The ban includes business visas (single and multi-entry), tourist e-visas, and family visit visas. Citizens of the affected countries will not be able to apply for these types of visas once the restriction begins.

Nigerians with valid Saudi visas can still travel to the country before April 13. However, they must leave no later than April 29. Anyone who stays beyond this date may face penalties, including a possible five-year entry ban.

Saudi authorities explained that this decision is linked to preparations for the upcoming Hajj. They are trying to prevent overcrowding and manage logistics more effectively. Last year, many pilgrims reportedly entered the country using non-Hajj visas, causing confusion and congestion.

This is not the first measure the Kingdom has taken. In February 2025, Saudi Arabia suspended one-year multiple-entry visas for the same countries. After that, it limited access to single-entry visas valid for only 30 days.

The new rule also affects travelers with valid multi-entry business visas. These individuals will not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia after April 13, even if their visa has not expired.

The 14 countries impacted include Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, and Bangladesh.

In addition, Saudi Arabia has updated its Umrah travel guidelines. Umrah visas will now be issued starting from the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah each year and will close by the 1st of Shawwal.

Officials continue to warn travelers to use the correct type of visa for religious purposes. Violators risk legal consequences if they fail to follow the new rules.

The post Saudi Arabia Clamps Down on Visa Access for Nigerians, 13 Others Ahead of Hajj appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

In Mararaba, a busy suburb of Abuja, Amaechi, a meat trader, watches helplessly as his business withers under the weight of soaring livestock costs. “People buy less goat meat now. It’s been bad since before Christmas,” he says, his voice tinged with frustration. The once-crowded stalls of the Orange Market along Abuja-Keffi Road now host fewer buyers, most of whom cautiously count their naira before settling for cheaper protein options like fish and eggs.

At the abattoir, Audu the butcher recalls better days when he could easily sell up to 20 goats daily. Now, he struggles to sell even half that number. “A goat lap was N4,500. Now it’s N9,000. Customers complain, but our hands are tied,” he laments. Traders echo his concerns, their livelihoods strained as consumers pull back from purchasing meat and other costly staples.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) paints a grim picture: the average cost of food rose from N2,862.14 in November 2024 to N2,920.13 in December 2024, marking a staggering 91.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This surge affects everyday essentials like rice, garri, beans, bread, and groundnut oil, reshaping how Nigerians eat, budget, and survive.

For restaurant owners like the woman behind Anambra Kitchen in Ado, the economic squeeze is suffocating. “My regular customers don’t come anymore. I had to cut portion sizes to keep my doors open,” she confesses. Diversification has become a survival tactic, with many food vendors branching into side businesses like POS services to supplement dwindling incomes.

Customers, too, are adapting to harsh realities. John, a regular diner turned reluctant budgeter, sums it up: “We now do 0-1-0 or 1-0-0. Eating three times a day is for government officials.” This shift from three meals to just one speaks volumes about the depth of the crisis.

Economists warn that the effects of food inflation ripple far beyond kitchen tables. Dr. Paul Garau from Nasarawa State University explains, “When food prices soar, it’s not just about hunger. Reduced purchasing power slows business activity, increases poverty, and can even trigger social unrest.” His words are echoed by Puol Danladi of the Initiative for Development and Peacebuilding, who highlights the broader implications for national health and stability. “Food security is about more than availability; it’s about affordability. Without access to nutritious meals, productivity suffers, and long-term development is jeopardized,” he states.

Despite these challenges, Nigerians display remarkable resilience. Families are finding creative ways to stretch limited resources. Bulk buying from wholesalers, embracing cheaper, locally-sourced foods, and meticulous meal planning are now the norm. Mrs. Chinwe Agu from Utako shares her story: “Goat meat is a luxury now. We use awara and mushrooms. The kids don’t love it, but we have no choice.”

Community savings groups and cooperatives offer a financial lifeline. In Gwarimpa, Sarah Anjum joined a thrift group, saving N100 daily to prepare for last December’s festivities. “I saved over N500,000. It bought rice and enough goat meat for my kids to enjoy Christmas,” she recalls, her pride tinged with the struggle behind those savings.

The government has made attempts to address the crisis. In July 2024, a 150-day zero-duty levy on select food imports was introduced, targeting maize, rice, wheat, and cowpeas. However, bureaucratic delays have dulled its impact. In February 2025, efforts to reform the Bank of Agriculture aimed to boost food production and reduce dependency on imports. Finance Minister Wale Edun stresses the need for comprehensive strategies, blending fiscal and monetary policies to tackle inflation head-on.

Yet for many Nigerians, these policies feel distant and slow. The daily grind continues, marked by sacrifices and small victories. The hope is not just for cheaper food but for a future where survival doesn’t come at such a high price. Until then, the struggle endures, etched into every market stall, every empty plate, and every determined heart that refuses to give up.

