The agreement was announced on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu confirmed that both conglomerates had agreed to freeze cement prices for contractors working on government-backed housing developments. These include the Renewed Hope Cities, Renewed Hope Estates, and the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme.

Speaking with journalists, Mr. Rabiu revealed that the initiative was originally proposed by Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote, with BUA quickly lending its support.

“Alhaji Dangote reached out to me, and we both agreed that we must do our part to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. As a result, we are freezing cement prices for all contractors involved in these projects, with no price hikes anticipated for the foreseeable future,” he stated.

The move is aimed at ensuring affordability and continuity in the execution of critical infrastructure and housing programs designed to address Nigeria’s massive housing shortfall. Rabiu praised the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, for promoting the use of concrete roads, which he described as more cost-effective and longer-lasting than bitumen alternatives.

To further strengthen this commitment, both companies have agreed to overhaul the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CEMAN), the industry’s regulatory body. As part of the restructuring, BUA Cement Managing Director Engr. Yusuf Binji has been appointed as the new chairman of CEMAN. According to Rabiu, Binji will lead efforts to ensure that cement pricing remains stable for all Renewed Hope projects.

“This restructuring will help us coordinate our efforts more effectively and ensure that the cement needed for these projects is accessible and affordable,” Rabiu noted.

In addition to the price freeze, the two industrial giants have pledged to jointly contribute ₦20 billion annually towards the training and development of artisans in the construction sector. The fund is intended to build technical capacity within the industry and equip workers with skills necessary to meet the demands of the national housing program.

Rabiu also disclosed plans to revitalize the Cement Technology Institute, originally established during the era when Nigeria heavily depended on imported cement. The institute will now play a renewed role in supporting the local cement industry and workforce development.

“Our collaboration goes beyond pricing—it’s about creating long-term value, training people, and strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to meet its infrastructure and housing needs,” Rabiu concluded.

This partnership between two of the country’s biggest industrial players marks a notable milestone in aligning corporate responsibility with national development goals.

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Governor Monday Okpebholo personally oversaw the recent demolition of a property in Ogheghe, a community on the outskirts of Benin City. According to officials, the building was linked to kidnapping and internet fraud, with reports suggesting that victims were held captive and subjected to ritual practices. Authorities claimed that human remains, fetish objects, and personal items belonging to victims were discovered at the site.

The governor, visibly troubled by the findings, condemned the activities allegedly conducted in the building. “Children were kidnapped and kept here for years. This kind of evil is unacceptable in Edo State,” Okpebholo said during the demolition exercise. He vowed to continue targeting structures associated with cultism, kidnapping, and ritual crimes, declaring that there would be “no sanctuary for criminals in Edo State.”

As part of the same operation, another building in the Amagba area of Benin was also demolished. The structure was reportedly used by a secret cult group and contained multiple rooms, a hall, and office-like spaces believed to have supported organized illegal activities.

The demolition exercise is being carried out under a newly signed anti-cultism law, which empowers the state government to act against properties connected to criminal enterprises. Governor Okpebholo’s administration has emphasized that the demolitions are both a legal and moral imperative to safeguard public safety.

Still, the policy has drawn criticism from some who argue that the destruction of physical assets may be excessive or irreversible, especially in cases where future evidence may cast doubt on the initial justification for demolition. Critics also suggest that such properties could be repurposed for public use rather than destroyed.

Supporters of the policy, however, maintain that demolishing the buildings sends a strong message that crime will not be tolerated and that assets linked to criminality should not be preserved or returned under political influence.

Legal experts note that while the demolitions are sanctioned by law, affected property owners have the right to challenge the action in court. If a court finds the demolition to be unjust or unlawful, compensation may be awarded.

In a follow-up measure, Governor Okpebholo announced that the land where the Ogheghe building once stood will be used to construct a police station, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing public safety and rule of law.

This latest move aligns Edo State with other Nigerian states—such as Anambra, Ekiti, and Enugu—that have taken similar hardline stances against criminal hideouts in recent years.

The post Edo State Government Demolishes Criminal Hideouts Amid Public Debate appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This directive was highlighted during the fourth meeting of the Joint Committee on Insurance for Public Buildings and Buildings Under Construction, held in Abuja. The meeting was chaired by NAICOM’s Deputy Commissioner for Insurance (Finance and Administration), Ekerete Gam-Ikon, and brought together stakeholders from across the insurance sector, fire service, quantity surveying, and regulatory agencies.

In his opening remarks, Gam-Ikon noted that the commission had already commenced enforcement of compulsory third-party motor insurance and is now expanding its focus to include buildings. He stressed the importance of collaboration with relevant agencies such as Development Control to ensure the success of the initiative.

“This work cannot be done in isolation,” Gam-Ikon said. “A coordinated effort is essential if we are to see meaningful results.”

He also urged Development Control to establish a reliable database of public buildings and ongoing construction projects, emphasizing that only buildings with proper approvals and documentation should be eligible for insurance coverage.

Stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian insurance industry and the Federal Fire Service, discussed the importance of thorough documentation, risk assessment, and compliance checks before insurance policies are issued for public structures.

Talmiz Usman, Director of Legal Enforcement and Market Development at NAICOM, expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration among committee members. “Your continued involvement is critical to achieving our goals,” he said. “We must strengthen enforcement mechanisms to better protect lives, properties, and investments.”

The meeting ended with renewed commitments from all participants to boost compliance, improve data sharing, and increase public awareness of the legal obligations related to building insurance.

In a related development, The PUNCH recently reported that NAICOM had updated its regulations on insurance requirements for leased and financed aircraft operating in Nigeria.

The post NAICOM Moves to Enforce Mandatory Insurance for Public Buildings appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Announced on Wednesday, the reforms reduce the post-study work visa period from two years to 18 months, limiting the time international graduates, including Nigerians, can stay in the UK after their academic programs. The changes were outlined in a White Paper released by the UK Home Office as part of broader efforts to tighten legal migration and reform the visa system.

In addition to shortening the graduate visa route, the UK government has doubled the standard residency requirement for foreign nationals seeking indefinite leave to remain—from five years to ten. This extension will make the path to permanent residency significantly longer for many immigrants.

The Home Office stated that the graduate visa had diverged from its intended purpose and had increasingly become a route for unsponsored employment. To address this, new compliance standards will be imposed on educational institutions that recruit international students. Universities with low rates of student progression into employment or those found to engage in questionable recruitment practices could face penalties, including suspension of their ability to sponsor foreign students.

The reforms also touch on the employment sector. The immigration skills charge, which is paid by employers sponsoring migrant workers, will rise by 32 percent. Additionally, skilled worker visa eligibility will now require a university degree, and access for roles that fall below this level will be strictly limited and based on labor shortages.

The UK government emphasized that these reforms are intended to shift focus back to developing domestic talent while only attracting top-tier global professionals who can contribute to strategic growth sectors. “We will continue to provide fast-track routes for exceptionally skilled individuals who can help boost the UK economy,” the White Paper noted.

In response to the announcement, the British High Commission in Nigeria acknowledged the strong bilateral ties between both countries and promised to engage with the Nigerian government once the implementation timeline is clearer.

“The UK continues to be a top destination for Nigerians seeking education, work, and settlement opportunities. We value the vital contribution Nigerians make to the UK,” a spokesperson said.

The Commission added that while the reforms aim to restore control and balance to the immigration system, they would be rolled out gradually, allowing time for consultations and adjustments.

The post UK Immigration Reforms Impact Nigerian Students, Graduate Visa Period Reduced appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This was disclosed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during an inspection visit to the site on Friday in Abuja.

Wike praised the quality of work delivered so far by construction firm Julius Berger, which is handling the complete overhaul of the facility. He also acknowledged the company’s adherence to the agreed project timeline, noting that the renovation reflects the administration’s commitment to delivering impactful infrastructure.

“The Conference Centre will be the first project Mr. President will inaugurate as part of activities to commemorate his second anniversary in office,” Wike stated.

The AICC, a key venue for high-level national and international engagements, is undergoing a comprehensive facelift aimed at restoring its status as a premier events facility in the nation’s capital.

The post Tinubu to Inaugurate Renovated Abuja International Conference Centre as Part of Second Anniversary Celebrations — Wike appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The rescue operation followed a distress call reporting an attack by unknown gunmen in Dawaki on May 19 at about 11:30 am.

In a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the police said the operation was carried out in synergy with local hunters. Security operatives tactically ambushed the assailants at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape.

Although the police did not specify the number of rescued victims, they confirmed that one rescued victim is presently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

The operation came after suspected terrorists invaded Dakwa, DeiDei area, along the Zuba-Suleja road in the FCT between 12 and 1:30 am on Sunday. The invaders kidnapped four people and injured many others.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Police Force Apprehends Suspect with $100,000 Counterfeit Currency In Abuja

An eyewitness reported that the bandits launched their operation from Rufaida Yougout in Dakwa, moving towards Buy filling station and down to Hasmos School. A significant military and police presence was observed in Dakwa on Sunday morning.

Alice Jacob, a resident, recounted hearing intense gunfire but was too frightened to leave her home, while Bala Usman, another resident, urged the government to enhance security measures to protect the community’s residents.

READ ALSO: FCT Police Rescue 14 Abducted Persons at Ukya Village in Nasarawa State

In response to the incident, the FCT Police Command, led by Commissioner Benneth Igweh, swiftly mobilized to the scene, engaging the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel. The assailants were overwhelmed, sustaining various degrees of bullet injuries, and the victims were rescued.

While one rescued victim is still in the hospital, the Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s dedication to maintaining peace and security in the territory. Search operations are ongoing to rescue other hostages who fled during the shootout. Further updates will be provided by the command in due course.

The post Abuja Police Commissioner Leads Successful Rescue of Kidnapped Victims appeared first on Housing TV Africa.