Okpebholo appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents and commuters along the Agric-Isawo axis of Ikorodu, Lagos State, have received relief following the opening of the inbound section of the AFA Bridge to traffic.

For years, road users in the area had endured flooded roads, difficult bridge crossings and prolonged journeys due to the poor condition of the route.

The opening of the inbound carriageway is expected to ease movement in the area, although construction work is still ongoing on the outbound section.

AFA Bridge Inbound Section Opens

The development followed an inspection of ongoing road and bridge projects by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Olutokunbo Oyenuga, and other technical directors.

Speaking during the inspection, Daramola said the inbound section of the AFA Bridge on Agric-Isawo Road had been opened to motorists.

“It is bye-bye to driving through the floodplain. Construction, however, continues on the outbound section,” he said.

A commuter, Emmanuel Dickson, described the opening as a major relief after years of difficulties navigating the area.

He commended the Lagos State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying residents could now cross the route without facing the challenges previously associated with the road.

Motorists Warned Over Construction Zone

Oyenuga urged motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution, noting that the area remained a construction zone.

He advised motorists to obey speed limits and traffic instructions while warning against unauthorised bus stops and passenger loading around the bridge.

Pedestrians were also advised to use designated walkways and stay away from construction areas.

The Chairman of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area, Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, commended the state government for addressing the challenges faced by residents and road users.

He pledged the council’s support for the proper management and maintenance of the infrastructure.

The Baale of Ajagunro-Owutu, Chief S.O. Orepitan Iwofun, also welcomed the development, saying residents of the Isawo axis had endured significant hardship because of the poor state of the road.

Itowolo Bridge Rehabilitation Underway

The inspection team also visited the ongoing rehabilitation of Itowolo Bridge and reconstruction of the Aruna U-Turn in Ikorodu Local Government Area.

The Baale of Itowolo, Chief Sikiru Kolawole Aregbeshola, said the rehabilitation addressed a longstanding concern in the community.

He expressed appreciation to the state government for responding to repeated appeals for intervention, noting that the project would improve mobility and make transportation safer for residents.

At Mile 12 in Kosofe Local Council, the team inspected the Maidan-Patele Link Bridge and Approach Roads project.

The project involves upgrading the existing pedestrian bridge to accommodate both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

A resident, Dennis Adeola, said the pedestrian bridge had been unusable for almost four years, forcing residents to rely on canoes, particularly during rainfall.

He said the situation had been especially difficult for elderly residents and had contributed to long queues and delays in the community.

Lagos Government Promises Completion of Projects

Daramola said the projects were part of the Lagos State Government’s wider investment in road and bridge infrastructure across the state.

According to him, the inspection was part of the administration’s routine monitoring of ongoing infrastructure projects.

He assured residents that the projects would be completed on schedule and urged road users to obey traffic signs and avoid construction areas.

Daramola also appealed to residents to protect the infrastructure, stressing that the projects were funded with taxpayers’ money.

He added that the government would work with relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement and sensitise residents on the need to protect public infrastructure.

The post Lagos Opens Agric-Isawo Bridge Section, Ends Years of Flood-Related Hardship appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Ogun promotes flexible housing finance

The Ogun State Government is expanding its affordable housing programme as it seeks to help more residents become homeowners.

The government is using flexible financing, new housing projects and community regeneration to address some of the barriers to home ownership.

State Commissioner for Housing, Jamiu Omoniyi, disclosed this during an X community conversation on affordable housing, financing and opportunities in Ogun State. More than 2,500 people took part in the discussion.

Omoniyi said many prospective homeowners struggle with the high cost of construction. He also noted that many residents cannot afford to pay the full cost of a house at once.

Rent-to-Own scheme targets more residents

The commissioner highlighted the proposed Prince Court Estate at Kobape Phase IV as one of the projects offering a flexible route to home ownership.

He urged prospective buyers to consider the Rent-to-Own scheme for the estate. Gateway Mortgage Bank is partnering with the state government on the scheme.

The arrangement could help residents who cannot afford an outright property purchase. It allows the government to link housing delivery with a financing option for eligible beneficiaries.

