REDAN Seeks New Housing Finance Models

The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has called for stronger blended finance structures to increase investment in Nigeria’s housing and infrastructure sectors.

REDAN President, Oba Akintoye Adeoye, made the call at the 2026 Africa Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Conference and Exhibition in Lagos.

John Saka, Executive Secretary and Business Development Specialist at REDAN’s national secretariat, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.

Adeoye said Nigeria’s housing and infrastructure needs require more than traditional sources of funding. He called for closer cooperation among government, developers, mortgage institutions, commercial banks and development finance institutions.

He also identified institutional investors and other sources of capital as important partners in expanding housing investment.

Blended Finance Could Support Housing Investment

Blended finance combines public, private and development-focused funds to reduce investment risks. It can also help attract private capital to projects that may face funding challenges under normal commercial terms.

Adeoye said this approach could help developers finance more housing projects while improving affordability for Nigerians.

He urged REDAN and the Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN) to promote financing models that support sustainable and affordable housing.

According to him, stronger links between developers and financial institutions could create better conditions for long-term investment in the sector.

The issue is important because housing projects often require significant upfront capital. Developers also need access to financing that matches the long development periods of housing and infrastructure projects.

Better financing structures could therefore support projects that might struggle to secure funding through conventional commercial loans alone.

REDAN Pushes Green Innovation

Adeoye also urged real estate developers to adopt more green technologies and sustainable construction practices.

He said developers could improve efficiency and long-term value through energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy and sustainable construction materials.

He also highlighted water efficiency, waste management, climate-resilient infrastructure and smart technologies as areas with room for greater innovation.

Adeoye said developers should view sustainable real estate as an investment rather than simply an additional cost.

Energy-efficient buildings can reduce operating expenses over time. Sustainable materials and better resource management can also improve building performance and the experience of occupants.

For Nigeria’s housing industry, the shift towards sustainable development could also support buildings that are better prepared for environmental and climate-related pressures.

Governance Remains Critical

The REDAN president also stressed the need for stronger governance across the real estate sector.

He identified transparency, accountability, ethical business practices and responsible leadership as key elements of a credible property market.

Adeoye said good governance can strengthen consumer confidence and improve investor trust. It can also support access to finance and improve the credibility of real estate businesses.

Strong governance remains important to both developers and consumers. Clear business practices can help protect buyers while creating greater confidence among financial institutions and investors.

ESG Conference Focuses on Practical Solutions

The 2026 Africa ESG Conference and Exhibition focused on the theme, “ESG as a Competitive Advantage: Blended Finance, Green Innovation, and Governance for Nigeria’s Real Estate Future.”

REDAN and the Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria jointly organised the conference. The Nigeria Mega Project Expo 2026 partnered with both organisations for the event.

The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss how environmental, social and governance principles can influence Nigeria’s real estate sector.

Adeoye urged participants to move beyond discussions and focus on practical solutions and partnerships.

For Nigeria’s housing market, the discussion highlights the close link between finance, sustainability and good governance. Expanding access to suitable funding, encouraging efficient building practices and improving industry standards can help create stronger conditions for housing and infrastructure investment.

The wider significance lies in bringing developers, lenders, government agencies and investors closer together. Such cooperation can help the sector develop financing models and business practices that support a more sustainable and accessible real estate market.

The post REDAN Urges Blended Finance to Unlock Nigeria’s Housing Potential appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The housing affordability crisis confronting Nigeria and many African countries cannot be solved merely by increasing the number of houses constructed.

Housing becomes affordable when the entire financial architecture supporting its production, purchase and rental is deliberately structured for affordability.
Experience from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore and Malaysia demonstrates that governments rarely expect low- and middle-income households to purchase homes produced entirely with expensive commercial land, commercial infrastructure, commercial development finance and commercial mortgages.

Instead, governments intervene at different points in the housing value chain.
They subsidise land.
They provide capital grants.
They supply infrastructure.
They offer low-interest development finance.
They guarantee mortgages.
They provide tax incentives to private investors.
They support social and affordable rental housing.
They give direct assistance to qualifying households.
They leverage government resources to attract much larger volumes of private and institutional capital.
The central finding of this report is therefore:
Affordable housing is created by affordable finance.
The United States relies heavily on tax credits, federal housing programmes, rental assistance and a sophisticated private housing-finance market.

The United Kingdom combines large-scale government grants with housing associations, local authorities, borrowing and private institutional capital.
Canada uses federal funding, concessional finance and partnerships with provinces, territories and municipalities.

