They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that unfinished structures, and lack of affordability remained the main reasons why most of the estates had no tenants.

They also said that the largely uncoordinated nature of allocation which ensured that illegal occupants took over the estates had also compromised government’s plans to make houses available to the populace through the National Housing Programme.

Housing stakeholders in Nasarawa State attributed the proliferation of unoccupied housing estates in the country to unfavorable housing policies of the governments at all levels and the expensive rents.

Mr. Richard Embugus, Deputy Director, Architecture, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, Nasarawa State, said potential residents were also discouraged by bad roads, lack of perimeter fencing, shortage of reticulated water supply and poor landscaping.

He said potential tenants and buyers considered the absence of these facilities as additional burden on their income.

Embugus said both state and the federal governments should give a waiver on the cost of building materials and other infrastructure to reduce the burden on potential subscribers.

“There are agencies of government that are saddled with certain responsibilities like water supply, road construction and electricity supply.

“Government should engage the services of these agencies to provide those services.

“Let this be part of governments’ contribution to the provision of houses without putting the burden on up-takers of the houses. These factors are responsible for the hike in housing estate,” he said.

Embugus further said that the government should explore other ways to make housing estate affordable such as the use of indigenous building materials available in any particular state.

“For example in Nasarawa State, we have abundant laterite, and can conveniently serve as a major building element.

“We have red burnt bricks in South-South they have bamboo. By the time you use these materials the cost of building will be drastically reduced.

“We are talking about low-cost housing estate; that means a roof over your head, it mustn’t necessarily be very expensive,” he said.

He said most housing estates built by governments were far from government office areas, and vulnerable to insecurity, thereby making many civil servants to lose interest in occupying them.

Mr. Samson Attah, a civil servant, attributed the proliferation of unoccupied estates built by the governments and private developers to the high rents.

According to him, it is difficult for a civil servant who earns N150,000 per month to pay N9 million or more for the 30 per cent equity as demanded in most cases.

He recommended that the Federal Government should adopt rent-to-own policy instead of a 30 per cent equity policy.

He advised that the Federal Government should make it a policy for civil servants to access funds upfront from the Federal Mortgage Bank to the tune of between N10 million and N15 million, upon securing a job.

The fund, he said, should be used by the civil servant to acquire the house.

Mr. Ikechukwu Ikeagwuani, an Energy System Engineer and a tenant, decried the hike in rent being experienced in the country.

He called on the governments to build more housing estates in states and local government areas and make them closer to the people.

Also in Niger, Federal Government’s houses remain unoccupied for years due to several challenges, including non-completion, unfinished structures and affordability.

Dr. Bala Yahaya, Zonal Town Planner, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, said some of the affected housing estates include Shagari Estate , Niger Housing Programme and the one on Minna-Bida road.

He said other affected estates are Shagari Housing Estate in Bida, New Bussa, Kontagora, Kabara, Kutigi, and Lapai.

Yahaya attributed the non-occupation of the houses to their high prices.

According to him a 3-bedroom semi-detached house sold for as high as N16.4 million between 2019 and 2020, while a two-bedroom semi-detached house cost over N12 million and one-bedroom apartment cost N1 million.

He also said some of the housing estates were built under Public-Private Partnership (PPP), but were in a bad condition.

He said making the allocation process easier and the houses more affordable would encourage more residents to subscribe to them.

In  Kogi, NAN checks showed that both the federal and state governments have housing estates which are largely unoccupied.

The estates are all located at Felele and Crusher Quarters in Lokoja Local Government Area of the state.

On Jan. 3, Gov. Ahmed Ododo, ordered the evacuation of some persons illegally occupying the 260 National Housing units in Phases I, II and III, located at Crusher already paid for by subscribers.

The state Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Taiye Abanika, who announced their sack in a statement issued in Lokoja, warned against disobeying the order.