Omoniyi said the state’s housing policy goes beyond building houses. He said the government also wants to create conditions that allow genuine beneficiaries to access and maintain their homes.

More housing projects across Ogun

The government has developed housing schemes in several parts of the state. These include Kobape Phases I–III, Kemta, Itanrin, Ikenne and Iperu.

According to Omoniyi, the projects target different groups of middle-income earners. The government has also expanded its intervention to existing communities through regeneration projects.

READ ALSO : How FG’s N10bn Housing Scheme Could Ease Nigeria’s Housing Burden on Civil Servants

These projects include areas such as Ibara GRA in Abeokuta and GRA Ijebu-Ode. The regeneration work aims to improve existing neighbourhoods while supporting economic activity in the built environment.

Housing projects create artisan jobs

Omoniyi also pointed to the impact of the ministry’s direct-labour approach.

He said more than 5,000 artisans had gained income opportunities through various housing project sites.

The approach allows local artisans to take part in housing construction. It also helps the ministry monitor projects more closely and reduce some construction costs.

The commissioner said the model also increases opportunities for local content providers within Ogun’s built environment.

Government subsidises land and infrastructure

Omoniyi described housing as a social service of government. He said the state subsidises land costs and provides major infrastructure within its estates.

These measures aim to reduce the financial burden on beneficiaries. Land, infrastructure and construction costs can significantly affect the final price of a home.

The government is also working to improve security of tenure for people who have subscribed to its housing schemes.

Omoniyi said the ministry was clearing a backlog of title documents. The process includes documentation for beneficiaries of estates delivered before 2019.

Ogun moves to protect genuine beneficiaries

The commissioner urged prospective homeowners to patronise the state’s housing schemes.

He said the ministry would continue to monitor developments after allocating houses and plots. It will also work to protect genuine beneficiaries and reduce speculation within government housing schemes.

The government said its wider objective is to turn affordable housing projects into secure and sustainable home ownership. It also wants housing construction to support economic activity across Ogun State.

Ogun’s approach shows why affordable housing requires more than the construction of new homes. Financing, land costs, infrastructure and secure property documentation all affect access to home ownership.

By combining housing development with flexible financing, community regeneration and title documentation, the state is seeking to address several parts of the housing challenge at the same time. The success of these efforts will depend on how effectively residents can access the schemes and sustain ownership over time.

The post Ogun Expands Affordable Housing Drive to Boost Home Ownership appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Nigeria has ranked 56th among the world’s 60 poorest countries in a 2026 ranking by Global Finance magazine.

The ranking uses GDP per capita based on purchasing power parity (PPP). Nigeria recorded $9,532.92, placing it close to the upper end of the list.

However, Nigeria fell 12 places from its 44th position in the 2025 ranking. The decline places the country among several African economies with low GDP-PPP per capita.

Africa dominates the ranking

African countries make up nine of the 10 poorest countries on the 2026 list. Yemen is the only non-African country in the bottom 10.

Burundi ranks as the poorest country, with GDP per capita of $994.23. The Central African Republic follows with $1,437.72. South Sudan ranks third at $1,467.19.

Yemen comes fourth with $1,590.19. Mozambique, Malawi, Somalia, Liberia, Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of the Congo complete the bottom 10.

The ranking uses PPP to compare economic conditions across countries. The measure adjusts for differences in prices, living costs and inflation.

This provides a different picture from nominal GDP per capita. It focuses more on the amount of goods and services that income can buy within each economy.

Nigeria ranks above several African economies

Nigeria ranks above several African countries on the list. Niger is 11th with $2,108.46, while Sudan ranks 13th with $2,427.43.

Burkina Faso is 16th with $3,060.34. Lesotho ranks 17th at $3,211.83, followed by Chad and Guinea-Bissau.

Mali takes 20th place with $3,480.41. Togo ranks 21st, while The Gambia and Sierra Leone occupy the 22nd and 23rd positions.

Uganda ranks 26th with $3,923.83. Rwanda and Tanzania follow at 29th and 30th.

Zambia ranks 31st with $4,380.77. Ethiopia follows at 32nd with $4,498.55. Guinea and Benin rank 33rd and 34th respectively.

