The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has backed Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, over his call for economic policies that would improve the earning capacity and living conditions of young Nigerians.

NYCN Lagos Chairman, Mr Adigun Ibrahim, made the position known in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday, saying the council agreed that stronger incomes were essential to helping young people cope with rising housing and living costs.

Ibrahim said the challenge facing young workers extended beyond employment opportunities to whether their earnings were sufficient to support independent living. He noted that rent and other essential expenses were placing increasing pressure on young people whose incomes had not kept pace with the cost of living.

Hamzat had argued that improving the economy should include creating conditions that allow citizens, particularly young people, to earn more. He also pointed to the reliance of many young workers on parents and relatives for accommodation, especially at the early stages of their careers.

According to the deputy governor, controlling the cost of essential goods and services should be part of efforts to improve living conditions. The comments highlight the connection between household purchasing power and access to housing, particularly for workers attempting to establish independent households.

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Ibrahim said NYCN welcomed the emphasis on affordability but stressed that assistance from family members should serve as a temporary support system rather than a substitute for economic and housing policies that enable young people to live independently.

The council called for greater investment in affordable housing, improved wages, decent employment and economic programmes targeted at young people. It also advocated wider access to housing finance to help young workers obtain decent accommodation without placing excessive pressure on their incomes.

The issue has broader implications for Nigeria’s housing sector because housing affordability is closely tied to income levels and access to finance. Even where housing supply exists, workers may struggle to secure suitable accommodation when rents, transport costs and other household expenses consume a large share of their earnings.

For the mortgage and housing finance market, the NYCN position also points to the importance of creating financing options that reflect the realities of younger workers. Access to suitable housing finance can be difficult when income is low or unstable, limiting the ability of many potential buyers to transition from renting to homeownership.

Ibrahim said policies should not require young Nigerians to reduce their ambitions because of economic constraints. Instead, he argued that government and other stakeholders should work toward an economy in which young people can earn enough to pursue independent lives and meet basic needs.

The NYCN chairman commended Hamzat for connecting discussions about youth welfare with earnings, housing and broader economic conditions. He also reaffirmed the council’s willingness to work with the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders on measures aimed at improving economic opportunities and living conditions for young Nigerians.

The wider significance of the discussion lies in the relationship between employment, income and housing affordability. For Nigeria’s growing young population, sustainable access to decent housing will depend not only on increasing housing supply but also on creating economic conditions that give workers the purchasing power and financing capacity to afford it.

The post NYCN Backs Hamzat on Youth Earnings, Affordable Housing appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Two residents escaped serious danger on Friday after part of a one-storey residential building collapsed in Kubwa 2/2, near Yellow Page, Abuja.

The victims were inside the ground floor when the right section of the building suddenly gave way at about 11:30am. Rescue teams pulled both residents from the rubble alive and took them to Kubwa General Hospital for treatment.

The Head of Media and Public Relations at the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Nkechi Isa, confirmed the incident in a statement.

Rescue Operation

FEMD received a distress call about eight minutes after the collapse, at 11:38am. The agency then mobilised its response team to the affected property.

Rescuers reached the scene and worked to free the two trapped residents. Both victims survived the incident and remain in stable condition at the hospital.

No death has been reported in connection with the collapse.

The affected property contains six blocks of flats. However, most of the other occupants were away when the incident occurred. Their absence helped reduce the number of people exposed to the collapse.

Despite the successful rescue, the incident caused major damage to personal belongings and household items belonging to residents.

Authorities Begin Investigation

The Department of Development Control also responded to the scene alongside the FCT Police Command.

The agencies moved to secure the area and begin inquiries into what caused the structural failure. Authorities have not yet released a cause for the collapse.

The investigation will be important in determining whether issues linked to construction, structural integrity or compliance with approved building requirements played any role.

Building Safety and Housing in Abuja

The Kubwa incident again draws attention to the importance of building safety in Abuja’s growing residential communities.

