In a statement issued Friday, the Mission emphasized that the decision to reduce most non-immigrant visas to single-entry, three-month validity was based strictly on security and technical standards applied worldwide.

“This reduction is not the result of any nation’s stance on third-country deportees, introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups like BRICS,” the statement clarified.

The US Mission reaffirmed that the change does not reflect any deterioration in US-Nigeria relations. Instead, it is part of efforts to maintain the integrity of the US immigration system.

“We remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian public and government officials to help them meet those criteria and benchmarks, thereby ensuring safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations,” the statement added.

The clarification comes in response to public concern over the shift from the previous five-year multiple-entry visa policy to a more restrictive three-month single-entry format.

While the new policy marks a significant change for Nigerian travellers, the Mission assured that the US remains dedicated to fostering strong bilateral

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The Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), Africa’s largest housing and construction event, is set to return for its 19th edition from July 27 to August 1, 2025, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

This year’s edition, themed “Reimagining Housing Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Policy,” will spotlight emerging trends and solutions that are reshaping the continent’s housing and urban development space.

Over 400 leading brands have confirmed their participation, including industry giants such as Dangote Cement, Lafarge Africa Plc, Urban Shelter and Cosgrove.

They will be joined by a strong network of real estate firms, mortgage banks, construction companies, and technology providers such as Cosgrove, Brain & Hammers, Mshel Homes, DME Group, CityCode Mortgage Bank, Brooks Africa, NMRC, CDK, Haven Homes and COPEN Group.

Some leading housing and finance agencies have also confirmed participation, they include, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Family Homes Funds Limited among others.

The 2025 edition promises to be the most robust yet, with more than 40,000 participants expected from over 21 countries. This includes developers, investors, policymakers, government agencies, financial institutions, researchers, and representatives from the diaspora.

AIHS 2025

According to Festus Adebayo, Convener of AIHS and Executive Director of the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), the platform has become a global convergence for stakeholders committed to solving Africa’s housing crisis and building sustainable communities.

This year’s agenda will delve into critical issues affecting the housing and construction industry, including access to land, land administration reforms, housing finance, tax policies, and climate-resilient housing. Participants will also explore new opportunities in green housing, urban planning, housing data, and public-private partnerships.

A special focus will be placed on emerging leadership, with curated sessions highlighting young CEOs under 40 who are driving innovation in Africa’s real estate sector. Women in real estate will also take center stage, sharing insights on inclusive and gender-responsive housing development.

Parliamentarians from Ghana, Nigeria and other African countries will join housing sector leaders to discuss legislations aimed at reviving outdated laws that will develop the real estate sector. Diaspora investment will also be at the forefront of this year’s event, with sessions aimed at connecting Africans abroad with real estate opportunities back home.

Delegates will benefit from exclusive forums on non-interest housing finance, capital market instruments, and the use of pension funds to finance housing infrastructure. Non-interest banking giants like Lotus Bank, Jaiz Bank and TAJ Bank are expected to lead discussions in this space.

The AIHS 2025 CEOs Forum will bring together developers and investors to explore large-scale housing projects, mixed-use developments, and emerging opportunities across Nigeria and the wider continent.

The World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank, Shelter Afrique, African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF), African Development and several regional housing ministries will participate in shaping strategies for long-term investment and inclusive growth.

The show will also host the prestigious Best of AIHS Awards, which recognize excellence in affordable housing, innovative design, sustainable building practices, and social impact.

The event enjoys the support of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development under Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, who is expected to be the Chief Host and unveil new government-backed initiatives to accelerate housing delivery.

With rising investor interest from the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, AIHS 2025 is expected to generate multi-million-dollar discussions around housing reform, infrastructure development, and foreign direct investment.

As Africa faces a housing deficit of over 22 million units in Nigeria alone, and similar gaps in countries such as Kenya, Ghana, and Liberia, the urgency for action is clear. Festus Adebayo emphasized that Africa must reduce its reliance on imported building materials and technologies. He stated that AIHS offers the right platform to promote local innovation, build capacity, and forge partnerships that can bridge Africa’s infrastructure and housing gap.

As the continent’s urban population continues to grow rapidly, AIHS 2025 stands as a strategic opportunity to shape the future of Africa’s cities through inclusive, innovative, and sustainable housing solutions. For stakeholders across the housing value chain, the event offers not just visibility, but a real chance to drive meaningful change.

If you’re in the housing, construction, or property finance and technology space or simply interested in Africa’s development, you can still register now at www.africahousingshow.com AIHS 2025 is where you need to be.

By Prince Folorunsho Adegoke
News Editor at Housing TV Africa.