Senegal occupies 37th place with $5,440.63. Cameroon follows in 38th position with $5,782.69.

Kenya ranks 44th with $7,590.60. Zimbabwe is 46th with $7,985.23, while Côte d’Ivoire takes 48th place with $8,165.34.

Ghana ranks 51st with $8,613.25. Mauritania is 52nd at $8,831.81, while Djibouti ranks 55th with $9,435.70.

Nigeria comes next at 56th with $9,532.92. Nicaragua ranks 57th with $9,765.25.

Nigeria’s economic position and housing

Nigeria’s ranking also has implications for the housing and real estate sectors.

Household income affects the ability of families to pay rent, buy land or purchase homes. It also influences demand for mortgages and other forms of housing finance.

Lower purchasing power can make housing costs harder to manage. It can also limit the number of households that can afford formal housing in major cities.

The construction sector faces similar pressures. High costs for land, building materials, labour and finance can make new housing more expensive.

These challenges make affordable housing policies important for Nigeria. Housing programmes must also consider household incomes and access to finance.

Wider African picture

The ranking shows that low-income economies remain heavily concentrated in Africa. Countries across West, East, Central and Southern Africa appear throughout the lower part of the table.

Angola ranks 59th with $10,274.90. Laos ranks 60th with $10,379.98, placing it at the bottom end of the ranking despite being outside Africa.

The 2026 figures also show notable changes from the previous ranking. Burundi moved from second place to first, while South Sudan fell from first to third.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo moved from seventh to 10th. Nigeria recorded one of the more notable changes, falling from 44th to 56th.

For Nigeria’s housing sector, the figures highlight the link between economic capacity and access to decent housing. Income levels affect homeownership, rent affordability, mortgage access and the ability of households to invest in property.

The ranking therefore offers more than an economic comparison. It also points to the importance of stronger incomes, affordable housing supply, accessible housing finance and effective infrastructure investment in improving living conditions.

The post Nigeria Ranks 56th Among World’s Poorest Countries in 2026 appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Private developers have started a 15-hectare housing project in the Kabusa-Sheretti corridor of Abuja as demand for residential properties continues to grow across the Federal Capital Territory.

The project, known as Amani Abuja, involves Kopitar, OMEC Properties and Cynosure Realty. The developers plan to add several types of homes to the growing residential market in the area.

Project Targets Growing Abuja Housing Demand

The project sits in Kabusa, an emerging district within Phase Four of the Federal Capital City Master Plan.

The development will offer different types of homes. Plans include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The project will also feature three- and four-bedroom terrace duplexes, semi-detached houses and standalone homes.

The developers also plan internal roads, drainage, electricity and recreational areas. These facilities should support the development as a residential community.

However, infrastructure alone will not make the homes affordable. The final cost will depend on property prices, household income, financing terms and access to mortgages.

Private Developers Support Housing Supply

The project highlights the role of private developers in meeting Abuja’s housing needs.

Government programmes alone cannot meet all the demand created by population growth and urbanisation. Private investment can therefore help increase the number of homes available to buyers and renters.

Partnerships can also help developers combine resources. Companies can bring together land, finance, technical skills and development capacity to deliver larger projects.

The real impact of Amani Abuja will depend on the number of homes the developers complete. Prices and the income groups that can afford the properties will also determine its wider contribution to the market.

Kabusa-Sheretti Corridor Attracts New Development

The location reflects Abuja’s continued outward growth.

As land becomes harder to find in established districts, developers and homebuyers are looking towards emerging areas. These locations can offer opportunities for new housing projects and urban expansion.

Infrastructure will play a major role in their success. Good roads, drainage, electricity, water, security and public transport can help connect new communities to jobs and commercial centres.

Poor infrastructure can create other problems. Residents may face longer journeys and higher transport costs when housing expands faster than supporting services.

Infrastructure Can Affect Housing Prices

Infrastructure also affects the cost of new homes.

Developers often need to provide roads, drainage and other services within their projects. These costs can increase the price of completed properties.

Public investment in infrastructure around new development areas could help reduce some of these costs. Better coordination between government and developers could also support more efficient housing delivery.

For lower- and middle-income households, this issue remains important. A new home has limited value to a buyer who cannot afford the purchase price or the cost of financing.