Nigeria continues to face strong demand for housing. As developers respond to that demand, construction quality and regulatory compliance remain important parts of safe housing delivery.

Building approvals, proper structural design and effective site supervision can help reduce risks during construction and occupancy. Development control agencies also play an important role in ensuring that projects follow approved plans and relevant building requirements.

Building failures can have consequences beyond physical damage. Residents may lose household possessions, face temporary displacement and incur unexpected costs after a collapse.

For property owners and developers, the incident also highlights the need to treat structural safety as a core part of housing development. Affordable housing should not come at the expense of safety or compliance with construction standards.

Wider Housing Implications

The collapse in Kubwa highlights a wider challenge for Nigeria’s housing sector. The country needs more homes, but it also needs homes that can provide safe and secure living conditions.

Authorities, developers and other construction professionals all have roles to play in maintaining building standards. Stronger monitoring and timely intervention can help identify potential risks before they become emergencies.

For now, the two rescued residents remain under medical care at Kubwa General Hospital. Meanwhile, the relevant FCT authorities will continue to secure the site and investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

The post Two Rescued After One-Storey Building Collapses in Kubwa, Abuja appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Nigeria and other major African economies to strengthen fiscal, monetary and governance reforms as part of efforts to improve economic stability and promote broader-based growth.

In its assessment of reform priorities across eight of the African Union’s largest economies, the IMF identified fiscal reform as a key priority in all but one of the countries reviewed. For Nigeria, the areas highlighted include tax policy, revenue collection, public financial management and more efficient government spending.

The Fund also identified improvements to monetary policy frameworks and policy transmission as priorities for Nigeria, Egypt and Ethiopia. In Nigeria’s case, it said governance reforms should include stronger fiscal transparency, better public financial management and improved anti-corruption measures.

The IMF said stronger domestic revenue mobilisation and more transparent and efficient public spending would help African economies build more resilient institutions. It argued that stronger fiscal and monetary frameworks can support sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Nigeria’s tax reform agenda

The recommendations come as the Federal Government continues to implement a wide-ranging reform of Nigeria’s tax system. The new framework, which took effect in January 2026, is built around the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.

The reforms are intended to simplify tax administration, remove overlapping taxes, improve compliance and broaden government revenue. They are also designed to reduce the regulatory and tax burden on smaller businesses.

However, businesses continue to cite taxation as a major operating challenge. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s July 2026 Business Expectations Survey found that 70.8 per cent of respondents identified high and multiple taxation as their biggest constraint, ahead of insecurity and high interest rates.

For the housing and construction sectors, the quality of fiscal policy has direct implications. Developers, contractors and property businesses operate within a wider environment shaped by taxation, public infrastructure spending, interest rates and access to finance. Changes that improve tax administration while reducing unnecessary duplication could affect project costs and investment decisions.

Monetary policy remains a concern

The IMF’s call for stronger monetary policy frameworks follows an aggressive tightening cycle by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in recent years.

After Olayemi Cardoso became CBN governor in 2023, the bank pursued tighter monetary and liquidity conditions alongside foreign exchange reforms. The measures were aimed at addressing inflationary pressures, strengthening market confidence and improving macroeconomic stability.

The Monetary Policy Rate stood at 18.75 per cent in 2023 before the CBN began raising it in 2024. The benchmark rate increased to 22.75 per cent in February 2024 and eventually reached 27.5 per cent by the end of that year.

The CBN also increased banks’ Cash Reserve Ratio from 32.5 per cent to 45 per cent in early 2024 and later to 50 per cent as part of efforts to reduce excess liquidity.

The policy environment has since moved towards gradual easing as inflationary pressures moderated and economic conditions improved. Presidential aide Tope Fasua has nevertheless argued that the country should reconsider its tight monetary stance, warning that persistently high interest rates could restrict economic expansion without delivering the desired reduction in inflation.