Singapore integrates public land management, public housing development, household grants, compulsory savings and specialised housing loans.
Malaysia combines direct public housing programmes, construction subsidies, government-backed housing credit guarantees and public-private delivery mechanisms.
Nigeria does not need to copy any single country.

The stronger strategy would be to combine suitable elements from each model into a Nigeria Affordable Housing Finance Framework adapted to the country’s income structure, federal system, large informal economy and housing deficit.

1. INTRODUCTION: WHY AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS REALLY A FINANCE QUESTION
Governments frequently announce affordable housing programmes by stating the number of houses they intend to construct.
But the more important questions are:
Who finances the land?
Who pays for infrastructure?
At what interest rate does the developer obtain construction finance?
How much equity must the developer contribute?
At what interest rate does the eventual purchaser borrow?
What happens to households that cannot qualify for conventional mortgages?
How are low-income households that should rent rather than purchase supported?
If these questions are not addressed, calling a development “affordable housing” does not make it affordable.

A developer who:
* purchases land commercially;
* finances infrastructure;
* borrows construction money at high interest;
* purchases expensive building materials;
* pays taxes and development charges;
* bears approval delays; and
* must recover capital and earn a reasonable return
cannot simply reduce the selling price because government labels the project affordable.
The countries examined in this report demonstrate a different approach.
They intervene before the house reaches the household.

2. UNITED STATES: USING TAX POLICY AND PRIVATE CAPITAL
The United States provides an important example of how government can stimulate affordable housing without directly constructing every home.
One of the country’s most significant affordable rental housing instruments is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, or LIHTC.
HUD describes LIHTC as the most important resource for creating affordable rental housing in the United States. State and local allocating agencies currently receive the equivalent of approximately US$12 billion in annual budget authority to issue credits supporting the acquisition, rehabilitation or construction of rental housing targeted at lower-income households. (HUD User⁠)
How the tax-credit mechanism works
Instead of government paying the entire construction cost:
Government creates a tax credit.
The credit is allocated to an eligible affordable housing project.
Investors provide equity to the project in return for the tax benefits.
The developer therefore needs less conventional debt.
Lower debt reduces the amount of rental income required to service financing.
That makes lower rents more financially feasible.
The important lesson is:
Government can finance affordable housing through the tax system, not only through direct budget expenditure.
This is particularly relevant to Nigeria.
Rather than depending entirely on annual housing appropriations, government could provide carefully designed tax incentives to pension-backed investment vehicles, banks, insurance companies, REITs and other qualified investors financing certified affordable rental projects.

3. THE AMERICAN MODEL ALSO SUPPORTS THE HOUSEHOLD
The United States demonstrates another important distinction in housing policy:
Supply subsidy versus demand subsidy.
A supply-side subsidy makes housing cheaper to produce.
A demand-side subsidy increases the household’s ability to pay.
America uses both.
Rental assistance programmes help eligible households meet rental costs, meaning government does not assume that every low-income household should immediately become a homeowner.
This is a critical lesson for Nigeria.
An effective national housing policy needs:
homeownership housing;
affordable rental housing;
social rental housing;
student and youth housing;
elderly housing;
worker housing;
and other tenure options.
Homeownership cannot be the only measure of housing success.

4. UNITED KINGDOM: CAPITAL GRANTS PLUS HOUSING PROVIDERS
The United Kingdom provides a strong example of using public money to reduce the capital cost of affordable housing.
Housing policy is devolved, so arrangements differ among England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This report focuses principally on England.
The government’s Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026–2036 is a ten-year programme valued at £39 billion. (GOV.UK⁠)
Homes England is responsible for at least £27 billion of this funding outside London. (GOV.UK⁠)
The programme provides grant funding to support the capital cost of developing affordable housing for rent or sale. (GOV.UK⁠)
Why capital grants matter
Consider an illustrative affordable housing development costing £100 million.
If government provides £35 million as capital grant, the housing provider does not need to finance the entire £100 million through commercial borrowing.
It may finance the balance through:
* its own capital;
* bank borrowing;
* bonds;
* institutional investment;
* rental income; and
* other funding.
Reducing debt requirements makes lower rents economically sustainable.
This represents a fundamental principle:
Affordable rent often begins with lower-cost capital, not rent control.

5. HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS: AN IMPORTANT INSTITUTIONAL LESSON
The British system also demonstrates the importance of specialised housing providers.
Government does not necessarily have to become:
the developer,
the contractor,
the property manager,
the landlord,
the mortgage lender,
and the maintenance company.
Instead, government can create policy, provide subsidy, regulate affordability and work through qualified delivery institutions.
Nigeria could significantly expand the role of:
* housing cooperatives;
* nonprofit housing organisations;
* state housing corporations;
* private affordable housing providers;
* pension-backed rental housing companies; and
* professionally governed housing associations.
The objective should be to develop institutions capable of holding affordable housing assets for decades, not merely developers interested in selling units immediately after construction.

6. CANADA: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, PROVINCES AND MUNICIPALITIES WORKING TOGETHER
Canada’s approach is particularly important for Nigeria because both countries operate federal systems.
Canada’s National Housing Strategy is currently a 10-plus-year programme exceeding C$115 billion . (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation⁠)
By July 2026, official CMHC reporting indicated that more than C$82 billion had been committed toward supporting the creation, acquisition or repair of hundreds of thousands of housing units. (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation⁠)
A major feature of the Canadian model is the participation of different levels of government.
The federal government provides financing.
Provinces and territories participate through bilateral agreements and matching arrangements.
Municipalities influence:
* land use;
* planning;
* permitting;
* density;
* development charges;
* infrastructure; and
* housing approvals.
The lesson for Nigeria is significant.
Affordable housing should not be treated as the responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Housing alone.
The Federal Government cannot solve Nigeria’s housing challenge if states control important land and planning functions but affordable housing policy is not integrated across levels of government.

7. A NIGERIAN VERSION OF FEDERAL-STATE COST SHARING
Nigeria could establish a framework in which access to federal affordable housing funds is conditional upon state participation.
For example:
Federal Government provides:
* affordable housing capital grant;
* long-term financing;
* mortgage guarantee;
* tax incentives.
State Government provides:
* land;
* title;
* planning approval;
* reduction or waiver of development charges;
* part of infrastructure.
Local Government provides:
* local infrastructure coordination;
* community integration;
* local planning support.
Private developer or housing provider provides:
* equity;
* technical delivery;
* construction;
* project management.
Financial institutions provide:
* development debt;
* mortgage finance;
* rental housing finance.
This allows government money to leverage other people’s money rather than becoming the only source of housing finance.

8. SINGAPORE: INTERVENING ACROSS THE ENTIRE HOUSING VALUE CHAIN
Singapore provides perhaps the most integrated example among the countries examined.
Its housing system is not based simply on subsidising mortgage interest.
Government intervention extends across:
* land;
* planning;
* development;
* pricing;
* household grants;
* housing finance;
* retirement savings; and
* resale conditions.
The Housing & Development Board plays a central role in public housing development.
Eligible first-time families may currently receive an Enhanced CPF Housing Grant of up to S$120,000 toward qualifying new or resale flat purchases. (HDB⁠)
Additional CPF housing grants exist for eligible resale purchases, including grants of up to S$80,000 under relevant family arrangements. (HDB⁠)
The lesson is not simply that Singapore gives people money.
The more important lesson is that Singapore addresses affordability systemically.

9. WHY LAND POLICY MATTERS
Housing affordability begins with land.
Where land prices become highly speculative, the cost ultimately appears in the selling price or rent.
Singapore demonstrates how strategic public control of land can support long-term housing objectives.
Nigeria’s public land should similarly be treated as an economic development instrument, not merely a revenue-generating commodity.
When government contributes land to an affordable housing project, that contribution should be valued transparently.
If land worth ₦5 billion is contributed, government has effectively invested ₦5 billion.
The public should receive a measurable affordability benefit in exchange.
That benefit could be:
* reduced selling prices;
* controlled rents;
* permanent affordable housing;
* shared ownership;
* rent-to-own housing;
* worker housing.
Public land should never be transferred cheaply for “affordable housing” and subsequently converted into luxury housing without the public recovering the value of its subsidy.

10. SINGAPORE’S SECOND LESSON: LINKING SAVINGS AND HOUSING
Singapore’s housing framework also demonstrates the power of connecting long-term household savings with housing finance.
This raises an important question for Nigeria:
Can the country’s enormous pools of long-term institutional savings play a greater role in housing without compromising the safety of contributors?
The answer should not be reckless withdrawal of retirement savings.
Instead, Nigeria should explore secure structures through which long-term capital can finance:
* mortgage-backed assets;
* affordable rental portfolios;
* infrastructure;
* housing bonds; and
* professionally managed residential investment.
The key requirement is strong regulation and appropriate risk management.