The post The Price of Survival: How Nigerians Battle the Rising Cost of Food appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The controversial allocation, detailed in the 2025 Appropriation Bill awaiting approval by the National Assembly, has sparked heated debates across political and civic platforms.

If passed, the budget will fund the overhaul of three aircraft engines in the presidential fleet, along with expenses for fueling, fumigation, air navigation equipment, cleaning, and other operational needs. These costs come at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, sparking accusations of misplaced priorities by opposition parties and civil society groups.

From July 2023 to September 2024 alone, over N19.43 billion was reportedly spent on maintaining and operating the presidential fleet, according to findings by civic technology platform GovSpend. This figure includes a hefty N13.55 billion allocated in 2024, representing two-thirds of the year’s budget for the fleet.

A closer examination of the proposed budget reveals even more eye-popping figures: N5.5 billion has been set aside for an engine overhaul of a single aircraft, while N8.6 billion is earmarked for air navigation equipment repairs. Additional allocations include N1.55 billion for aircraft fuel and N1.25 billion for routine aircraft maintenance. Insurance premiums for the fleet are expected to cost N311 million, with foreign insurers likely handling the policies due to the lack of capacity among local firms.

Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, have voiced their discontent, describing the expenditure as excessive and insensitive to the plight of Nigerians. South-West PDP chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, questioned whether the government was planning to procure new aircraft, highlighting the lack of justification for the massive allocation.

Labour Party spokesperson Abayomi Arabambi went a step further, calling the budget proposal “inhuman and satanic.” He condemned the government’s focus on luxury and affluence at the expense of millions of Nigerians living in poverty. Arabambi noted that the presidential fleet already boasts several aircraft, including a recently acquired Airbus A330 worth over $100 million. He called for a redirection of funds toward alleviating poverty and addressing pressing national issues.

Civil society leaders have also criticized the proposal. Debo Adeniran, head of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, described the expenditure as a betrayal of public trust. “This administration has shown an alarming disregard for the needs of the people. It’s time for Nigerians to demand accountability and insist that public funds be used for the common good,” he stated.

For everyday Nigerians, the proposal feels like a slap in the face. Olakunle Aina, an engineer, expressed dismay over the government’s spending habits. “This is the height of insensitivity. Our leaders are out of touch with the realities on the ground. This money could be better spent on infrastructure, healthcare, or education,” he said.

Similarly, a trader, Mrs. Aina, shared her disbelief, citing her own struggles with saving money. “I once saved N150,000 over an entire year, and that felt like a huge achievement. Hearing about N55 billion being spent on air travel makes me feel sick. It’s heartbreaking to see how disconnected our leaders are from the people they govern.

The outrage reflects broader frustration with government priorities at a time of economic uncertainty. With the aviation ministry’s total 2025 budget standing at N105.9 billion, critics argue that nearly half of that amount being funneled into the presidential fleet is an affront to ordinary Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.

As the proposed budget moves closer to legislative scrutiny, citizens and advocacy groups are calling for transparency, accountability, and a drastic rethink of national priorities. Whether their voices will lead to tangible changes in government spending remains to be seen, but the growing public discontent serves as a stark reminder of the widening disconnect between Nigeria’s leaders and its people.

The post Public Outrage as FG Proposes N55 Billion for Presidential Fleet Maintenance appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The multiple-entry visa, before its cancellation, allowed holders to enter and exit Canada as they pleased but an update by the government on Wednesday stated that it was no longer considered the “standard document.”

“Guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered to be the standard document,” reads a statement by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

“Officers may exercise their judgement in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa, and in determining the validity period,” the statement added.

Majority of Nigerians had fled the Sub-Saharan nation in light of inflation and rising insecurity to find refuge in Canada who welcomed immigrants to coubter a declining population and meet workforce demands.

But the country, now overwhelmed with immigrants, was backpedalling its approach to address the recent influx.

In October, the IRCC announced a reduction in its permanent resident target for 2025 from 500,000 to 395,000. The target for 2026 previously 500,000 will decrease to 380,000, and for 2027, Canada plans to admit 365,000 permanent residents.

The post Canada ends automatic 10-year multiple-entry visas for Nigerians, other nationals appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Addressing attendees, Dangiwa underscored the government’s emphasis on policy frameworks benefiting lower-income groups, including the National Social Housing Fund, which provides affordable housing access to low-income Nigerians.

“The Federal Government is actively working to reduce the housing deficit, with current investments in housing and infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Program,” he noted, adding that phase one of the program targets 50,000 housing units across 14 states.

The event aligns with the United Nations-designated World Habitat Day, which promotes sustainable urban futures. This year’s theme, “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future and Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities,” emphasizes the importance of youth involvement in building resilient and climate-conscious cities.

Dangiwa highlighted the recent launch of a policy focused on integrating youth perspectives into urban planning, fostering inclusive and sustainable cities.

Further reinforcing climate resilience, Dangiwa mentioned a workshop on green building practices, conducted in collaboration with the World Bank, to incorporate eco-friendly designs into housing projects. He added that government policies are being developed to enhance urban regeneration, improve housing finance systems, and strengthen the National Urban Governance Framework.