Housing Supply Must Match Household Incomes

Nigeria still faces a major housing shortage. The Federal Government has previously put the national housing deficit at about 15 million units.

A single project cannot close such a large gap. However, projects like Amani Abuja can contribute to the wider supply of housing when developers complete them and bring the homes to the market.

The type of housing also matters. Increasing supply will have a greater effect when projects serve different income groups.

Land, building materials, labour, infrastructure, regulation and finance all affect construction costs. Developers must balance these costs with what potential buyers can afford.

Mortgage Access Remains Important

Housing availability does not always translate into home ownership.

Many households need long-term mortgage finance to buy a home. High borrowing costs and limited access to suitable mortgage products can reduce the number of people who can purchase newly built properties.

This makes housing finance an important part of Abuja’s growing residential market. Developers may increase supply, but households also need financing options that match their incomes.

Abuja Expansion Creates Opportunities

Abuja’s population growth continues to create demand across different housing segments. Emerging districts can give developers more space to build while allowing the city to expand.

Rapid expansion also creates planning challenges. Residential areas need roads, public transport and basic services to keep pace with new construction.

Government agencies and private developers will therefore need to coordinate development as Abuja’s urban footprint grows.

The post Private Developers Begin 15-Hectare Abuja Housing Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Joint ventures between governments and private developers are helping to increase Nigeria’s housing supply. However, experts say many of these projects still fail to reach low- and middle-income Nigerians.

Under a typical joint venture, government provides land and sometimes infrastructure. The private developer provides funding, construction skills and project management.

The model can reduce the burden of land acquisition. Yet the commercial structure of many projects often pushes house prices beyond what ordinary workers can afford.

High costs push up house prices

Private developers need to recover their construction and financing costs. They also need to make a profit. Government may also expect financial returns from the public land contributed to the project.

These costs eventually affect the selling price of the homes.

Rising construction costs have made the situation more difficult. Cement, steel, fittings and other building materials now account for a large share of development costs.

High financing costs add another burden. Developers who cannot access cheaper funds often depend on commercial bank loans. They then pass part of the financing cost to buyers.

Mortgage access remains a major barrier

Access to mortgages also limits the reach of JV housing projects.

Many low-income Nigerians work in the informal sector. Some have irregular incomes and cannot meet the requirements of formal mortgage providers.

Even when they qualify for loans, high interest rates and short repayment periods can make monthly payments too expensive.

As a result, many homes described as affordable eventually attract middle- and high-income buyers, investors and Nigerians living abroad.

Government support needs to go beyond land

Toye Eniola, Executive Secretary of the Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN), said the growing reliance on JVs had weakened social housing delivery.

According to Eniola, private developers naturally focus on recovering their investments and making profits. That approach makes higher-income markets more attractive than low-income housing.

He also said government-backed projects often face delays because of disagreements between partners and difficulties in securing funds.

Eniola argued that government must support social housing through land, infrastructure and cheaper finance. He also raised concerns about delays in accessing funds through housing finance institutions and government-backed programmes.

Construction costs squeeze developers

Olajide Dosunmu, Managing Director of Noble Grounds Limited, described JVs as a useful model but said high construction costs remained a major challenge.

He noted that cement plays an important role in several stages of construction. Dosunmu said the price of cement had increased from about N9,500-N10,000 to an average of N13,000-N14,000 over the six months referenced.

The higher costs make it harder for low-income buyers to meet mortgage payments.

Dosunmu said developers often prefer middle- and higher-income areas because homes sell faster in those markets. This allows developers to recover their costs more quickly.

He also warned that efforts to reduce construction costs in low-income areas could create pressure to lower building standards. Such compromises, he said, could affect the structural quality of housing.

Infrastructure subsidies could reduce costs

Dosunmu urged governments to provide infrastructure in areas selected for JV housing projects.

Roads, drainage, water supply and other basic infrastructure can add significantly to development costs. Government investment in these areas could reduce the amount developers need to spend before selling the homes.

He argued that government could also benefit from increased economic activity and tax revenue as new communities develop.

JVs still help unlock land

Rogba Orimalade, former Chairman of the Lagos branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), said JVs remained an important tool for property development.