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According to data released by the commission, Nigeria’s pension assets rose by 1.77% in February, reflecting a steady trend of financial stability within the industry. The total net asset value (NAV) of the fund climbed from N22.86 trillion in January to N23.26 trillion by the end of February.

A major portion of the fund remains allocated to federal government securities, which represent N14.46 trillion—about 62.18% of the overall portfolio.

PenCom’s report also highlighted other key investment areas. Holdings in corporate debt securities stood at N2.32 trillion, while assets in money market instruments reached N2.21 trillion in February, up from N2.18 trillion the previous month—signaling a modest rebound in that sector.

Further analysis revealed a 30.17% rise in commercial paper and a 7.77% uptick in foreign money market instruments, both contributing to the overall increase in the fund’s value.

The commission emphasized that its consistent diversification efforts are central to the resilience and long-term growth of the pension fund industry, even amid fluctuating market conditions.

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Wike made this assertion while speaking with journalists during an inspection tour of several major infrastructure projects within the FCT. He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the Mabushi and Kugbo bus terminals, two of the flagship projects under the initiative. The tour also included a visit to the road being constructed to serve the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal in Dakibiyu, Jabi District, as well as the access road to Kez Udezue Street off Banex-Kado Road in Mabushi.

According to the Minister, the bus terminals are designed not just to enhance mobility but also to improve urban order and security. “These terminals will eliminate the need for passengers to wait along roadsides,” Wike explained. “Commuters will board vehicles at designated terminals, where drivers and vehicles can be properly identified. This helps to tackle the menace of ‘one chance’ robberies and ensures better control of transportation in the city.”

Wike acknowledged that improvements have been made at the Mabushi terminal since his last visit, during which he had criticized the quality of finishing work. “There’s been notable progress,” he said. “I must commend the contractor for responding to feedback. The finishing looks much better now than it did before.”

When asked about the timeline for commissioning the projects in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office, the Minister clarified that the decision would rest with the President. While the projects are expected to be completed around the anniversary period, he noted that they may not be formally inaugurated on May 29 itself.

Wike also credited the steady execution of infrastructure projects in the FCT to disciplined financial management and consistent backing from President Tinubu. He emphasized that the Administration remains committed to awarding contracts strictly based on available resources, ensuring that no project stalls due to lack of funding.

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It will be recalled that in July 2024, Alhaji Dangote claimed in one of his broadcasts that he purchased approximately 7,000 acres of land for his refinery from the Lagos State Government for $100 million.

The Media Office of De Renaissance Patriots Foundation made this known on Sunday in a statement, a copy of which was made available to newsmen. The group further urged the court to compel the state government to give a detailed account of how such a huge sum of money in hard currency was collected in exchange for the poor Ibeju-Lekki people’s land, if Alhaji Dangote’s claim was true.

Additionally, the groups of indigenes also urged the court to compel the Lagos State Government to disclose which account the money was paid into and what it was used for.

The two applicants, De Renaissance Patriots Foundation and Ibeju-Lekki Peoples Forum, made the requests in the originating motion filed before the court, citing Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and Sections 1, 3, 4, 7, 20, and 24 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, joining Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and four others as respondents.

The four others are: the Attorney General of Lagos State, the State Accountant General, the Permanent Secretary of the Lands Bureau, Lagos State, and the Lagos State Government.

“The motion, filed and registered by the court with Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1603/2024 at 1:20 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024, is seeking the court to issue an Order of Mandamus against the respondents to compel the Lagos State Government to release the information required by the applicants,” the statement said.

Speaking immediately after filing the motion on Friday, lead counsel to the applicants, Barrister Yakubu Eleto Esq., alleged that the entire livelihood of the Ibeju-Lekki people was destroyed due to the siting of the Dangote Refinery without any compensation to the affected residents or host communities.

Eleto further recalled that former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola had, in 2015, publicly stated that the said land was given for free, with nothing paid for it. “However, recently, nine years later, Dangote claimed the land he used to build his refinery was not free but was paid for at $100 million.”

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The counsel lamented that the people of the area had suffered neglect for the past nine years, without compensation for their land. He emphasized that despite their poor background, they still had to pay for energy, and now they hear that about $100 million was collected for their land. “We want to know where that money is,” he stated.

The case is yet to be assigned to a judge.

It will also be recalled that De Renaissance Patriots, a group of prominent Lagos indigenes, had earlier written a letter to Governor Sanwo-Olu demanding this information on the compensation from the Lagos State Government. The group warned that if the government “chooses not to cooperate by not providing the necessary information, we shall have no other option but to approach the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or seek an Order of Mandamus against your government in a court of competent jurisdiction.”

“Your Excellency, based on the above legal positions, we hereby give you the next seven days, excluding the day this letter is received, to furnish the organization with the details of the proceeds from the purchase of the land by Alhaji Aliko Dangote,” the group said in the letter

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