Echoing the federal government’s commitment, Mr. Shehu Osidi, Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), assured that the bank would continue to provide affordable housing loans to young Nigerians, supporting both individuals and institutions dedicated to transforming urban centers across the nation.

The post FG Reaffirms Commitment to Affordable Housing for Low-Income Nigerians appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This crisis has left countless residents in a relentless search for affordable accommodation, exacerbating social and economic disparities. In this piece, CECILIA OGEZI interrogates the many factors contributing to the housing deficit and the struggle by young people to access shelter in the nation’s capital.

Abuja’s housing deficit is a microcosm of a nationwide problem. The city, with 1.7 million housing units, accounts for 10 percent of Nigeria’s overall housing shortage. Despite this, a troubling number of houses estimated at 600 remain unoccupied in the city center. This paradox of vacant homes amid a housing crisis highlights systemic inefficiencies and economic imbalances.

READ ALSO: HDAN Presses for Political Will to Tackle Looming Housing Deficit Amidst Under Bridge Tenants’ Plight

Historically, the quest for adequate shelter has been a fundamental human concern. In Abuja, government efforts have aimed to address this through various housing programs. Initiatives like low-cost housing schemes, Federal Housing Authority projects, and privately developed mass housing aim to bridge the gap. However, these efforts have yet to meet the soaring demand.

This has a great impact on the common man who for the need for a better life comes to Abuja to earn a living.

A resident in Durumi (III), Saleh Ahmed decried the rising cost of living and the devastating effect it has on the common man, according to Ahmed he was living in a high-brow area of the city until a recent increase in rent forced him to move to Durumi (III), despite his dislike for the community.

Another resident of Dakwo, a village in Lokogoma complained she had to move out of Sunnyvale Estate when the rent became unaffordable for her as a single mother.

READ ALSO: Uganda Minister calls for bridging of housing deficit as Vaal opens in Uganda

A recent survey by a private real estate consultant revealed a staggering deficit of over 600,000 housing units in Abuja as of early 2017. This shortage is fueled by the city’s rapid population growth and its reputation as a peaceful haven in a turbulent region, attracting people from across Nigeria and beyond.

Ironically, while new housing estates emerge across the city, many remain empty due to prohibitive rental costs.

High rents in districts like Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape have made these areas unaffordable for most residents. Developers often prefer to leave properties vacant rather than lower rents, exacerbating the housing crisis.

The rigidity of rental costs stems from developers’ claims of high operational costs and an unfriendly property development environment. They argue for more supportive laws and regulations to ease property development and protect their investments. However, this stance has led to a market where many properties are inaccessible to the average resident.

READ ALSO: Solving The Real Housing Challenge: Nigeria Versus Ghana – Whose Deficit Are We Truly Solving?

In response, the FCT administration has initiated reforms to make the housing sector more investment-friendly. These include streamlined processes for land procurement, building permits, and development inspections. Such policies are beginning to show promise, with a gradual reduction in rental costs and increased housing availability.

Abuja’s housing woes have not gone unnoticed by lawmakers. The Nigerian Senate recently approved the ‘Advanced Rent (Residential Apartments, Office Spaces, etc.) Regulation Bill 2022,’ sponsored by Senator Smart Adeyemi. This bill aims to ease the burden on tenants by enforcing a monthly rent payment structure after an initial three-month advance payment. This legislative intervention seeks to curb exploitative rental practices and provide relief to residents struggling to afford housing.

However, proposed solutions like rent control and price ceilings have sparked debate. Critics argue that such measures could deter new investments and exacerbate long-term shortages by creating market distortions. Balancing affordability and investment incentives remains a critical challenge.

Beyond rent regulation, experts suggest that efficient property tax administration could boost government revenue and support housing initiatives. Property tax, a reliable income source in many countries, remains underutilized in Nigeria. Enhancing tax collection methods and combating evasion could provide much-needed funds for public services and development projects.

Despite its potential, property tax administration faces significant hurdles, including inadequate property data, inconsistent valuations, and public resistance. Overcoming these challenges requires modernization of tax systems, transparency, and public education on the benefits of compliance.

READ ALSO: FCT Residents Appeal to Wike Over Developer Harassment and Land Grabbing

In the legislative arena, Senator Adeyemi has also advocated for property taxes on unoccupied high-end mansions to address the surplus of vacant properties. This measure aims to incentivize the use of existing housing stock and alleviate the city’s accommodation crisis.

Abuja’s housing deficit indicates the need for a multifaceted approach. Collaborative efforts among government, developers, and residents are essential to create a more equitable and sustainable housing market. Only through comprehensive reforms and innovative solutions can Abuja hope to provide adequate and affordable housing for all its residents, especially young people.

The post Abuja’s Housing Crisis: Young Nigerians Struggle as Living Options Dwindle appeared first on Housing TV Africa.