“The  Kogi Government, on this day, January 3, 2025, directed the illegal occupants of the national housing buildings at Crusher, Lokoja to vacate with immediate effect.’’

Abanika said that the illegal occupation of the housing units had compromised the National Housing Programme designed to provide affordable housing solutions for Nigerians.

He said that Phase I with 76 units, comprised four one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 48 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows and 24 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

“Phase II has 92 units, comprising 20 one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 28 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 44 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

“Phase III has 92 units, comprising 16 one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 28 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 48 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

“Unfortunately, over 85 per cent of the houses in the various estates are currently being occupied illegally, with some individuals even selling the houses to unsuspecting buyers,’’ he said.

A real estate expert, Mr David Akeju, blamed high cost, economic instability, policy and regulatory issues, among others for the low patronage received by the estates.

Akeju said many of the houses were not affordable for the target market.

He said that the instability in Nigeria’s economy, including inflation, currency fluctuations and recession, had great effects on housing demand.

“Many potential home buyers in Nigeria face challenges in accessing mortgage finance or other forms of credit to purchase homes.

“Some of these housing projects may also be located in areas with inadequate infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, and electricity, making them less attractive to potential occupants.

“Some government-built or real estate developer-built houses may be located in remote areas, far from urban centers, for employment opportunities, and social amenities.

“In addition, the process of allocating or purchasing these houses may be slow and cumbersome, deterring potential buyers, as well as absence of effective policies and regulations,’’ he told NAN.

The real estate expert, however, said that addressing the challenges would require a multi-faceted approach that involves government, private sector and civil society organisations.

He said there was need for the Federal Government to develop and implement a comprehensive national housing policy that outlines its vision, goals and strategies for addressing the housing deficit.

“Government should also establish affordable housing programmes that provide subsidies, grants, or low-interest loans to low-income households.

“Governments at all levels must promote and encourage public-private partnerships to develop and finance housing projects,” he said.

Another housing expert, Mr Lawson Igwe, stressed the need to develop housing projects that are inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of income, age or ability.

Igwe also recommended that government should engage communities to identify their housing needs and develop community-led housing projects.

A tenant, Mr. Richard Femi, who resides at Phase One Estate Lokoja, decried the exorbitant hike in house rent in Lokoja in the last one year and urged government to regulate rent.

“Most of the houses built by government and real estate developers are just too high to afford for us as civil servants.

“Also, the conditions the developers are giving us are just too stringent to meet.

“Between 2021 and 2023, an average standard 2 bedroom flat in Lokoja, was in the range of N200,000 to N250,000, but as at 2024 and now, it is between N400,000 to N500,000.

“So, where do ordinary citizens, especially the civil servants like me, get this huge amount of money from and you said people should not steal?

“We are calling on government to immediately address the issue of exorbitant hike in house rent especially in Lokoja, because it is getting out of hand,” Femi said.

A landlord, Mr. Abubakar Usman, said the hike in house rent was due to the high cost of building materials arising from the devaluation of naira.

The post Empty Estates: Why Housing Estates Remain Empty in Niger and Kogi appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted bail to the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties.

Justice Emeka Nwite, the trial judge, stated that bail is granted at the court’s discretion while delivering the ruling.

He said, “I have listened to the application from both counsels. First off, bail is at the discretion of the court, whether the bail is opposed or supported. Ordinarily, based on the antecedents of this case, particularly the conduct exhibited by the defendant, I would have reconsidered the application made by the learned senior counsel for the defendant. However, based on the detour exhibited by the learned senior counsel for the defendant, J.B. Daudu (SAN), which was reciprocated by the learned senior counsel for the prosecution, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), I am inclined to depart from our earlier position on this matter.

“In view of the foregoing, I am prepared to grant the application made by both counsel. I hereby grant bail to the defendant in the following terms: One—bail is granted to the defendant in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties in the like sum. The two sureties shall own landed property within the jurisdiction of this court, Abuja.