He noted that developers can use partnerships to gain access to land and create more housing units.

However, Orimalade said high land and development costs continue to exclude low-income households from many JV projects.

He called for lower development charges, approval fees and consent costs. Reducing these expenses, he said, could encourage developers to increase housing supply.

Clearer rules needed for affordable housing

Experts say successful JVs require clear agreements between government and private partners.

Such agreements should define each party’s responsibilities, project timelines, funding arrangements, risks and profit-sharing terms. Clear rules can also reduce disputes that delay construction.

However, affordability must remain a central part of the arrangement. Government land and other public incentives should come with clear targets for the number and price of affordable homes.

Nigeria needs more housing, but supply alone will not solve the affordability problem. If JV projects continue to focus mainly on buyers who can pay market prices, low-income households will remain excluded.

A stronger approach would combine public land with infrastructure support, cheaper finance, lower development charges and workable mortgage arrangements. Such measures could help government-private partnerships serve not only the property market, but also Nigerians who need affordable homes most.

The post Why Government JVs Struggle to Deliver Affordable Housing in Nigeria appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The President of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), Nigeria, Ayodeji Odeleye, has pledged to position Nigeria as a major destination for international real estate investment.

Odeleye spoke in Lagos during his induction as president of the Nigerian chapter. Sixteen new members were also inducted at the event.

He said Nigeria has strong potential to attract foreign investment through real estate. He added that the country could become a major player in Africa’s property market.

FIABCI World Congress

Odeleye pointed to the successful hosting of FIABCI’s 75th World Congress in Lagos as proof of Nigeria’s potential.

The event was the first FIABCI World Congress to be held in Africa. Odeleye said the congress showed that Nigeria could host major global real estate events.

He said the event also gave Nigerian professionals greater visibility within the international property industry.

According to him, his administration will focus on turning FIABCI’s global network into business and investment opportunities for members.

He also wants Nigerian professionals to gain more access to international knowledge and partnerships.

Odeleye said Nigeria should have a stronger voice in global discussions about the future of African real estate.

Focus on Young Professionals

The new FIABCI Nigeria president also announced plans to expand the chapter’s membership.

He said the association would introduce a mentorship programme for younger professionals. The programme will focus on skills, training and international exposure.

He said these efforts would help members compete for business opportunities both in Nigeria and abroad.

Odeleye also promised to strengthen the chapter’s institutional structure. He said his administration would promote transparency, unity and greater participation among members.

Wider Participation

The FIABCI Nigeria president said the association should not be seen as an organisation based in only one city.

He called for members in Abuja, Port Harcourt and other parts of the country to take part in the chapter’s activities.

A wider membership base could help the association connect more professionals across Nigeria’s property market. It could also improve the sharing of knowledge and business opportunities within the sector.

Building Communities, Not Just Estates

Odeleye also called for a broader approach to property development.

He said developers should look beyond building estates and focus on creating functional communities.

This approach requires attention to roads, water, power, transport and other basic infrastructure. It also requires closer cooperation between developers and government agencies.

For Nigeria’s housing sector, this is important because housing development is closely linked to infrastructure and urban planning. New homes cannot function as complete communities without access to basic services and supporting infrastructure.

Stronger Government Engagement

Odeleye said FIABCI members have access to international professionals and global industry practices.

The association regularly engages with international colleagues through webinars and other professional activities.

He said the knowledge gained from these engagements could be shared with government officials. This could support better decisions on housing, infrastructure and urban development.

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has responsibilities covering housing and urban development in Nigeria. Better cooperation between government and property professionals can support more informed approaches to development.

Opatola Commended

Odeleye also praised the immediate past president, Akin Opatola, for his leadership of the Nigerian chapter.

He credited Opatola with promoting an inclusive approach during his tenure. His administration also led the chapter through the 75th FIABCI World Congress in Lagos.

Opatola also encouraged collaboration between FIABCI Nigeria and relevant government agencies.

Real Estate and Nigeria’s Investment Future

Real estate remains important to Nigeria’s housing, construction and urban development needs. The sector also provides opportunities for domestic and international investors.