11. MALAYSIA: DIRECT SUBSIDY AND GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES
Malaysia offers highly relevant lessons for Nigeria because it combines support for low-income households with mechanisms to extend housing finance to people who may struggle to qualify under conventional banking rules.
Under Malaysia’s Program Perumahan Rakyat — PPR, qualifying low-income households can access public rental housing, with official information indicating rents as low as RM124 per month, excluding maintenance. (KPKT⁠)
This demonstrates that governments must sometimes accept that the poorest households cannot pay the full economic cost of housing.
Trying to solve extreme low-income housing solely through mortgages is unrealistic.

12. MALAYSIA’S RUMAH MESRA RAKYAT MODEL
Malaysia’s Rumah Mesra Rakyat programme is designed for qualifying households with low incomes who have suitable land but lack adequate housing.
The official programme currently lists a RM20,000 construction subsidy, with repayment arrangements extending over 16 to 25 years and estimated payments around RM300 monthly under the programme structure. (SPNB⁠)
This concept has considerable potential for rural Nigeria and smaller cities.
Millions of Nigerians may have access to family land or community land but lack sufficient capital to complete a decent home.
Rather than constructing entirely new estates everywhere, Nigeria could consider a properly controlled programme of:
Serviced Plot + Core Housing + Incremental Expansion Finance
Households could receive a structurally sound starter home that can be expanded as income improves.

13. MALAYSIA’S MORTGAGE GUARANTEE MODEL
Perhaps one of Malaysia’s most relevant innovations for Nigeria is the housing credit guarantee system.
SJKP explicitly aims to help Malaysians—including people without fixed incomes or conventional payslips—obtain housing finance from participating financial institutions. (SJKP⁠)
Under the SJKP MADANI scheme, mortgage financing can reach RM360,000, with financing periods of up to 35 years. The guarantee may cover financing up to a maximum of 120% of the residential property’s purchase price when specified ancillary costs are included. (SJKP⁠)
This addresses one of Nigeria’s biggest housing finance problems:
Millions of Nigerians have income, but they do not have payslips.
An entrepreneur may earn ₦800,000 monthly.
A trader may turn over millions of naira annually.
A driver may have reliable daily income.
A consultant may earn irregular but substantial income.
Yet conventional mortgage underwriting may reject them because their income does not resemble a traditional monthly salary.
Nigeria therefore needs to move from:
Salary-based mortgage assessment
toward:
Verified-income mortgage assessment.
Evidence could include:
* bank statements;
* verified business transactions;
* tax filings;
* rent-payment history;
* cooperative savings;
* digital payment records;
* audited business cash flow;
* verified contracts.
Government guarantees could absorb part of the lender’s credit risk while maintaining prudent underwriting.

14. COMPARING THE FIVE MODELS
Financing Instrument United States United Kingdom Canada Singapore Malaysia
Direct capital subsidy Yes Strong Strong Strong Strong
Tax incentives Very strong Used Used Less central Used
Government-supported loans Yes Strong Strong Very strong Yes
Mortgage guarantees Strong system Available through wider system Important Public finance structure Very relevant
Rental assistance/social housing Strong Strong Strong Strong Strong
Public/strategic land intervention Local/state Important Provincial/local Very strong Important
Household purchase grants Various Various Various Very strong Various
Private capital mobilisation Very strong Very strong Strong Complementary Strong
Dedicated affordable housing providers Yes Very strong Strong HDB Government agencies/PR1MA
Informal-income mortgage support Limited applicability Conventional market Conventional market Structured system Particularly relevant

TEN LESSONS FOR NIGERIA
Lesson One: Stop Measuring Housing Policy Only by Units Built
Government should measure:
* affordability;
* household income-to-housing-cost ratios;
* mortgage accessibility;
* rental burden;
* land cost;
* infrastructure cost;
* financing cost;
* occupancy;
* beneficiary income.
A million houses that intended beneficiaries cannot afford do not represent successful affordable housing policy.

Lesson Two: Establish a National Affordable Housing Finance Framework
Nigeria needs a coordinated financing architecture connecting:
Federal Government
State Governments
FMBN
FHA
NMRC
commercial banks
mortgage banks
pension funds
insurance companies
developers
housing cooperatives
institutional investors
development finance institutions
and households.

Lesson Three: Create a Nigerian Affordable Housing Tax Credit
Drawing inspiration from the American model, qualifying investors in approved affordable rental housing could receive tax incentives linked to:
* number of units delivered;
* duration of affordability;
* household income served;
* rents charged;
* location;
* energy performance.
The incentive should be performance-based.
No affordable unit delivered should mean no affordable housing tax benefit.

