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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Ghana’s housing sector is opening up major investment opportunities  and the private sector is being called to take full advantage.

This message came from the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Mr. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, in remarks delivered on his behalf at the recent Ecobank-JoyNews Habitat Fair.

Speaking through Mr. Prosper Hoetu, CEO of the National Homeownership Fund, the Minister highlighted how Ghana’s rapid urbanization is driving the need for new homes, modern infrastructure, and flexible financing systems.

Housing Demand Rising, But Delivery Still Struggles

Ghana’s urban population now stands at 59%, and it’s growing by about 3.3% each year. This increase has brought with it a spike in housing demand, but the system hasn’t kept up  especially for low- and middle-income families.

The most recent population census puts the housing deficit at 1.8 million units, a reduction from the previous 2.8 million. However, another issue remains: nearly 13% of homes in Ghana are vacant, showing a serious mismatch between what people need and what’s being built.

“The homes are there, but they’re often not affordable or fit for purpose,” Mr. Adjei noted.

Government’s Vision: Affordable Homes for All

The Minister said the government is putting affordable housing at the center of its national development plans. The goal? To make sure every Ghanaian has access to safe, decent, and affordable housing — not just the wealthy few.

He emphasized a practical strategy that includes:

• Faster land acquisition processes

• Smarter contracting and infrastructure

• Stronger access to funding through public-private partnerships (PPPs)

The plan is designed to create a housing market that truly meets the needs of working Ghanaians.

 A Message to Investors at Home and Abroad

Mr. Adjei also spoke about the upcoming District Housing Programme, a national initiative that will spread housing projects across the country. It aims to serve not just locals, but also Ghanaians in the diaspora who want to own homes in their hometowns, including gated communities.

“This is a solid opportunity for the private sector to step in,” he said.

 Teamwork Will Drive Results

He added that successful execution depends on unity across the board  including financial institutions, government agencies, private developers, and the public.

“It’s not just a government job,” he stressed.
“It will take all of us  our ideas, investments, and energy  to make this happen.”

 Key Takeaways:

• Ghana’s urban housing demand is climbing fast

• 1.8 million-unit housing deficit remains a challenge

• Nearly 13% of existing homes are vacant  showing poor market alignment

• Government is focused on affordable housing through PPPs and district projects

• Diaspora-targeted communities are in the pipeline

• Private investors have a big role to play in closing the ga

The post Ghana’s Housing Boom: Private Investors Urged to Seize Golden Opportunity appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

NIDO Africa has taken a bold step toward empowering Nigerians abroad and tackling social challenges at home with the acquisition of 10 acres of land equivalent to 60 plots in the rapidly developing Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos State.

The announcement, made on June 12, 2025, by the organization’s Continental Chairman, Professor Jude Osakwe, marks a significant milestone in the group’s efforts to offer its members secure real estate opportunities while also driving social impact.

The land will form the foundation of a housing project tailored for NIDO Africa members, many of whom face difficulties navigating Nigeria’s complex and often unreliable property market.

According to Prof. Osakwe, the initiative is designed to give diaspora Nigerians a safe and transparent platform to invest in land and build homes, easing long-standing concerns about fraud and land disputes.

But the project isn’t just about bricks and mortar. NIDO Africa is also dedicating one acre six plots of the newly acquired land to a cause that goes beyond housing.

A shelter and vocational training center will be established for victims of human trafficking, offering not only a safe space but also the skills needed for survivors to rebuild their lives. Prof. Osakwe emphasized the dual nature of the initiative, describing it as a powerful combination of investment and compassion.

By aligning diaspora investment with community rehabilitation, NIDO Africa is sending a clear message: development should benefit both those abroad and the vulnerable at home. With this land acquisition, the organization is setting a precedent one that blends real estate opportunity with real-world impact.

The post NIDO Africa Secures Lagos Land to Build Homes and Hope appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Oyo State Government has commenced a re-verification exercise for property owners and claimants affected by land acquisition along the first segment of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, covering Alago to Ajota areas in Ibadan.

The exercise, which began on Sunday at the Islamic High School, Basorun, is scheduled to run until Saturday, targeting around 3,000 property owners and claimants. The Chairman of the Monitoring Team for Compensation, Sunday Odukoya, assured that the government would prioritize payments to rightful claimants.

Odukoya, a retired Commissioner of Police, stated that Governor Seyi Makinde directed the prompt execution of the verification to prevent undue delays and ensure timely compensation.

“The governor instructed us to expedite this process to prevent claimants from enduring unnecessary hardship. We are working every day until Saturday to conclude the exercise,” Odukoya said.

He emphasized that documents such as NIN, land purchase receipts, surveys, and other relevant papers would be required for verification. Despite a slow turnout, he urged affected residents to participate, assuring that the government remains committed to its promise of compensation.

In a related development, the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has launched raids against illegal street traders within Ibadan’s metropolis, targeting areas such as Oritamerin, Gege, Agbeni, and Ogunpa.

OYRTMA Chairman, Retired Major Adekoya Adesagba, highlighted that the makeshift markets in these areas caused severe traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and drainage blockages, exacerbating flooding.

During the operation, 12 individuals operating illegal motor parks were apprehended, and traders violating regulations faced fines and had their stalls seized. Adesagba urged marketers to desist from road trading, emphasizing that these measures are for their safety and the city’s overall welfare.

The post Oyo Govt Starts Re-verification for 3,000 Property Owners in Ibadan appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Oyo State government has announced a new re-verification exercise for landowners and claimants affected by the land acquisition for Segment I of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, stretching from Alago to the Ajota community.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Moses Alao, disclosed that the exercise aims to ensure proper compensation for affected individuals. A monitoring team, led by retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, will oversee the process.

“The re-verification exercise will begin on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 10 a.m., and conclude on December 22, 2024,” Alao stated.

Required Documentation for Re-Verification

Landowners and claimants are required to provide the following documents during the exercise:

• Local government identification certificate or residence permit for non-indigenes.
• Land purchase agreement.
• National Identification Number (NIN).
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Letter of power of attorney (for proxies) from the Ministry of Justice.
• Bank details.
• Survey plan of the property/farmland.
• Photographs of the property/farmland.
• Affidavit from a court or the Ministry of Justice.
• Two passport-sized photographs and means of identification of a guarantor/surety.

The exercise will be conducted in batches. Claimants are advised to visit the Ministry of Lands on Friday, December 13, 2024, to confirm their batch.

Venue and Timeline

The re-verification process will take place at the Islamic High School, Orita Basorun, Ibadan, from December 15 to December 22, 2024.

The Oyo State government urges all affected landowners and claimants to participate in the exercise, ensuring the smooth disbursement of compensations for properties impacted by the development of the Circular Road project.

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