Financing risks and infrastructure

The IMF’s concerns also extend to Nigeria’s approach to sovereign financing. In June, the Fund cautioned the country over plans to raise as much as $5 billion through a derivatives-based financing arrangement with First Abu Dhabi Bank.

The IMF warned that such structures can expose governments to significant risks because their terms may be difficult to evaluate fully.

The Federal Government has also secured about $1.2 billion in financing from the United Arab Emirates for construction of a major section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.

Infrastructure financing remains important to Nigeria’s wider development prospects because transport networks and public investment influence access to housing, construction activity, land values and the expansion of urban centres.

For Nigeria, the IMF’s recommendations therefore extend beyond macroeconomic indicators. Stronger public finances, effective monetary policy, transparent governance and disciplined infrastructure financing can shape the operating environment for businesses and determine how effectively public resources support economic and urban development.

The post IMF Urges Nigeria to Deepen Fiscal, Monetary and Governance Reforms appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

FHA property holdings near N5 trillion

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) holds property worth nearly N5 trillion, its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oyetunde Ojo, has said.

Ojo disclosed this during a media chat broadcast by Arise News TV on Monday. He discussed the authority’s housing projects, property management activities and plans to increase housing delivery across Nigeria.

The FHA manages residential estates and collects ground rent from allottees and occupants. Ojo linked the value of the authority’s property portfolio to those activities.

“We are in possession of close to about N5 trillion worth of property because we collect ground rent,” Ojo said.

The figure shows the scale of assets under the FHA as the federal government continues to expand housing development. It also highlights the role of property management alongside the construction of new homes.

FHA says thousands of homes are ready

Ojo said between 10,000 and 15,000 housing units are ready for delivery under the current administration.

He also said the government is working with private real estate investors to increase housing supply. He pointed to the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) as one source of capital for private-sector housing projects.

READ ALSO :FHA Blames Developer for Port Harcourt Building Collapse, Says Approved Plan Was Altered

According to Ojo, about N200 billion has been released to the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and remains available for private investors to access.

The use of private capital could help expand housing construction. However, access to finance remains a major issue for developers and homebuyers in Nigeria.

FHA provides updates on Abuja projects

Ojo gave updates on several FHA projects across the country. The developments include housing schemes in Abuja, Ibadan, Lagos, Kano and Cross River State.

In Ajoda, Ibadan, the FHA has built about 120 housing units. Construction continues on additional units at the site.

The authority has also delivered 100 housing units in Lugbe, Abuja. In Gwari, nearly 400 units are nearing commissioning.

Ojo said the Gwari project did not receive funding from the Federation Account. He also disclosed that the FHA built 1,550 housing units for the Nigerian Army in Jibi, Abuja, in less than a year.

The units are expected to receive commissioning soon.

Karsana project targets 3,112 units

The Karsana housing development in Abuja remains one of the major projects under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.

The project covers 3,112 housing units. Ojo said the first phase, which contains about 2,000 units, should receive commissioning soon.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is also constructing roads around Karsana. The road works should improve access to the housing development and surrounding areas.

The government launched construction of the Karsana project in February 2024. Since then, it has started several Renewed Hope housing projects in different parts of Nigeria.

Projects expand beyond Abuja

The FHA is also advancing projects outside the Federal Capital Territory.

Ojo said between 500 and 600 housing units in Kano should soon receive commissioning by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. He added that about 500 units in Lagos are also nearing completion.

The authority has started groundbreaking work on projects in several states. One of them is located in Odukpani, Cross River State, where the FHA expects to commission the development soon.

The federal government has also started a 250-unit housing project for federal civil servants in Dukpa, Gwagwalada, Abuja. The scheme includes two- and three-bedroom bungalows.

The new project will add to 350 units already delivered through the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Programme. Together, the two schemes will provide 600 units.

Housing finance remains a major challenge

The government’s housing plans come as Nigeria continues to face problems with housing finance, land administration and consumer protection.

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria is also preparing to complete 962 housing units in Abuja. The project involves the Kaba District housing scheme, which the bank recovered after an alleged diversion of a $65 million loan used to finance it.