15. CREATE AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING CAPITAL GRANT
Nigeria could adopt elements of the British model.
Instead of government constructing everything itself, qualifying projects could compete for capital grants.
The grant could be calculated according to affordability.
For illustration:
Market housing
No grant.
Workforce housing
Limited incentive.
Affordable housing
Moderate grant.
Social housing
Larger grant.
Housing for extremely vulnerable households
Highest subsidy.
The lower the household’s ability to pay, the larger the subsidy required.
This is more economically rational than pretending that every household can pay the same price.

16. CREATE A NATIONAL HOUSING CREDIT GUARANTEE CORPORATION
Nigeria should strongly consider a large-scale housing credit guarantee mechanism.
It should target:
* informal-sector workers;
* SMEs;
* self-employed professionals;
* young entrepreneurs;
* first-time homeowners;
* household

The post How Leading Countries Finance Affordable Housing appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Enugu State Government has regained control of a 1.4-hectare property in Wuye District, Abuja, following a prolonged dispute over alleged attempts by land grabbers to take over the site.

The recovered property, located at Plot 804, Cadastral Zone B03, Wuye District, is now being developed as the Woodlands Estate, a housing project being delivered through a partnership between the Enugu State Government and Tout Moi Nigeria Limited.

The project was officially flagged off in Abuja after the state government successfully reclaimed the property. Officials said the land had originally been allocated to Enugu State by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) but became the subject of a dispute that lasted several years.

The Permanent Secretary/Liaison Officer of the Enugu State Liaison Office in Abuja, Barrister Chukwuka Ugwu, said the state government eventually intervened to protect its interest in the property.

He also called for stronger land administration and documentation in the Federal Capital Territory to prevent multiple allocations and ownership disputes.

According to him, a properly documented land administration system would make it more difficult for the same property to be allocated to different individuals or organisations and would provide greater protection for legitimate property owners.

Project Delayed by Land Dispute

The Principal Architect of Tout Moi Nigeria Limited, Arc. Maryam Bello Barkindo, said the development had been delayed for about three years because of challenges surrounding the property.

She explained that the developers spent about six months dealing with attempts to take over the site before the intervention of the Enugu State Government enabled them to regain access through lawful channels.

Barkindo said the experience demonstrated the importance of effective land administration and proper legal processes in protecting legitimate property investments.

Woodlands Estate to Provide 43 Housing Units

The Woodlands Estate is planned as a green housing development comprising 43 units, including high-rise apartments, terrace buildings and semi-detached houses.

The development will also feature a clubhouse and recreational facilities, with sustainability incorporated into the project’s design.

The developers said the project will focus on measures including energy reduction, waste recycling and the use of materials and construction processes that conserve energy.

Stakeholders at the project launch said sustainable development should become a central part of Nigeria’s approach to urban housing rather than being treated as an optional feature.

Land Administration Remains a Major Housing Challenge

The dispute has also drawn attention to broader problems within Nigeria’s land administration system.

Hassan Usman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of New Frontier Development Limited, said weaknesses in land titling, development approvals and access to long-term financing continue to limit investment in the housing sector.

He argued that delays in obtaining titles, Certificates of Occupancy and development approvals ultimately add to the cost of housing because developers incur additional expenses while projects remain stalled.

Usman advocated comprehensive cadastral mapping and computerised land records that would allow prospective property owners to independently verify ownership and property boundaries before committing their money.

A transparent digital land information system, he said, could reduce fraudulent claims, improve confidence in the property market and make land transactions more secure.

High Construction Costs Also Threaten Affordability

The Enugu State Government also highlighted the rising cost of construction materials as another major barrier to affordable housing.

Ugwu said the cost of materials such as cement, steel and timber makes it increasingly difficult for developers to deliver homes at prices accessible to ordinary Nigerians.

He called for government incentives, subsidies and policies that encourage local production of construction materials as part of efforts to bring down building costs.

The stakeholders also stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in expanding housing supply, improving infrastructure and introducing more sustainable development models.

The Woodlands Estate therefore represents more than a single housing project. Its development highlights three interconnected challenges facing Nigeria’s housing market: secure land ownership, affordable construction and access to reliable housing finance.

For the sector to deliver housing at scale, stakeholders say reforms in these areas will be necessary alongside increased investment in physical development.

