Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has defended his administration’s recent land allocation programme following public criticism, insisting that the initiative is designed to expand homeownership, promote housing development, and improve the welfare of residents rather than serve political interests. He also urged beneficiaries to develop their allocated plots into residential properties instead of leaving them idle or engaging in speculative land trading.

Speaking during the presentation of allocation documents, Governor Yusuf said the programme forms part of his administration’s commitment to addressing the housing deficit by making land more accessible to residents. He maintained that wider access to land ownership is essential for sustainable urban development, wealth creation, and economic growth across Kano State.

The governor encouraged all beneficiaries to begin construction as soon as possible and ensure that buildings are developed on solid foundations that comply with approved planning and engineering standards. He stressed that responsible land development would contribute to safer communities, orderly urban expansion, and improved living conditions.

Governor Yusuf also dismissed allegations surrounding the allocation process, stating that the programme was implemented transparently and in line with the government’s development objectives. He reaffirmed that the initiative is intended to empower citizens through property ownership while stimulating investment in the housing and construction sectors.

The Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning reiterated the government’s commitment to improving land administration and providing beneficiaries with the necessary support to facilitate property development. He urged recipients to take advantage of the opportunity by developing their plots rather than selling them immediately.

Urban development experts note that land allocation programmes can significantly improve housing delivery when supported by adequate infrastructure, transparent administration, and strict compliance with physical planning regulations. They add that encouraging beneficiaries to build on allocated land helps prevent speculation, increases housing supply, and promotes sustainable community development.

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Estate surveying and valuation firm Ubosi Eleh + Co has stressed that proper documentation and ownership titles for properties could become a powerful tool in reducing poverty and expanding economic opportunities in Nigeria.

The firm made the assertion during a media briefing in Lagos ahead of activities marking its 35th anniversary celebration scheduled for the second week of June.

According to industry experts, formal property ownership documentation can unlock access to credit, improve wealth creation and strengthen government revenue generation.

Property Titles Can Unlock Access to Capital

Speaking during the briefing, Principal Partner of Ubosi Eleh + Co, Emeka Eleh, said millions of Nigerians possess properties with economic value but are unable to maximise those assets due to lack of formal documentation.

According to him, property titles make it easier for owners to use their assets as collateral for loans and business financing.

Eleh explained that once ownership is formally recognised, property owners can leverage their assets to access funding that could support small businesses and economic growth.

He noted that individuals often struggle to raise capital from untitled properties despite their significant market value.

Call for Land Reform in Nigeria

Eleh urged government authorities to initiate broad land reforms capable of providing legal titles to property owners across the country.

According to him, such reforms would not only benefit individuals but also strengthen government revenue through improved property taxation systems.

He explained that a properly documented property system enables authorities to identify assets and collect taxes more efficiently.

Property Tax Seen as Major Revenue Source

Eleh pointed out that developed economies rely heavily on property taxes to fund public services and infrastructure.

According to him, cities in advanced countries generate significant portions of their revenue from property-related taxes due to effective land documentation systems.

He argued that strengthening land administration and documentation processes could create long-term benefits for Nigeria’s economy.

Nigeria’s Property Market Becoming More Open

Also speaking during the event, Principal Partner at Ubosi Eleh + Co, Chudo Ubosi, said the Nigerian property sector is gradually moving away from a culture of secrecy toward greater openness and transparency.

He explained that property owners are increasingly becoming comfortable with publicly advertising and transacting property assets.

Ubosi noted that the evolution reflects growing confidence within the sector and changing attitudes toward real estate ownership and investment.

He also credited strategic communication and marketing efforts for the company’s growth over the last 35 years.

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Nigeria’s housing market is under mounting pressure as demand continues to rise while supply remains constrained by land accessibility issues, infrastructure deficits, and fragmented institutions.

This concern was highlighted by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s immediate past Vice President, during his keynote address at the 2026 Wemabod Real Estate Outlook in Lagos, themed “Unlocking Land and Infrastructure for Inclusive Housing.”

Osinbajo emphasized that with strong political will and effective public-private collaboration, the government can provide inclusive housing solutions. He recalled that during his tenure as Vice President, he visited Borno State to inaugurate 15,000 housing units, demonstrating that large-scale housing delivery is achievable with committed leadership.

“While demand continues to rise, supply remains limited due to land access issues, infrastructure gaps, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated policy solutions across public and private sectors,” he said.

