The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has urged property professionals to improve their understanding of fiscal and economic policies.

The institution warned that taxes, inflation, interest rates and regulations are having a growing impact on real estate values and investment decisions across Nigeria.

The Chairman of the National Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Committee of NIESV, ESV (Sir) Charles Oghenero Ebiai, FNIVS, RWA, gave the warning at the 2026 MCPD Seminar of the Kaduna State Branch.

The seminar focused on “Fiscal Intelligence and Risk Integration: The Essential Frontier in Valuation Practice for Nigeria’s Institutional Real Estate.”

It examined the growing demands on valuation professionals amid economic and fiscal uncertainty.

Fiscal policy affects property values

Ebiai said traditional valuation methods were no longer enough to assess real estate properly.

He said property values were now affected by several factors outside the physical features of an asset. These include taxes, government spending, infrastructure investment, land policies and development charges.

Property-related levies can also affect the cost of developing and owning real estate.

These factors matter to Nigeria’s housing market. Higher development costs can raise the price of new homes. Higher interest rates can also make property finance more expensive for developers and buyers.

Ebiai said taxation could affect the property market in several ways. It can influence development costs, rental values, investor behaviour, demand and expected returns.

He therefore urged estate surveyors and valuers to study economic indicators and government policies more closely.

Valuers urged to assess risk

According to Ebiai, the role of a modern valuer should go beyond putting a price on a property.

Professionals should also explain what drives a property’s value. They should identify risks that could reduce its performance.

They should also consider how an asset could perform under different economic conditions.

Ebiai said fiscal and regulatory changes should form part of this assessment.

He added that institutional investors were increasingly focused on risk-adjusted returns. This means investors are looking at both potential profits and the risks attached to those returns.

The risks facing property assets can come from several sources. They include economic shocks, regulatory changes, climate events, technology, tenant concentration, limited liquidity and market volatility.

Ebiai said risk should therefore be part of every serious valuation discussion.

Technology changing valuation practice

The NIESV official also called on professionals to embrace new technology.

He identified artificial intelligence, big data, geographic information systems and automated valuation models as useful tools for modern practice.

Digital property platforms, remote sensing and blockchain applications could also support valuation work.

Ebiai, however, said technology would not remove the need for professional judgement.

READ ALSO :Nigeria Sitting On Over $300bn In Dead Capital, NIESV Warns

He said machines could process large amounts of data. Professionals would still need to understand the market, test assumptions and assess risks.

He identified professional judgement, ethics, local market knowledge and sound valuation methods as key strengths for practitioners.

Better data needed for investment

Ebiai also called for stronger professional education and research in the valuation sector.

He urged practitioners to improve access to reliable property data. He also called for wider use of technology and stronger ethical standards.

According to him, these measures would help improve investor confidence in Nigeria’s property market.

He said professional valuation advice could play an important role in attracting more domestic and international investment.

Ebiai also urged estate surveyors and valuers to view continuous professional development as more than a regulatory requirement.

He said ongoing training should help professionals gain new skills and improve the quality of advice they provide.

Kaduna NIESV seeks stronger professional standards

The Chairman of the NIESV Kaduna State Branch, Ishaq Ayodele Bello, said economic uncertainty was changing the role of estate surveyors and valuers.

He said practitioners must now combine technical valuation skills with fiscal analysis, market intelligence and economic forecasting.

Bello said institutional investors needed professionals who could understand both opportunities and risks.

He also stressed the importance of professional standards in attracting investment into Nigeria’s real estate sector.

According to him, investors need confidence and transparency. Institutions also need consistent and reliable information.

Bello urged Nigerian practitioners to measure their work against international best practices. He also stressed the need to remain familiar with local market conditions.

Implications for Nigeria’s housing market

The discussions at the seminar highlight the growing link between fiscal policy and real estate performance.

Taxes, interest rates, development charges and infrastructure decisions can affect the cost of housing and property investment.