The post Enugu Reclaims Wuye Property After Land-Grabbing Dispute appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has called for greater investment in research and innovation to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, urging architects, researchers, and tertiary institutions to develop practical solutions that can make housing more affordable and sustainable.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) to the Fund’s headquarters in Abuja, TETFund Executive Secretary Arc. Sonny Echono said Nigeria’s housing challenges require research-driven approaches capable of lowering construction costs, improving building technologies, and reducing dependence on imported construction materials.

Echono explained that TETFund’s National Research Fund has been expanded to encourage broader participation in research that addresses national development priorities. He stressed that universities, research institutions, and professionals in the built environment should focus on producing market-ready innovations that can transform Nigeria’s housing and construction industries.

According to him, Nigeria possesses abundant natural resources that can be converted into high-quality local building materials, reducing the industry’s dependence on imported products that are often affected by foreign exchange volatility and rising costs. He noted that strengthening local research would not only lower construction expenses but also create jobs, promote industrial development, and improve housing affordability.

The TETFund Executive Secretary also encouraged architects to collaborate more closely with researchers, universities, manufacturers, and government agencies to develop climate-responsive housing technologies suited to Nigeria’s environment. He said innovation should move beyond academic publications and be translated into commercially viable products and construction methods that directly benefit the housing sector.

Representatives of the Female Architects of Nigeria welcomed the call for stronger collaboration, noting that research and innovation remain essential to delivering affordable, resilient, and environmentally sustainable housing. The association also advocated increased support for research that addresses urbanisation, housing affordability, and sustainable building practices.

Housing experts believe that bridging Nigeria’s estimated housing deficit will require more than increased funding for construction. They argue that sustained investment in research, locally sourced materials, modern building technologies, and stronger partnerships between academia and industry will play a crucial role in reducing costs, improving construction quality, and accelerating housing delivery across the country.

The post TETFund Urges Architects to Develop Affordable Housing Solutions appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

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.

The post Governor Yusuf Defends Kano Land Allocation, Urges Beneficiaries to Build Homes appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

DARS Group, Partners Unveil Elite City Abuja, Redefining Smart Living with Tech, Wellness and Affordable Housing

By: Folorunsho Adegoke, Housing TV Africa

In a bold move that signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s real estate landscape, DARS Group of Companies, in partnership with leading property developers, has officially unveiled Elite City Abuja, a premium smart city project designed to integrate technology, wellness, sustainability and affordability into modern urban living.

Strategically located in Ketti, Abuja, near the City Walk landmark, the ambitious development was launched before an audience of real estate investors, developers, financial institutions, government representatives and prospective homeowners, all eager to witness what stakeholders described as one of the Federal Capital Territory’s most innovative residential projects.

Speaking during the unveiling, Chairman of DARS Group, Chief Dr. Ronald Ogochukwu Ezaka, said the vision behind Elite City Abuja was inspired by his extensive international travels and exposure to technologically advanced residential communities across the world.

According to him, the company decided it was time to replicate such world-class living standards in Nigeria by creating a city where innovation, wellness and technology converge to improve residents’ quality of life.

“It’s a smart city, it’s a wellness city and a tech hub,” Ezaka said, noting that Elite City represents the first of several similar developments the company intends to build across the country. “We have seen what is possible in other parts of the world, and we believe Nigerians deserve the same standard of living.”

Managing Director of Standard Rank Properties Limited, a subsidiary of DARS Group, Prince Emmanuel Chukwudi Nwafor, described Elite City as one of the company’s largest ongoing developments, emphasizing that although it bears the name “Elite City,” the project is designed to be inclusive.

He explained that the development offers a wide range of housing options, including two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom terrace duplexes, as well as mansions and mansionettes, ensuring accommodation for different income categories.

To further promote accessibility, Nwafor disclosed that prospective subscribers can acquire plots within the estate from as low as ₦3.6 million, reinforcing the company’s commitment to making quality housing available to more Nigerians.

The development is already witnessing significant infrastructure work as Project Surveyor, Johnson Oche, disclosed that comprehensive site surveys had been completed across the entire 57-hectare first phase, with engineering considerations carefully incorporated to prevent erosion and ensure proper drainage.

He revealed that construction of the estate’s perimeter fencing and security gatehouses is already underway, adding that the layout has received approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and will feature two major access roads for improved accessibility.

One of the project’s strategic development partners, PeakNova Limited, has also committed substantial investment to the city. Its Managing Director, Victor Egede, announced that the company had acquired 15 hectares within Elite City and intends to develop an eco-friendly residential community capable of accommodating about 250 residents.