The government has proposed further reforms to address weaknesses in the housing market. These include a proposed National Housing Finance Authority and reforms to expand access to housing finance for informal-sector workers.

Another proposed policy, the National Housing and Built Environment Regulation Policy, would introduce measures such as developer licensing and escrow protection for buyers.

What the FHA disclosure means

The FHA’s property portfolio and its ongoing projects show the size of the federal government’s role in Nigeria’s housing market.

However, increasing the number of homes alone will not solve the country’s housing challenges. Buyers also need access to finance, reliable infrastructure, secure land titles and stronger protection in property transactions.

The success of current housing programmes will therefore depend on both construction and the systems that support housing delivery, financing, regulation and long-term property management.

The post FHA Holds Nearly N5 Trillion in Property, Oyetunde Ojo Says appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Nigeria’s rising cement prices are putting fresh pressure on the housing market. Real estate developers warn that higher building costs could slow construction and make affordable homes harder to deliver.

The development comes as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) investigates cement pricing in Nigeria. The commission is also examining price differences between Nigeria and selected African markets.

Cement prices climb

Market checks cited in the report showed that a 50kg bag of cement sold for N9,300 to N9,700 in January 2026. By July, the price had reached as much as N15,000 in some locations.

Current prices in parts of Nigeria range from about N11,000 to N13,000 per bag. Prices vary by location, supplier and distribution channel.

The increase has added to existing pressures on property developers. Many are already dealing with high borrowing costs, expensive energy, rising material prices and weak consumer purchasing power.

Higher cement costs can reduce developers’ profit margins. They can also force firms to revise project budgets, slow construction or transfer some of the extra cost to buyers and tenants.

Developers seek lower costs

Victor Ameh, managing director of Legendary Foreshore Construction, said cement prices between N13,500 and N15,000 were making construction more difficult.

Ameh noted that many developers depend on bank financing. High borrowing costs therefore make any increase in building material prices more difficult to absorb.

He called for more investment across the cement value chain. He also urged measures to reduce electricity and fuel costs, saying lower production costs would support the construction industry.

Chudi Ubosi, chairman of the Association of Capital Market and Valuers, also called for more investment and competition in cement production.

Ubosi pointed to Nigeria’s large limestone reserves as an opportunity for new investment. He said more producers could help increase competition in the cement market.

He also warned that high cement prices have effects beyond construction. According to him, the impact reaches manufacturing, real estate, commerce and hospitality.

FCCPC faces calls for wider review

The FCCPC investigation has also drawn calls for a broader review of cement pricing. Industry stakeholders say production costs alone do not explain the final price paid by consumers.

Mansur Ahmed, interim chairman and president of the Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA), said the commission should consider the wider economic environment. He cited financing costs, infrastructure gaps and other economic factors.

Muda Yusuf, director-general of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), also called for a detailed review of cement production costs.

Yusuf said taxes, levies, transport, logistics, energy and financing costs should form part of any comparison between Nigeria and other countries. He also stressed the importance of considering both producers and consumers.

West African prices vary

Cement prices across West Africa show that regional differences are not uniform.

In Lomé, Togo, a 50kg bag sells for about CFA4,550. That was equivalent to roughly N10,844 or $8.03 using the August 18, 2026 exchange rates cited in the report.

The reported average price in Benin Republic was CFA4,500, or about N10,725. In Ivory Coast, CFA5,000 was equivalent to approximately N11,917.

In Ghana, a 50kg bag sold for about GH₵106, equivalent to roughly N12,962.

Prices within Togo also varied sharply by location. A 50kg bag cost about N10,844 in Lomé, compared with approximately N15,492 in Kara and N17,160 in Dapaong.

The differences point to the role of transport, distribution, taxes and other supply-chain costs in determining the final price of cement.

Housing affordability under pressure

For Nigeria’s housing sector, the main concern is the effect of higher cement costs on project delivery.