“The two sureties shall swear to an affidavit of means, and the documents of the property shall be verified by the chief deputy registrar of this honourable court. The defendant shall deposit his international passport with the chief registrar of this honourable court. The defendant and the sureties shall each deposit two recent passport photographs with the deputy chief registrar of this honourable court. The defendant shall be released upon the perfection of the bail terms. The case is adjourned to February 24, 28, and March 6 and 7, 2025, for trial.”

Bello faces a 19-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), relating to money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds totalling ₦80.2 billion.

Upon the resumed hearing, the EFCC counsel, Pinheiro, informed the court of the prosecution’s intention to withdraw a previous application for an abridgement of the arraignment date. He stated that the application had been overtaken by events. The defendant’s counsel, led by Daudu, did not object, and Justice Nwite accordingly granted the request, striking the application out.

Following this, the 19 counts were read to Bello, to which he pleaded not guilty.

After taking his plea, the defendant’s lawyer apologised for the earlier actions and requested bail pending the hearing and determination of the charges.

He assured the court that his client would attend all trial dates, stating that Bello, a two-term governor who had travelled abroad only twice, posed no flight risk.

He said, “My Lord, I apologise for any impression that may have been created that the defendant did not wish to appear before your lordship for his arraignment. What he did, which is not uncommon in law, was to direct his counsel to challenge the court’s jurisdiction, which took them to the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, and back here.

“My Lord, it was not willful disrespect. He acted with the belief that he was defending himself as best as possible. He holds this court in high esteem, and we all do. This episode could have been avoided, but it has passed, and things are clearer now. We mean no harm to this court.

“Secondly, my Lord, and I say this with every sense of responsibility, having regard to the positions I have held in this profession, the governor, as a two-term governor of Kogi State, who travelled abroad only twice during his eight years, will appear on all trial days. I give my word that he will not jump bail.”

Pinheiro, on his part, told the court that he would not object to the bail request, despite having earlier filed a counter.

He stated, “I have great respect for my learned counsel, who was a past president of the NBA. I confirm we have been discussing how to ease the pressure on your lordship.
My Lord, we are prosecutors, not persecutors, and the EFCC is a prosecutorial commission, not a prosecutorial commission.

“We accept the assurances of the eminent counsel that the defendant will be available for trial, subject to your lordship’s terms.”

Recall that Bello is also facing a separate ₦110.4 billion charge before Justice MaryAnne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

Justice Anenih had earlier ordered Bello’s remand in Kuje correctional facility pending the hearing and determination of his bail application after rejecting the application for procedural irregularities in its filing.

Meanwhile, Justice Nwite has also ordered Bello’s remand in Kuje prison pending the perfection of the bail terms granted.

The post ₦80.2bn fraud: Court grants Yahaya Bello ₦500m bail appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, has assured private investors of the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for their ventures in the housing sector.

He gave this assurance during a meeting yesterday with representatives of CYDAM Group of Companies at his office.

During the session, CYDAM Group, represented by Onuche Johnson, presented a proposal for an industrial park complex to the Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, ESV (Dr.) Obadaki Zainab, and the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Aliyu Salami.

The proposal highlighted the park’s potential benefits, including job creation, economic growth, and enhanced infrastructure. Johnson noted that the industrial park would feature modern facilities designed to support thriving businesses in the state.

ESV (Dr.) Zainab Obadaki expressed the ministry’s commitment to the project, emphasizing its alignment with the state government’s broader vision for economic development. “This project aligns with our goals of driving growth and providing new opportunities for our people,” she stated.

Hon. Aliyu Salami also commended the CYDAM Group’s initiative, pledging that the state government would carefully deliberate on the proposal. He added, “We are focused on creating a thriving investment climate and will ensure all necessary measures are taken to support this initiative before forwarding it to His Excellency for final approval.”

The meeting reflects Kogi State’s continued efforts to attract private investments and drive development across key sectors.