Beyond smart infrastructure, he said residents should expect premium lifestyle facilities including a swimming pool, lawn tennis courts, resort facilities and other high-quality social amenities.

“We don’t just make promises; we build,” he said, pointing to the company’s existing developments as evidence of its delivery capacity.

Similarly, CEO of Great Home Properties Limited highlighted the investment opportunities embedded in the project, noting that buyers can either build homes or acquire land for future capital appreciation.

He also disclosed that residents would enjoy recreational facilities including football and tennis courts, among other lifestyle amenities.

The host community has also welcomed the project as District Head of Ketti Community, Chief Alex Akata, expressed optimism that the development would stimulate employment opportunities, improve social infrastructure and strengthen collaboration between developers and the local community.

He described the investment as a catalyst for economic growth and youth empowerment within the district.

For the Group Managing Director of DARS Group, Stephen Augustine Egbe, Elite City represents the future of urban living. He explained that the project combines affordability with comfort while integrating smart technologies that position the development ahead of conventional residential estates.

According to him, innovation will remain central to future phases of the project as the company continues to embrace emerging technologies and evolving housing trends.

Industry stakeholders also praised the collaborative development model adopted for the project. Managing Director of Squarehead Consult Limited, Jude Ashang, observed that partnerships among developers help reduce infrastructure costs while improving project quality. He argued that shared investment in infrastructure ultimately contributes to lowering housing costs and delivering better value for homeowners.

“This is one of the ways to reduce the cost of real estate because several companies working together can share infrastructure costs and achieve greater efficiency,” he said.

Another development partner, Managing Director of Forth Urban Limited, Barr. Eze Victor Kelechi, described Elite City as Nigeria’s first integrated premium tech and wellness city, stressing that one of its defining features is inclusiveness.

He disclosed that the flexible payment structure introduced for the project was influenced by discussions at the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), with deliberate provisions made to enable low-income earners to participate.

According to him, “low-income earners also deserve to live like elites,” underscoring the project’s commitment to expanding access to quality housing.

From a youth perspective, Managing Director of Vestage Limited, Nelson Okezie, said technology is increasingly shaping modern lifestyles, making smart cities inevitable. He noted that Elite City Abuja has the potential to become a model for future developments in the Federal Capital Territory by providing residents with technology-driven services that simplify daily living while creating more time for work, family and recreation.

Developers say the development is being conceived as more than a conventional housing estate. Plans include reliable electricity infrastructure capable of supporting both residential and commercial activities, sustainable water supply systems, a modern security architecture, recreational parks and green spaces that promote healthy living, all consistent with the city’s branding as a Premium Tech and Wellness City.

According to DARS Group, the development has been carefully planned to combine modern infrastructure, security, accessibility and sustainable urban planning while creating long-term investment opportunities for homeowners and investors alike.

As demand continues to rise for well-planned communities within the Federal Capital Territory, the developers believe Elite City Abuja is strategically positioned to become a benchmark for the next generation of smart, sustainable and inclusive residential developments in Nigeria.

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The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has called for stronger regulation of Nigeria’s built environment to curb the rising incidence of building collapse and promote safer, more sustainable housing development. The association said effective regulation remains critical to protecting lives, improving urban planning, and strengthening investor confidence in the real estate sector.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ validation workshop on the National Housing Data Programme and the proposed National Housing and Built Environment Regulation Policy in Abuja, REDAN President Oba Akintoye Adeoye stressed that weak enforcement of building standards continues to contribute to structural failures, poor urban development, and other challenges affecting the housing sector.

Adeoye described regulation as the foundation of a safe and orderly built environment, noting that transparent and effective oversight would create a framework that protects lives and property while encouraging investment and sustainable urban growth. He maintained that stronger enforcement of existing standards is essential to improving the quality and safety of buildings across Nigeria.

The REDAN president also highlighted the importance of credible housing data, describing the National Housing Data Programme as a major step towards evidence-based policymaking and improved housing delivery. He noted that Nigeria’s housing sector has operated for years without comprehensive data, forcing policymakers and investors to rely on estimates rather than verified information.

According to Adeoye, reliable housing data will improve government planning, support investment decisions, enhance market transparency, and strengthen efforts to address the country’s housing deficit. He urged public institutions, developers, professional bodies, and other stakeholders to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to ensure the successful implementation of the new housing data and regulatory initiatives.