Developers now face difficult choices. They can absorb the extra cost, reduce the size of projects or raise property prices and rents.

The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) described cement affordability in March as a national housing emergency. The association also called for a review of pricing dynamics, including differences between domestic and export prices.

Higher construction costs matter because they affect the entire housing supply chain. When developers face larger project expenses, the cost of new homes can rise. This can make it harder for households to enter the property market or afford better rental housing.

What the FCCPC investigation could mean

The FCCPC investigation could have implications beyond the cement industry. Its findings may help clarify the role of production costs, competition, distribution and other market factors in determining cement prices.

For developers, however, the immediate issue is affordability. They need construction materials at prices that allow projects to remain viable while keeping homes within reach of buyers and tenants.

As the investigation continues, policymakers will face the challenge of supporting a sustainable cement industry while addressing the rising cost of housing. The outcome could influence how Nigeria approaches competition, construction costs and efforts to expand housing delivery.

The post Cement Price Surge Raises Fresh Housing Crisis Concerns in Nigeria appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents of Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi and Imosan communities in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State have renewed their protest over alleged land grabbing.

The residents marched through their communities on Friday. It was their second protest in less than a month.

They carried placards and called for urgent action from the Ogun State Government and security agencies. Some of the placards urged Governor Dapo Abiodun and President Bola Tinubu to protect their ancestral lands.

The residents accused alleged land grabbers of bringing bulldozers into the communities. They said the machines destroyed buildings, farmlands and other properties.

They also accused the alleged land grabbers of intimidating residents who challenged their activities.

The communities further claimed that some of the individuals operated with security escorts. They called on the authorities to investigate the allegation.

Communities Reject Link to Traditional Ruler

The dispute has also sparked controversy over the role of the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Okuribido.

The communities rejected reports linking the traditional ruler to the alleged land-grabbing activities. They described the reports as false.

According to the residents, Oba Okuribido comes from one of the affected communities. They said he had supported their efforts to resist the alleged land grabbers.

The communities also questioned the identities of people who claimed to represent Ikangba in a recent online publication. They said the individuals were not recognised as established indigenes or long-term residents.

Residents Seek Investigation

The residents said the dispute had continued despite an earlier intervention by the Ogun State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN.

They want the government to carry out an impartial investigation. They also want officials to establish the ownership history and legal status of the disputed land.

The communities called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and Ogun State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force to investigate all parties.

They want authorities to examine land documents, court judgments, boundaries and other evidence connected to the dispute.

Professor Ayodeji Gafar spoke at a press briefing after Friday’s protest. He said the communities considered the report linking Oba Okuribido to the dispute unfair.

Gafar said the communities wanted transparency over the ownership claims. He also said the dispute should not lead to confrontation.

Bulldozers Allegedly Return Despite Police Directive

Gafar said the communities returned to the streets because alleged land-grabbing activities continued.

He said Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni had directed both sides to maintain the status quo. The directive was to remain in place while authorities worked to resolve the dispute.

However, Gafar said residents later reported the return of bulldozers to disputed areas.

He alleged that the machines continued to clear farmlands and destroy structures.

The communities also raised concerns about unidentified people and unmarked security vehicles in the area.

They further alleged that some individuals carried guns, cutlasses and other weapons. Gafar called for an investigation to establish whether the allegations were true.

Leaders Appeal for Government Intervention

The Baale of Ikangba, Chief Joseph Adebanjo, also condemned the alleged activities.

Chief Adeniyi Oduneye, the Alase Yemule of Ikangba, joined the call for government action.

Alhaji Surajudeen Raji represented the Baale of Agoro. Chief Olusesi Isiaka represented the Baale of Imodi.

The community leaders appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun, President Bola Tinubu, the police and DSS to investigate the dispute.

They warned that continued tension could threaten peace in the affected communities.

Land Disputes Raise Housing Concerns

The dispute also highlights the importance of secure land ownership in Nigeria’s property market.