Odeleye’s focus on international partnerships could help connect Nigerian professionals with investors, developers and property experts from other markets.

For Nigeria to attract more investment, however, real estate growth must go alongside strong infrastructure, effective planning and better cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The FIABCI Nigeria leadership is now seeking to use its international network to expand business opportunities, improve professional development and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global real estate industry.

The post Real Estate Growth Can Boost FDI and Position Nigeria as Africa Hub appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has advised residents struggling with rising accommodation costs to consider sharing rent or living with their parents, drawing fresh attention to the growing pressure on household housing budgets across the state.

Hamzat’s remarks come against the backdrop of strong demand for residential property in Lagos, where population growth, limited affordable housing supply and high development costs continue to shape the rental market. The comments have also renewed discussion about the gap between household incomes and the cost of securing decent accommodation.

Rising Costs Continue to Affect Lagos Households

Housing affordability remains a major concern for many residents. The cost of accommodation is influenced not only by rent but also by land prices, construction materials, financing, infrastructure and the wider cost of property development.

For tenants, the financial burden can extend well beyond annual rent. Agency and legal fees, service charges, transportation and other household expenses can significantly increase the amount residents need to spend to secure and maintain accommodation.

Against this backdrop, shared housing can provide short-term relief by allowing occupants to divide rent and other household expenses. The arrangement may be particularly relevant to young workers, students and people at the early stages of their careers who may find it difficult to shoulder the full cost of a housing unit.

However, sharing accommodation does not address the underlying shortage of affordable homes. It is primarily a household response to high housing costs rather than a substitute for expanding the supply of decent housing.

Housing Affordability Extends Beyond Rent

The affordability challenge in Lagos is also closely linked to location. A property with lower rent may not necessarily be cheaper to live in if it is located far from employment centres or lacks efficient transport connections.

Residents who move to less expensive areas on the outskirts of the city may face longer commutes and higher transportation expenses. This can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, the financial savings achieved through lower rent.

Access to infrastructure also matters. Electricity, water, roads and other essential services can influence the actual cost of living in a residential area. For policymakers and developers, this means housing affordability must be considered alongside transportation, infrastructure and access to jobs.

Construction Costs Limit Affordable Housing Supply

The cost of developing new homes remains another major obstacle. Developers contend with expenses associated with land, cement, steel, labour, transportation, financing and infrastructure.

When these costs rise, developers may need to charge higher prices or rents to make projects financially viable. This creates a challenge for the delivery of housing targeted at low- and middle-income households.

Measures that improve access to serviced land, reduce infrastructure costs, support local production of construction materials and expand affordable housing finance could help lower the cost of delivering new homes.

Greater Private Sector Participation Needed

Government housing programmes can increase supply, but the scale of demand in Lagos means private developers and institutional investors will remain important to any sustained response to the affordability challenge.

Public-private partnerships could help mobilise additional capital for affordable and middle-income housing. Government support through land provision, infrastructure, streamlined approvals and appropriate financing incentives could improve the viability of projects aimed at households with limited purchasing power.

The location of affordable housing will also remain important. Developments that are inexpensive but poorly connected to transport networks and employment centres may not provide lasting relief to residents.

Housing and Transport Must Be Planned Together

Lagos’ housing challenge is closely connected to its transportation system. As housing costs increase in established areas, households may move farther from major employment and commercial centres in search of cheaper accommodation.

The resulting longer journeys can increase transport costs, congestion and commuting times. Better coordination between housing development, land-use planning and public transportation could therefore improve the overall affordability of living in the state.

Long-Term Solution Requires More Affordable Homes

While shared accommodation and living with family can help households manage immediate financial pressures, they cannot replace a sustained increase in housing supply.

Lagos will need housing across different income categories, supported by infrastructure, efficient planning and access to transportation. Policies that reduce development costs and encourage investment in affordable housing could help narrow the gap between available homes and what residents can realistically afford.

For the real estate sector, the affordability challenge also signals continuing demand for housing that is aligned with household incomes. The wider significance of Hamzat’s remarks is that household coping strategies can provide temporary relief, but lasting improvement will depend on expanding affordable housing supply and addressing the costs associated with developing and living in Lagos.

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