Stakeholders believe that combining stronger regulation with reliable housing data will improve building safety, reduce structural failures, encourage responsible real estate development, and create a more resilient housing market capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.

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The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has called for research-driven solutions to address Nigeria’s growing housing deficit, urging architects, researchers, and academic institutions to develop innovative building technologies and locally sourced construction materials that can make housing more affordable and sustainable. The Fund said research and innovation are critical to transforming the country’s housing sector and reducing dependence on imported building materials.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) to the TETFund headquarters in Abuja, Executive Secretary Arc. Sonny Echono said the Fund is committed to supporting research initiatives capable of delivering practical solutions to Nigeria’s housing challenges. He explained that TETFund’s National Research Fund has been expanded to support innovation beyond universities and other tertiary institutions, allowing broader participation in research that addresses national development priorities.

Echono expressed concern over Nigeria’s continued reliance on imported construction materials, noting that nearly 80 per cent of the building materials used in the country are sourced from abroad. He challenged architects and researchers to intensify efforts toward developing indigenous alternatives that are affordable, environmentally sustainable, and capable of strengthening local manufacturing while creating employment opportunities.

According to the TETFund boss, greater investment in research and innovation would help lower construction costs, improve housing quality, and promote climate-responsive building solutions suited to Nigeria’s environment. He added that translating research findings into commercial applications would strengthen the construction industry and contribute significantly to national economic development.

Echono also encouraged professionals within the built environment to take advantage of TETFund’s research funding opportunities and collaborate with universities, research institutes, and industry stakeholders to develop scalable housing solutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s estimated housing deficit.

Stakeholders believe that combining research, innovation, local material development, and stronger collaboration between academia and industry will accelerate affordable housing delivery, reduce import dependence, and improve the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s housing sector.

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The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has called on female architects to take a leading role in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit through research, innovation, and the development of locally sourced building materials. He said the built environment profession has a critical role to play in delivering affordable, climate-responsive, and sustainable housing solutions.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the leadership of Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) to the TETFund headquarters in Abuja, Echono reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting research that generates practical solutions to national development challenges. He explained that TETFund’s National Research Fund has been expanded to accommodate innovative research beyond tertiary institutions, creating opportunities for wider professional participation.

Echono expressed concern over Nigeria’s continued dependence on imported construction materials, noting that nearly 80 percent of building materials used in the country are sourced from abroad. He urged architects to champion research into locally available alternatives that can lower construction costs, create employment opportunities, and retain economic value within Nigeria.

According to him, increased investment in indigenous building materials would strengthen the construction industry, improve housing affordability, and reduce the nation’s exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations. He also encouraged professionals in the built environment to participate in TETFund-funded research initiatives and showcase innovative solutions at the upcoming National Research Fair scheduled to hold in Abuja.

Earlier, the Chairperson of Female Architects of Nigeria, Arc. Ene Agada, commended TETFund for its support for education, research, and capacity development. She said the association remains committed to advancing women’s participation in architecture while promoting sustainable housing delivery, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion. Agada also sought stronger collaboration between FAN and TETFund to drive innovation within Nigeria’s construction sector.

Industry stakeholders believe greater investment in research, local building materials, and professional collaboration will help reduce construction costs, improve housing delivery, and contribute to closing Nigeria’s growing housing deficit

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The Federal Government has handed over 100 two-bedroom energy-efficient homes to widows in Rigachikun, Kaduna State, under the Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) Social Housing Programme.

The project, which features urban farming spaces and solar-powered systems, was designed to promote sustainable living and economic empowerment among vulnerable women.

Speaking during the handover, FHFL Chairman Demola Adebise said the initiative represents “renewed hope and restored dignity” for beneficiaries. He noted that the development integrates home ownership with skills training, livelihood support, and climate-smart construction.

The project began when the widows collectively offered their land and sought government partnership to build affordable homes. The collaboration, according to officials, resulted in a model for inclusive housing delivery and empowerment.

Each home was constructed using Expanded Polystyrene System technology, cutting costs and carbon emissions by up to 40 percent. In addition, beneficiaries received livelihood training and cottage yards for food processing and income generation.

Managing Director of FHFL, Abdulmuttalib Mukhtar, described the scheme as proof that effective collaboration between citizens and government can drive measurable social change.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, said the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at inclusive growth and tangible development outcomes.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, commended the initiative as a model of people-centred governance, saying it created over 500 jobs during construction while providing affordable housing for 100 families.

The project was executed in partnership with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Kaduna State Government.

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