Clear land records help residents, developers and investors establish ownership before they build or invest. Disputes over ownership can delay housing projects and create risks for property owners.

Unclear boundaries can also affect construction and infrastructure development. For this reason, land administration remains an important part of Nigeria’s housing and real estate sector.

The affected communities are now asking the government to establish the legitimate ownership claims and protect peace in Ikangba, Agoro, Imodi and Imosan.

The post Ogun Communities Protest Alleged Land Grabbers’ Invasion of Ancestral Land appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Real estate operators have welcomed the Federal Government’s proposed housing reforms. They say the measures could improve buyer protection, strengthen regulation and build confidence in Nigeria’s property market.

However, developers want the government to add clear systems for checking construction progress. They also want better access to long-term finance to support housing delivery.

Developers Seek Stronger Buyer Protection

Speaking at an industry forum in Abuja, Mixta Africa said licensing and escrow arrangements could help protect property buyers.

Tola Akinsulire, Chief Commercial Officer of Mixta Africa, said the measures could reduce the risks consumers face in the housing market.

He said stronger regulation could also improve trust between developers and buyers.

Akinsulire said the government must also create a clear process for releasing funds held in escrow. He argued that developers should receive funds only after they meet agreed construction milestones.

He called for independent checks by qualified built-environment professionals. These checks should confirm the progress of each project before funds move to the developer.

The process should also include clear certification rules and records that auditors can verify.

Construction Milestones Need Independent Checks

Akinsulire said the key issue goes beyond where a buyer’s money sits.

The system must also show that a developer has completed the required work before receiving the next payment.

Independent project checks could give buyers greater confidence in housing projects. They could also help regulators track progress and identify problems at an early stage.

This approach could become important as more buyers commit large sums to homes before developers complete construction.

A transparent escrow system could link payments to actual progress on a project. It could also improve accountability among developers and professionals involved in housing delivery.

Developers Need Better Access to Finance

Mixta Africa also said regulation should not prevent credible developers from accessing finance.

Developers need funding to buy land, pay contractors and complete construction. Long project timelines can also increase the amount of capital required to deliver housing.

Leadforte Homes and Properties also backed the proposed reforms.

Bamise David, Chief Executive Officer of Leadforte Homes and Properties, said the measures could address several challenges facing Nigeria’s housing sector.

He identified high construction costs, limited access to long-term finance and weak land administration as major concerns.

David also pointed to the country’s housing deficit as another challenge that requires stronger private-sector participation.

Reforms Could Improve Housing Delivery

According to David, the proposed measures could improve transparency across the housing value chain.

He said stronger regulatory oversight could also encourage more private investment in housing development.

The comments from both developers highlight the need for balance in housing regulation. Buyers need stronger protection when they invest in property. At the same time, developers need access to finance to complete projects.

The success of an escrow system will therefore depend on how regulators verify construction milestones. Clear standards could help ensure that developers receive funds when they achieve agreed stages of work.

Wider Impact on Nigeria’s Housing Market

Nigeria needs more housing supply, but the quality and reliability of delivery also matter. Better regulation could help create a market where buyers have more confidence in developers and projects.

At the same time, access to suitable construction finance remains important. Developers cannot expand housing supply without the capital needed to acquire land and fund construction.

Industry stakeholders said effective implementation will determine the impact of the proposed reforms.

They stressed the importance of independent project verification, suitable construction finance and strong regulatory oversight.

If these measures work together, they could improve confidence in Nigeria’s housing market and support the delivery of quality and affordable homes.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of about 30 buildings blocking the Right of Way of Abuja’s Ring Road 3.

Wike gave the order on Thursday during an inspection of road projects linking Karsana District, Gwarinpa and the Kubwa axis.

The affected buildings sit within the corridor reserved for Ring Road 3 and its planned interchange. The area forms part of the infrastructure network covered by the Abuja Master Plan.

Wike Orders Immediate Action

The Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, drew Wike’s attention to the structures during the inspection.