The forum also highlighted that reforming land administration—through digitized titling, reducing transaction delays, and improving tenure security—is critical to unlocking housing potential. In addition, investment in infrastructure such as roads, power, water, and social amenities is essential for affordable housing to reach low- and middle-income Nigerians.

Osinbajo stressed that inclusive housing is more than a social obligation; it is foundational to economic productivity, urban growth, and social stability. He added that sustainable solutions require systems thinking, aligning land, infrastructure, finance, and governance to address the country’s real estate challenges effectively.

Industry stakeholders at the event echoed the need for a holistic approach, noting that isolated projects cannot solve the persistent housing shortage. They called for long-term planning, institutional reforms, and coordinated investment to ensure Nigeria meets its growing housing demand.

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The Enugu State Government has approved a major reform of its land administration system, unifying land use charge and ground rent into a single payment while reducing the combined cost by over 69 per cent, in a move aimed at eliminating illegal levies and improving the state’s investment climate.

The reform also includes a ban on the activities of non-state actors, popularly known as Ogbonecheagu, who have been accused of illegally collecting levies from investors and property developers across the state.

Governor Peter Mbah announced the decisions as part of his administration’s broader economic transformation agenda designed to remove barriers to development, curb revenue abuse, and restore investor confidence in Enugu’s land sector.

Under the new policy, property owners will now pay a Unified Land Use Charge annually through the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), regardless of whether their properties are located within estates or outside them. The harmonised charge replaces multiple payments that previously burdened residents, developers, and businesses.

The announcement was made at a stakeholder town hall meeting on land sector development held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu. The governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chidiebere Onyia.

Onyia said the Mbah administration was committed to building a transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly land administration system anchored on legality, digitisation, and accountability.

“Land is the legal foundation for housing, infrastructure, agriculture, commerce, and investment. Since inception, this administration has pursued deliberate reforms to modernise land governance, reduce uncertainty, curb abuse, and restore public confidence in the land tenure system,” Onyia said.

He explained that the reforms were guided by transparency, predictability, digitisation of records, and strict adherence to statutory processes for land allocation, registration, and development control. According to him, effective land governance also requires continuous engagement with communities, professionals, investors, traditional institutions, and citizens.

As part of enforcement measures, Onyia disclosed that a task force has been constituted to ensure compliance with the ban on illegal levies. He urged local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and presidents-general of town unions to convene meetings with groups involved in unauthorised levy collection and ensure such practices stop immediately.

Members of the public who are compelled to pay illegal charges were encouraged to submit evidence to Whistleblowing@enugustate.gov.ng for prompt government intervention.

The government’s actions followed the recommendations of a multi-stakeholder Committee on Land-Related Revenue and Administration, set up to address complaints of multiple taxation and revenue abuse in the state.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Chimaobi Okorie, said the governor had introduced critical policy directions and legal instruments to support the reforms. These include an executive order declaring nine of the state’s 17 local government areas as urban centres to enable effective planning and structured infrastructure development.

He added that the administration had enacted the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS) Law, which now serves as a one-stop platform for land transactions and drives the full digitisation of land processes.

According to Okorie, land records in the state have been fully harmonised, eliminating missing files, while every plot of land can now be digitally tracked. He noted that applicants seeking Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) can apply online or visit government offices for seamless processing.

He further stated that the Property Protection Law signed by Governor Mbah guarantees the security of legitimate property ownership and protects investors’ assets.

The Managing Director of ENGIS, Chiwetalu Nwatu, clarified jurisdictional responsibilities for building approvals. He said buildings located in housing estates owned by the Ministry of Housing and the Housing Development Corporation must obtain approvals directly from the respective institutions, while approvals for houses in non-government estates within Enugu municipal area will be handled exclusively by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA).

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ES-IRS), Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, said the newly signed Tax Law was designed to protect low-income earners while placing a greater tax burden on the wealthy. He urged residents to obtain their Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) free of charge and comply with tax filing requirements to enable accurate development planning.

Responding to questions from stakeholders, Onyia said the town hall meeting was convened to harmonise land matters in the state for the benefit of all. He directed the setting up of a committee, chaired by the ENGIS managing director, to address complaints related to layouts and submit practical recommendations within one week.

The reforms are expected to significantly reduce the cost of property ownership, eliminate illegal land charges, and position Enugu as a more attractive destination for real estate investment and economic growth.

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Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved a 50 per cent reduction in fees for processing Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and other land documents.

Chiwetalu Nwatu, Managing Director of the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), said on Saturday that the move aims to empower landowners, attract investment, and ensure all properties in the state are properly documented.