The post Kogi Housing Commissioner Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Supporting Private Investors appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This action aims to proactively monitor the flood situation across the country, according to a statement released by NEMA on Wednesday.

The response team consists of specialized personnel trained in search and rescue operations, offering technical support to the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other stakeholders involved in rescue and evacuation efforts. The team will also conduct assessments in the affected areas to determine the extent of damage and the immediate needs of the displaced population.

NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, announced that mobile water purification units have been dispatched to provide emergency clean water to families impacted by the flooding.

NEMA had previously alerted states identified as flood-prone to brace for potential flooding. The agency had also activated all its zonal, territorial, and operations offices, prepositioning critical equipment to ensure a timely response. These resources include search and rescue equipment and evacuation tools to help relocate residents to safer, higher ground.

The states identified as being at high risk of flooding include Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, and Kwara.

“With the activation and deployment, NEMA’s offices nationwide will collaborate with state agencies to set up Emergency Operation Centres for coordinating local actors in the flood response. This will include community advocacy, evacuation planning, identifying safe zones for temporary shelters, and preparing evacuation and rescue equipment,” the statement read.

NEMA is also working with the Military Disaster Response Units, Nigeria Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, which has mobilized volunteers to assist in the rescue and relief efforts.

The Director General urged residents in flood-prone areas, particularly those living along the Benue and Niger rivers, to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency responders as NEMA continues to closely monitor the situation.

In Kogi State, the most affected areas include Lokoja, Adavi, Ofu, Ajaokuta, Idah, and Ibaji. Data from NEMA shows that as of October 14, 2024, the flooding had affected 1,659 people, displaced 517, and damaged 1,601 houses across the state.

Nationally, the 2024 flood disaster has impacted 33 states, affecting 208 local government areas. According to NEMA, 317 lives have been lost, 1.27 million people affected, 713,691 displaced, 117,071 houses damaged, 2,852 injuries reported, and 180,828 farmlands destroyed.

The post NEMA Deploys Emergency Team to Kogi as Flood Displaces 517 Residents appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Ibaji, which annually faces severe flooding, is currently grappling with extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The Ibaji Flood Plains Multipurpose Cooperative Society (IFPMPCS) has called on the Kogi State Government to respond swiftly to the disaster.

Prof. Joy Ede Ukoje, Chairperson of the IFPMPCS Executive Committee, made an urgent plea during a press briefing in Lokoja. She highlighted the need for the state government to establish a disaster relief fund to aid the affected communities and alleviate the suffering of the residents.

“The scale of flooding in Ibaji and other areas along the River Niger has gone beyond what the state government can manage alone,” Ukoje said, emphasizing the critical need for timely intervention to address the disaster’s impact.

The post Flood Submerges Over 60 Communities in Kogi’s Ibaji LGA appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

By Esther Alexander

Pioneer civil society in the Nigerian housing industry, Housing Development Advocacy Network HDAN has called on all electorates in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states respectively, who would be voting in the forth-coming governorship elections set to be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, to vote candidates who place housing as priority in their manifesto.

According to HDAN, this choice of candidates would be beneficial to the housing needs of the people.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Friday by Executive Director Festus Adebayo in Abuja.

Adebayo also tasked politicians to do more on housing and make it part of their constituency’s projects.

“There’s no better time for electorates to demand for housing, than when politicians are seeking for their votes.

READ ALSO: National Housing Fund: Banks, insurers’ keeps owing… as HDAN threaten to sue CBN

“There’s no better time to demand for their rights than when these politicians are campaigning to seek for their votes.”

He further stated that housing is key to economic development and that with housing, more employment opportunities can be created for the youths.

While calling on the legislative, and the Nigerian government to do more on housing, Adebayo noted that the importance of housing cannot be overemphasized in boosting the development of the nation.

The post Vote for Housing Friendly Governorship Candidates- HDAN Charge Electorates in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa appeared first on Housing TV Africa.