Dauda told the minister that the buildings occupy land reserved for the Ring Road 3 project. Wike then called officials of the Department of Development Control to the site.

The minister ordered the officials to remove the structures without delay. He also questioned how developers had managed to build within a major road and interchange corridor.

Wike said the government could not allow private buildings to obstruct important public infrastructure.

Ring Road 3 Project Links Major Areas

The Ring Road 3 project forms part of Abuja’s wider road network. The route will connect Karsana District with the Kubwa Road corridor, also known as the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX).

According to Dauda, the road will also extend towards Airport Road. A planned flyover will connect with the Ring Road 3 alignment as part of the project.

Dauda said construction of the second bridge on the corridor has also moved forward. He noted that workers had started the foundation despite the rocky terrain at the site.

The project team expects bridge construction to continue while work progresses on the wider road corridor.

Development Control Concerns

The discovery of buildings along the road corridor has raised fresh concerns about development control in the Federal Capital Territory.

Abuja relies on planned land use to protect space for roads, public facilities and other infrastructure. When private developments enter these areas, they can create problems for transport projects and urban planning.

The situation also carries risks for property buyers and developers. Investors who purchase or develop land without checking approved land use may face disputes, demolition or financial losses.

For this reason, property developers need to confirm land titles, planning approvals and Right of Way restrictions before starting construction.

Protecting the Abuja Master Plan

The FCT Administration has continued to stress the importance of enforcing the Abuja Master Plan. The plan provides a framework for land use and infrastructure development across the capital.

Wike’s directive shows that the administration intends to prevent buildings from blocking planned road projects. It also places renewed attention on the role of development control officials in monitoring construction.

The immediate removal of the affected buildings will clear the Ring Road 3 corridor for ongoing construction and interchange works.

The development highlights a wider issue facing fast-growing cities: the need to balance private property development with long-term infrastructure planning. Stronger land checks and effective development control can help reduce conflicts between property owners and major public projects.

The post Wike Orders Demolition of 30 Buildings Blocking Abuja Ring Road 3 appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate is expected to continue easing in the coming months, although rising food prices remain a major source of pressure, according to analysts at Comercio Partners.

The outlook followed the latest inflation figures from the National Bureau of Statistics, which showed that headline inflation declined to 15.43 per cent year-on-year in July 2026, compared with 15.91 per cent in June.

The July figure represented the second straight monthly decline in headline inflation and the largest monthly moderation recorded so far this year. Analysts said the trend suggests that underlying price pressures across parts of the economy are beginning to weaken.

A key factor behind the improvement was the sharp decline in core inflation, which excludes some volatile items. Core inflation fell to 14.97 per cent in July, from 15.92 per cent in June, while the month-on-month rate dropped substantially to 0.15 per cent, compared with 1.66 per cent in the previous month.

Comercio Partners said the movement indicated weaker underlying inflationary pressure, supported in part by reduced exchange-rate volatility. The development could provide some relief for businesses and households facing higher costs, particularly in sectors that depend heavily on imported inputs.

Food prices, however, moved in the opposite direction. Food inflation increased to 20.31 per cent year-on-year in July, up from 17.52 per cent in June. On a monthly basis, food inflation also accelerated to 5.56 per cent, compared with 3.75 per cent in June.

The analysts linked the increase to constraints affecting agricultural supply, higher logistics and distribution expenses, seasonal influences and wider structural challenges within the food supply chain. They said these pressures are not issues that monetary policy can address on its own.

The divergence between food and core inflation is particularly relevant to household spending. Food represents a substantial portion of expenditure for many Nigerian households, making increases in food prices an important factor in the cost of living even when the overall inflation rate is declining.

Despite the increase in food inflation, several major expenditure categories recorded lower contributions to headline inflation during July. The contribution of food and non-alcoholic beverages declined from 6.37 percentage points in June to 6.18 percentage points in July.