For developers, better understanding of these risks can support stronger investment decisions. For lenders and investors, reliable valuation advice can provide a clearer view of potential returns and risks.

The 2026 MCPD seminar brought together NIESV officials, estate surveyors and valuers, resource persons, business stakeholders and other professionals.

The event provided a platform to examine taxation, fiscal policy, technology, investment risk and other issues affecting institutional real estate in Nigeria.

As the property market faces changing economic conditions, NIESV’s message is clear: valuation practice must increasingly combine accurate property assessment with economic analysis, risk management and professional judgement.

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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has condemned what it described as the arbitrary seizure of private property by some state governments under the guise of the Land Use Act, while commending Uba Sani for adopting what it called a humane and rights-based approach to land acquisition in Kaduna State.

The advocacy group said Governor Sani’s handling of compensation for residents affected by the 15-kilometre Kaduna Ring Road project demonstrates that governments can pursue infrastructure development without trampling on the constitutional rights and economic well-being of citizens.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA praised the governor’s declaration that “public interest can never become a justification for injustice” and that development should not impose hardship without fairness and compassion.

According to the group, these principles should serve as the minimum standard for how governors exercise the extensive powers granted under the Land Use Act.

HURIWA stressed that although state governments have the legal authority to acquire land for overriding public interest, such powers must not be exercised arbitrarily or in ways that deprive citizens of their homes, businesses and ancestral lands without prompt, fair and adequate compensation.

The group argued that public interest and the constitutional right to own property are not mutually exclusive, insisting that responsible governance requires a careful balance between development objectives and the protection of citizens’ rights.

It noted that compulsory land acquisition has remained one of the most controversial aspects of governance in Nigeria, with reports from several states alleging that thousands of residents have lost their landed properties without adequate compensation or humane treatment.

According to HURIWA, such complaints have been reported in states including Lagos, Anambra and even Kaduna under the previous administration, leaving many affected families with significant financial and emotional losses.

The organisation, however, described Governor Sani’s decision to slow aspects of the Kaduna Ring Road project to allow transparent valuation of affected properties before compensation as a demonstration of fairness, accountability and respect for the rule of law.

HURIWA also welcomed the governor’s assurance that no resident of Kaduna State would lose property to government projects without receiving fair and adequate compensation.

The rights group noted that the distribution of compensation cheques to 122 affected households and the payment of more than N3 billion to residents affected by various infrastructure projects reflected a governance approach anchored on justice rather than expediency.

It urged governors across the country to institutionalise transparent compensation mechanisms, engage affected communities before acquiring land for public projects and ensure that all affected property owners receive prompt and equitable compensation in line with the Constitution and principles of natural justice.

According to HURIWA, governments are more likely to earn public confidence and legitimacy when infrastructure projects are implemented with fairness, empathy and respect for the rule of law, adding that sustainable development can only succeed when citizens are treated as partners in progress rather than victims of development.

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Widows in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, are expressing renewed hope following their resettlement in a free housing estate provided under the Family Homes Funds scheme.

The housing project, developed in collaboration with the Adashe Women Housing and Empowerment Society, is designed to provide safe and dignified accommodation for vulnerable women, particularly widows.

Although 100 housing units were allocated to beneficiaries late last year, initial occupancy remained low due to security concerns and infrastructure challenges, according to the facility manager, Dr Mustapha Umar Kumshe.

He explained that many of the beneficiaries were initially reluctant to move into the estate due to fears over safety and poor access roads.

“After the commissioning, there were gaps and glitches. Many beneficiaries were afraid to relocate due to perceived insecurity,” he said.

However, the situation has improved significantly following enhanced security arrangements, direct engagement with residents, and targeted interventions to address early concerns.

Kumshe disclosed that more than 65 of the housing units are now occupied, with the estate fully equipped with water supply, electricity, solar-powered lighting, and internet services.

The estate was officially inaugurated in the presence of Uba Sani, alongside other government officials and stakeholders, during which beneficiaries received keys to their new homes.

Despite the formal handover, uptake remained slow in the early months, largely due to misinformation and fear among intended occupants.