The discount, effective from October 15 for 45 days, allows landowners to process titles at half the usual cost. Nwatu added that the initiative targets low-income earners and unregistered landowners who previously could not afford documentation.

He noted that C of Os are now processed within 48 to 72 hours, thanks to full digitisation of land services, which has improved transparency and eliminated delays.

“This 50 per cent cut reflects Governor Mbah’s commitment to inclusivity, investment confidence, and economic growth,” Nwatu said.

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The Chairman of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), African Zonal Network, Mohammed Kabir, has commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his administration’s commitment to reforming land governance to promote development, enhance security, and attract investment to the state.

Kabir, who led a five-day technical mission to Ekiti, spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday during the Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration intervention programme themed “Strengthening Innovative Approaches Towards Enhanced Land Governance.”

The programme, organised under the Global Land Tool Network Catalytic Intervention Initiative, was a collaboration between the Ekiti State Government, the United Nations-Habitat, and FIG, bringing together key stakeholders in land administration across the state.

Kabir lauded the state’s strides in developing a statewide surveying and mapping framework, a Geographic Information System (GIS), and a modernised Land Information Management System — initiatives he said had drawn international attention.

He noted that with only about three per cent of Nigeria’s land formally registered, the country faces major challenges in national development, security, and planning. He praised Ekiti’s proactive measures as a model for improving land governance and economic growth.

“The international community recognises the strides being made by Governor Oyebanji and his team in improving livelihoods, strengthening security, and enhancing land governance,” Kabir said. “We are here to offer technical support, build capacity, and deepen partnerships that can help sustain these efforts.”

He added that accurate land data could empower local farmers and residents to access credit facilities and boost productivity through land-backed collateral.

Also speaking, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on eGIS and Land Management, Akintobi Olusanmi, highlighted the state’s progress in digitising land processes. He said key infrastructure such as Continuous Operating Reference Stations had been installed, while aerial imagery of the entire state was being captured to ensure precision in planning and development.

Olusanmi further disclosed that the state’s comprehensive master plan project, initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding with the UN-Habitat in June 2023, was nearing a critical stage.

“The project has reached the contribution agreement phase, which is undergoing final legal review,” he said. “Once concluded, the drafting of the master plan will commence immediately and is expected to be completed within the first six months.”

The post FIG Commends Oyebanji for Driving Land Administration Reforms in Ekiti appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Despite a persistent housing deficit estimated at over 28 million units, Nigeria’s housing sector contributed more than ₦11 trillion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product in 2024, according to figures cited by AG Mortgage Bank PLC.

Referencing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the bank’s Chairman, Felix Nwabuko, highlighted this at the bank’s 2024 Annual General Meeting and 20th Anniversary celebration in Abuja. He noted that the housing sector’s growing economic contribution has been matched by renewed government interest in structural reform and affordability initiatives.

According to Nwabuko, the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda gained significant traction in 2024, driven by targeted interventions in affordable housing delivery, land titling reforms, and increased collaboration with private-sector players. One notable development, he said, was the expanded adoption of the policy allowing Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders to access 25% of their pension balances for home equity contributions—an initiative he described as a game-changer in bridging Nigeria’s housing finance gap.

“AG Mortgage Bank PLC continues to play a strategic role in supporting these national housing efforts. The policy that allows RSA holders to access 25% of their pension balances for home equity contributions witnessed higher adoption in 2024. This initiative has continued to narrow the gap in housing financing in Nigeria,” he said.

The bank, he added, is one of the leading administrators of RSA-linked mortgages, enabling more Nigerians to transition from tenants to homeowners. It is also among the early participants in the Help to Own initiative by the Family Homes Fund (FHF), which is gradually pushing mortgage rates toward single digits.

While acknowledging progress, Nwabuko also addressed persistent structural barriers in the mortgage ecosystem. These include limited access to long-term capital, a shortage of affordable housing stock, escalating construction costs, delays in foreclosure processes, and inefficiencies in land administration.

“To unlock scale, our industry must continue pushing for digitised land registries, capital market integration, credit enhancement, and regulatory easing,” he said.

He also called for strategic consolidation within the mortgage sub-sector, citing the need for stronger institutions with sufficient scale and innovation capacity. “All signs are pointing to the inevitability of consolidation, but a leading company will in some way need to emerge with the scale and internal innovation capability to create leading products and drive some acquisitions or scale by organic growth,” he noted.