Restaurants and accommodation also recorded a lower contribution, falling from 2.06 percentage points to 1.99 percentage points. Transport declined from 1.70 percentage points to 1.64 percentage points, while housing, utilities and fuels fell from 1.34 percentage points to 1.30 percentage points.

According to Comercio Partners, the combined decline in contributions from these four expenditure divisions represented about 75 per cent of the 0.48 percentage-point reduction in headline inflation recorded between June and July.

The figures also have implications for Nigeria’s housing and construction sectors. Housing-related costs are influenced by inflation through the prices of building materials, transportation, energy and other inputs, while higher living costs can affect households’ ability to save for home purchases, meet rent obligations and service mortgages.

For developers and construction companies, a sustained moderation in underlying inflation could improve cost forecasting and financial planning. However, continued food-price increases could keep pressure on household budgets and limit the amount of income available for housing and other long-term spending.

The July data therefore presents a mixed picture for the wider economy. While easing core inflation and reduced exchange-rate volatility point to moderating price pressures, persistent food inflation remains a significant challenge for households and businesses.

For the housing and infrastructure sectors, the direction of inflation will remain important because changes in prices affect construction costs, household purchasing power, project financing and the broader affordability of housing.

The post Nigeria Inflation Slows as Food Prices Keep Pressure on Households appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Wike Orders Investigation

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered an investigation into FCT officials linked to illegal approvals for car dealerships in Abuja.

The officials include Directors in the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs.

The FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has summoned the affected officials. The investigation will examine their role in approving the use of green areas, parks and gardens for car lots.

Wike also ordered the immediate end of car dealership activities on green areas and other spaces meant for public recreation.

The FCT Administration announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday. Lere Olayinka, the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, signed the statement.

Task Force to Enforce Ban

The minister has also ordered the creation of a task force to enforce the directive.

The team will monitor the affected areas and stop further unauthorised commercial activities. It will also check that businesses do not return to spaces reserved for parks, gardens and other public uses.

Wike raised concerns about the use of recreational areas for commercial purposes. Parts of Millennium Park and other green spaces have also come under attention.

The development has renewed questions about land use in Abuja. Green spaces form an important part of the city’s planning system. They also provide areas for recreation and help support better urban management.

Flooding Raises Planning Concerns

The FCT government’s latest action also links to recent flooding in Abuja.

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of the capital last Saturday. Wike later inspected Maitama and other affected areas.

Following the inspections, the minister ordered the removal of illegal structures blocking drainage channels. He also warned against activities that could prevent the free movement of stormwater.

READ ALSO :Wike Targets Buildings Obstructing Waterways After Abuja Flooding

The use of green areas for commercial purposes has therefore become part of a wider discussion about Abuja’s drainage and urban planning.

Poor land-use control can put pressure on infrastructure. It can also reduce the space available for recreation and environmental management.

Abuja Master Plan Under Review

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has also announced plans to review the 1979 Abuja Master Plan.

The review will consider the city’s growing population and changing climate conditions. It will also look at whether existing infrastructure can meet the needs of the capital.

The Abuja Master Plan provides the basis for the city’s planned development. Its implementation affects housing, roads, drainage, public spaces and commercial development.

The review could therefore have wider implications for property developers and investors in the FCT.

Impact on Real Estate

The investigation also highlights the need for proper land-use approval in Abuja.

Property developers, investors and businesses must follow approved planning rules before using land for commercial purposes. Unauthorised changes can create legal and financial risks for property owners and investors.

The case also shows why strong urban planning matters to the housing and real estate sector. Abuja needs clear land-use rules to support orderly development as the city expands.

For residents, green areas and parks also provide important public spaces. Protecting these areas can support better urban planning and help maintain the city’s environmental balance.

The outcome of the investigation will determine whether any officials breached established procedures when they approved car dealership activities on land reserved for parks and recreation.

The wider issue remains the effective enforcement of Abuja’s land-use rules. Stronger enforcement could help the FCT protect public spaces, improve infrastructure planning and support more orderly property development.

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