Management later intensified community engagement efforts and strengthened security within the estate, resulting in increased confidence and rising occupancy levels.

Beneficiaries who spoke with journalists described the initiative as life-changing, expressing gratitude to the government and partner organisations.

One of the residents, Fadila Tahir, said access to stable housing has transformed her life, revealing that she has since remarried after overcoming the challenge of accommodation.

Another beneficiary, Amina Alhassan, said the new home has significantly improved her family’s living conditions, noting that she now enjoys basic amenities previously unavailable to her.

The project is part of broader efforts to address housing deficits among vulnerable populations and improve social welfare outcomes in Kaduna State.

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The Federal Government has handed over 100 two-bedroom energy-efficient homes to widows in Rigachikun, Kaduna State, under the Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) Social Housing Programme.

The project, which features urban farming spaces and solar-powered systems, was designed to promote sustainable living and economic empowerment among vulnerable women.

Speaking during the handover, FHFL Chairman Demola Adebise said the initiative represents “renewed hope and restored dignity” for beneficiaries. He noted that the development integrates home ownership with skills training, livelihood support, and climate-smart construction.

The project began when the widows collectively offered their land and sought government partnership to build affordable homes. The collaboration, according to officials, resulted in a model for inclusive housing delivery and empowerment.

Each home was constructed using Expanded Polystyrene System technology, cutting costs and carbon emissions by up to 40 percent. In addition, beneficiaries received livelihood training and cottage yards for food processing and income generation.

Managing Director of FHFL, Abdulmuttalib Mukhtar, described the scheme as proof that effective collaboration between citizens and government can drive measurable social change.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, said the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at inclusive growth and tangible development outcomes.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, commended the initiative as a model of people-centred governance, saying it created over 500 jobs during construction while providing affordable housing for 100 families.

The project was executed in partnership with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Kaduna State Government.

The post FG Hands Over 100 Energy-Efficient Homes to Widows in Kaduna appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Kaduna State Government has begun implementing the new ₦72,000 minimum wage, starting with civil servants on Grade Levels 1 to 6.

The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), Kaduna State Council, confirmed the development during a press briefing on Thursday, describing it as a welcome first step — but called for immediate extension to all workers.

“The government has started with Grade Levels 1–6, but we want to make it clear that this is only the first phase,” said State NLC Chairman, Comrade Ayuba Suleiman. “We expect the implementation to cover all categories of workers, including teachers, healthcare workers, and employees in tertiary institutions and parastatals.”

The government has linked the full rollout to an ongoing staff and pension verification exercise expected to conclude by the end of September.

“While we understand the need for proper documentation, we want the government to fast-track the process so that no category of worker is left behind,” Suleiman said.

He welcomed the plan to revise healthcare salary structures in line with the new wage but expressed concern that local government staff, primary school teachers, and healthcare workers are yet to benefit.

“Our people have suffered enough. Inflation has eroded salaries, and families are struggling to survive. The ₦72,000 minimum wage is not a favor; it is a right,” he added.

Talks between the NLC and the state government are ongoing. Suleiman urged transparency, warning that industrial peace depends on timely and fair implementation.

“We expect the government to do the right thing,” he said.

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A midnight building collapse in Karaoke, Zaria City, Kaduna State, has claimed the lives of a mother and her three children, leaving the community in deep mourning.

The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) confirmed the incident, which occurred between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, when the wall of a neighbouring mud house fell onto the victims’ room. KADSEMA spokesperson, Philip Ahmadu Dominic, said, “It was a heartbreaking scene. The wall caved in suddenly while the family was asleep. Sadly, we lost Mallama Habiba Nuhu, her two daughters, Hauwa’u and Aina’u, and her grandchild, Za’uma.”

According to him, the father of the family, Mallam Nuhu Dogara, survived the incident and was rushed to the hospital for treatment before being discharged. Dominic added that the agency received the report late but has already commenced arrangements for an on-site assessment and support for the bereaved family. “We are preparing to visit the scene for proper assessment and to engage with the affected relatives,” he said.

