With millions of Nigerians struggling to afford decent housing while many properties remain vacant, the government aims to make hoarding real estate an expensive decision.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa explained that while property owners cannot be forced to lease or sell, financial disincentives can discourage speculation. For instance, if a property valued at N5 million annually remains vacant, a N3 million ground rent could make it too costly to leave the building unoccupied. This approach is expected to push owners to either rent or sell their properties.

To execute this policy, the government has launched a nationwide survey to identify empty . Legal experts are currently reviewing strategies to ensure the policy does not infringe on property rights while compelling owners to contribute to the housing market.

In addition to tackling vacant homes, the government is also cracking down on substandard construction within the Renewed Hope City housing initiative. Minister Dangiwa revealed that some contractors have been using inferior materials and cutting corners, hoping to conceal defects with finishing touches.

In response, the government has vowed to take strict action, including immediate contract termination for any contractor found guilty of poor-quality work.

To strengthen oversight, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has deployed teams of experts—including architects, quantity surveyors, and structural engineers—across all 36 states.

These professionals are ensuring that construction projects meet national safety and quality standards, preventing shoddy workmanship that could endanger lives.

The government’s bold stance signals a major shift in housing regulations. As these policies take effect, many Nigerians remain hopeful that they will lead to a more affordable and quality-driven housing market. However, concerns persist about how property owners and developers will respond to the new rules.

The post Government Cracks Down on Empty Homes and Substandard Housing appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

In both the city center and satellite towns, numerous uncompleted structures have become shelters for unknown individuals, raising significant security concerns among local inhabitants.

Residents Speak Out

A visit to several locations revealed that many of these uncompleted buildings have been abandoned for years, providing easy access for various individuals to move in and take up residence. Yinka, a resident of Guzape extension, noted the growing fear among those living in estates in the area. “Guzape is becoming like the new Maitama with many estates under construction. These buildings are left as carcasses, and before you know it, unknown faces start appearing in the neighborhood,” he explained.

Yinka recounted an incident where one of his neighbors was nearly robbed while jogging early in the morning, suspecting that the miscreants occupying the uncompleted buildings were responsible.

READ ALSO: UNN: Inside Story of How Deity Frustrated Completion of Multi-million Naira Structure, Maryam Babangida Building 

Similarly, Abdul Kabir from Utako reported suspicious activities to authorities but observed that despite occasional operations to evict the miscreants, they eventually return. “Since 2014, these guys have been moving from one uncompleted building to another,” he stated.

In Kubwa, Martha Musa highlighted a rise in house burglaries, attributing them to the illegal occupants of these uncompleted buildings. “We have spoken to the community leader for action,” she said.

Call for Policy Changes

Aliyu Wamakko, the immediate past president of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, called for a government policy to set a timeframe for building completion. He suggested imposing penalties, such as levies or fines, on those who abandon construction projects. “There should be a clause indicating when you are expected to finish the building project, attracting a levy each year if abandoned,” he proposed.

Government Response

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has acknowledged the issue, with statistics indicating about 460 abandoned or uncompleted buildings in the FCT. Security experts have warned that these buildings could be havens for criminals, including terrorists and kidnappers.

READ ALSO: Enugu Demolitions: Residents Face Losses Amid Legal Dispute

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike emphasized the urgency of addressing the problem, stating, “We cannot allow these uncompleted buildings where criminals have made their places of abode. Bring down all these uncompleted buildings that have turned into shanties, and they will have nowhere to hide.”

Task Force Initiatives

Last week, the FCTA set up a joint security task force, including the SSS, police, army, and navy, to target identified areas and demolish structures harboring criminals.

This initiative aims to enhance security and reclaim the city’s safety for its residents.

The post Security Concerns Rise in Abuja Over Criminals Occupying Uncompleted Buildings appeared first on Housing TV Africa.