The remarks underscore the growing relevance of mortgage finance within the broader economic agenda and the need for coordinated reforms to bridge Nigeria’s housing shortfall while sustaining its macroeconomic contributions.

The post Nigeria’s Housing Sector Added Over ₦11 Trillion to 2024 GDP, Says AG Mortgage Bank appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The group, Ubosi Eleh and Co, emphasized that proper land policy and administration are essential for any country’s development.

During a courtesy visit to Government House Enugu on Wednesday, the group notified and invited the governor to a workshop for estate surveyors and valuers in Enugu city. Led by Emeka Eleh, the group praised the enactment of the Enugu State Geographic Information Services law, legislation to combat land grabbers, and efforts to correct illegalities in property development as significant steps towards the state’s socioeconomic development.

Emeka Eleh expressed the group’s appreciation for Mbah’s leadership, stating, “You coming from a very strong pedigree and private sector background, we were very delighted when you were elected because we felt it would be a turning point in the affairs of this state. We are very delighted to say that we have been very correct, given the evidence of governance we see.”

He highlighted the importance of addressing both housing and infrastructural deficits, noting the governor’s efforts in cleaning up the town and ensuring adherence to proper building regulations to create a more livable city.

READ ALSO: FG Announces Land Reforms to Simplify Access to Certificates of Occupancy

Eleh also commended Mbah for fast-tracking the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, addressing land grabbing issues, and the overall improvements in land administration and physical planning. “You are just one year in office, and a lot has happened. So, we are imagining what will happen in the next three years. We are certain, and we believe that Enugu is in very good hands,” he added.

In response, Governor Mbah assured the group of his administration’s commitment to making Enugu State a hub for investment, business, tourism, and living. He outlined various initiatives, including the Enugu State Geographic Information Service, the New Enugu City project, aggressive road construction, restoration of water supply, and radical reforms in land administration.

“We are currently able to generate 120 million litres of water daily from the occasional 2 million litres we met. Now, we are dealing with all the challenges with reticulation to make sure that water gets to the last man,” Mbah stated.

READ ALSO: FG to Develop New National Integrated Land Transport Policy

He also mentioned the state’s efforts to ensure a 24-hour power supply by setting up the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, which allows the state to regulate activities in the electricity value chain independently.

Mbah concluded by inviting the private sector to partner with the state, particularly in the land sector, to further improve the ease of doing business in Enugu. “Enugu is open for business, and we are looking forward to partnering with the private sector,” he emphasized.

The commendation from Ubosi Eleh and Co highlights the significant strides made by the Enugu State administration in transforming the state’s infrastructure and land administration, paving the way for future development and growth.

The post Surveyors Applaud Governor Mbah’s Land Reforms in Enugu appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Titled “Reinvigorating Nigeria’s Economic Potential With Dead Capital,” the report underscores the vast untapped economic potential within idle assets nationwide.

The report highlights that trillions of naira remain dormant due to underutilized assets, hampering Nigeria’s economic growth. It emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts between the government, communities, and stakeholders to implement reforms aimed at unlocking dead capital.

A hypothetical 25% surge in titled land is projected to significantly enhance the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by boosting agricultural productivity, attracting investments, and stimulating economic development.

This surge would spur real estate development, construction projects, and infrastructural development, fostering a surge in economic activity nationwide.

READ ALSO: Lagos Commits to Affordable Housing, Enhanced Infrastructure in Alimosho Local Council

Currently, Nigeria possesses a vast land area of 923,000 square kilometers, with less than 10% of it titled.

The report acknowledges the challenges in accurately assessing Nigeria’s dead capital due to various factors such as unclear property rights, informal land ownership, and disputed boundaries.

To address these challenges, the report recommends several steps to rejuvenate the economy by freeing up dead capital. Initiatives such as the establishment of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and the National Land Reform Commission aim to streamline legal frameworks, secure property transactions, and catalyze investment opportunities.

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Furthermore, the report stresses the importance of recognizing land as a crucial factor of production and simplifying procedures for land titling and registration. Leveraging technology, enhancing public awareness, and facilitating access to financial resources are also highlighted as essential strategies to unlock the full potential of land assets.

According to estimates by PwC, Nigeria currently holds approximately $900 billion worth of dead capital, including abandoned properties owned by the Federal Government.

In light of these findings, stakeholders are urged to prioritize land reform initiatives to unleash Nigeria’s economic potential and foster sustainable progress.

The post Land Reform Report Forecasts 25% Increase in Titled Properties to Boost National GDP appeared first on Housing TV Africa.