A relative of the victims, Mallam Ahmed Ibrahim, described the collapse as a devastating loss. “We have buried them in line with Islamic rites. This is a tragedy the family will never forget,” he said, noting that heavy rainfall may have weakened the mud structure before it gave way.

The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Hassan Munsir, said he could not confirm the incident at the time of inquiry.

The post Tragedy Strikes as Mother and Three Children Killed in Zaria Building Collapse appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents of six communities in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, joined by lawyers, have staged a peaceful protest to condemn what they described as illegal demolitions, forced evictions, and disregard for court orders allegedly carried out under military supervision.

The demonstrators, including men, women, children, and the elderly, marched through Kaduna city carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Obey Court Orders Now,” “Military is Not Above the Law,” and “Stop Illegal Demolitions in Igabi.” They also chanted slogans demanding protection of their ancestral homes and farmlands.

One of the community leaders expressed outrage, saying, “Our homes and farmlands are being destroyed in violation of court rulings. Families have been thrown into the streets without shelter, and this cannot continue.”

Lawyers who joined the protest accused the military of disregarding multiple court injunctions. According to them, demolitions carried out in Ungwan Aboki on August 15 left hundreds of families homeless. “Women, children, the elderly, and even persons with disabilities were thrown out in the open. This is a clear violation of human rights,” one lawyer said.

The protesters also raised concerns about the marking of Mallam Auta community for demolition despite subsisting court rulings prohibiting such actions. “The refusal to obey judicial orders is contempt of court and an attack on the rule of law,” another protester stressed.

The group demanded an immediate halt to further demolitions, the release of residents allegedly detained without warrants, and urgent intervention from government and civil society to prevent what they described as a looming humanitarian crisis. “We want the world to know that this is injustice, and we will not stop speaking out until the rights of our people are respected,” a resident declared.

In response, the military defended its actions, insisting that the affected settlements posed a security risk. A senior officer explained, “The presence of unauthorised structures around Jaji Cantonment compromises national security and hampers training activities. What was removed were illegal encroachments within the cantonment, not lawful houses.”

He added that discussions were ongoing with the state government to relocate affected communities and provide alternative settlements. “We understand the concerns of civilians, but national security imperatives must take priority,” he maintained.

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The event, held in Kaduna, saw the distribution of houses to displaced families and the launch of community facilities including a school, health clinic, and vocational training center. Governor Sani described the project as more than infrastructure provision, calling it “a return of dignity and a pathway to healing” for families whose lives were upended by insecurity.

“For years, our people lived under the weight of fear and loss. Today, we offer them not just shelter, but security, not just walls, but hope,” Governor Sani said during the commissioning ceremony.

The Qatar Sanabil Project, a collaboration between the Kaduna State Government and Qatar Charity, aims to construct 500,000 housing units and a modern economic city tailored to serve vulnerable groups across the state. The initiative blends housing development with livelihood support to help beneficiaries rebuild their lives.

Beyond housing, beneficiaries received tools such as cargo bikes, salon kits, and welding equipment, intended to foster self-reliance. The governor emphasized that the initiative is part of a people-centered recovery model that sees peacebuilding as both a security and socioeconomic obligation.

Kaduna has endured years of violence linked to banditry, kidnappings, and communal unrest, particularly along the Kaduna–Abuja corridor. Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Sani has pursued a dual-track strategy involving strengthened military collaboration and community-level reconciliation efforts, resulting in the reopening of key transport routes and the return of displaced farmers.

Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu, represented by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, praised the governor’s efforts, stating, “Kaduna is fast becoming a model for post-conflict stability in Nigeria. Governor Sani’s actions are helping to heal communities and rebuild trust.”

The project’s success reflects the evolving role of subnational governments in attracting international development partnerships. Qatar Charity cited Kaduna’s governance transparency and social investment priorities as key reasons for choosing the state as a strategic partner.

Also contributing to the state’s peace drive is a newly passed Security Trust Fund Law, which opens security financing to private sector participation. Thousands of new personnel have also been added to the state’s vigilante service to support federal security efforts on the ground.

Governor Sani reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue along this path, promising further investment in housing, social infrastructure, and inclusive governance.

“This is just the beginning,” he told attendees. “We will not stop until every displaced family is restored, and every community can once again live in peace and dignity.”

The Qatar Sanabil Project is widely viewed as a template for humanitarian recovery, demonstrating what is possible when leadership, empathy, and strategic partnerships come together to serve the most affected.

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Marking the first anniversary of the June 2024 tragedy, the community released a statement on Monday expressing frustration over the unfulfilled promises made by political leaders who had visited to commiserate with bereaved families. Among those promises were the construction of a bridge, roads, a health centre, and improved educational facilities.

In the statement, Simon Chinge, National Public Relations Officer of the Ribang Community, described the children’s deaths as a painful reminder of long-standing government neglect.

“This devastating incident did not just rob us of our children; it painfully exposed the infrastructural decay in Ribang land,” Chinge stated.

Despite a recent site survey in June 2025 by the Kaduna State Ministry of Works—on the directive of Governor Uba Sani—residents say tangible progress has yet to be made. They commended the governor’s action as a positive step but urged him to expedite results.

With the rainy season underway, fears are mounting for residents—particularly schoolchildren, women, and the elderly—who still have to cross the dangerous Ribang River daily without a bridge.

The community has formally appealed to key representatives including Senator Sunday Marshall Katung (Southern Kaduna), Murtar Chawai (House of Representatives, Kauru), Barnabas Maigona (Kaduna State House of Assembly), and Bashir Tanko Dawaki (Kauru LGA Chairman), demanding:

Construction of a standard bridge across the Ribang River

Development of accessible roads

A functional healthcare facility

Standard primary and secondary schools

The statement also warned that ongoing lack of healthcare access continues to claim lives—particularly among women and children—while education remains out of reach for many due to poor infrastructure.

“We will never forget the six children we lost. They were not just students, they were our future,” the community said. “Let their untimely deaths serve as a wake-up call. What we now need is action, not more sympathy.”

They concluded with a call for inclusive development: “No community should be left behind in a nation that prides itself on unity and progress.”

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The Director-General of Kaduna Geographic Information Services (KADGIS), Dr. Bashir Ibrahim Garba, said that this improvement was part of the governor’s commitment to support the ease of doing business in the state.

Dr Garba stated that “Governor Uba Sani is one of the few governors  in Nigeria that have achieved this success. He is committed to creating a conducive business environment that encourages investment and economic growth in Kaduna state, provides jobs and improves Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)”

In a press statement issued on Saturday, KADGIS Director-General enumerated the process to be followed in order to obtain an accelerated C of O which attracts a higher fee.

‘’Upon acceptance of grant of Right of Occupancy perfection of deeds ( in the case of assignment) and payment of all  requisite  fees, a Certificate of Occupancy is generated in KADGIS.

‘’The draft certificate  undergoes   thorough quality check to ensure that all errors which were  commonly found on C of Os prior to May 29th, 2023,  are eliminated before it is printed and forwarded to  the Governor for execution,’’ he added.

According to Dr Garba, the governor will then promptly execute and return  the document to KADGIS within 24 hours for scanning, registration and recording at  the Deed Registry.

The Director-General added that the document will then be forwarded to Conveyance Unit of the Customer Service, which will contact the owner for collection.

He advised customers who have ‘’applied for C of Os but were unable to get them within the record 24 hours, to immediately contact KADGIS for further clarification and guidance.’’

According to him, long delays in the issuance of C of Os, may either be as a result of incomplete information or other related queries, adding that in most cases, KADGIS staff must have contacted this category of customers by phone without success.

He advised land owners to process and secure their C of Os because the documents ‘’will give them legitimacy and needed recognition as the legal owners of their property by government.’’

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