Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has called on governments at all levels to prioritise infrastructure development as the foundation for sustainable and inclusive housing delivery in Nigeria.

Osinbajo said the country’s persistent housing crisis is not due to a lack of workable models but rather weak political will and institutional failure to replicate proven approaches.

He made the call at the 2026 WEMABOD Limited Real Estate Outlook, themed “Unlocking Land and Infrastructure for Inclusive Housing: A Regional Agenda for Sustainable Urban Growth.”

Drawing lessons from the historic Bodija Estate in Ibadan, Osinbajo said Nigeria once demonstrated a successful housing model built on proper planning and early infrastructure provision, but failed to sustain and scale it across regions.

According to him, Bodija was designed as a complete neighbourhood rather than a mere housing cluster, with demand anticipated and planned as part of a wider development strategy.

“Demand was anticipated. It was planned for and shaped, not reacted to after the fact,” Osinbajo said.

He explained that the estate followed clear planning standards, featuring low-rise density, green buffers and open spaces, while prioritising privacy, social integration and livability.

Osinbajo noted that Bodija’s proximity to employment centres, public institutions and essential services reduced commuting time and ensured strong integration into the city’s economic and social life.

He added that the estate deliberately accommodated different income groups within the same community, with modest bungalows for low-income earners, semi-detached houses for middle-income residents and larger homes for senior professionals.

According to him, one of Bodija’s most critical strengths was the delivery of infrastructure before residents moved in. Roads, drainage systems, water supply, electricity, schools and community facilities were provided upfront, significantly reducing living costs.

Osinbajo described infrastructure as a hidden subsidy that made housing affordable by removing the burden of self-provision from households.

He said the failure of the Bodija model was not in its design, but in the inability of governments to replicate it across the South-West and other parts of the country.

Contrasting past approaches with current trends, Osinbajo observed that many modern housing estates are gated, homogeneous and driven largely by short-term commercial interests.

He noted that most new developments are located on city fringes, far from employment centres and public transport, leading to longer commute times, higher transportation costs, reduced productivity and increased carbon emissions.

He added that infrastructure in many estates has effectively been privatised, with residents forced to provide their own water, power, access roads and waste management, driving up housing costs and excluding low- and middle-income earners.

Osinbajo rejected claims that governments lack the capacity to deliver mass housing, insisting the challenge lies in misplaced priorities.

He cited examples from his tenure as Vice President, noting that Borno State delivered nearly 15,000 housing units within three and a half years despite limited internally generated revenue.

The former Vice President identified land and infrastructure as the two major constraints to inclusive housing in Nigeria.

He called for government-led land assembly, early provision of bulk infrastructure and mandatory inclusionary zoning in large housing developments.

Osinbajo also advocated properly structured public-private partnerships, where governments provide land, infrastructure and clear regulatory frameworks, while private developers contribute capital, technical expertise and execution capacity.

He said such collaboration remains key to closing Nigeria’s housing gap and achieving sustainable urban growth.

The post Osinbajo Urges Infrastructure-First Strategy for Housing Delivery appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A home is more than just a physical structure — it’s a foundation for stability, safety, and personal growth.

Affordable housing provides families and individuals with a chance to live securely, focus on their well-being, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Affordable housing is not a handout but a necessity that addresses widening social and economic inequalities.

Rising rent and home prices have made it increasingly difficult for middle- and low-income earners, seniors, and people with disabilities to secure decent housing.

When people spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent, they have less to allocate for essentials such as food, healthcare, and education.

Studies show that affordable housing leads to better health outcomes, stronger academic performance among children, and increased financial stability.

Families living in safe, affordable homes are less likely to experience stress and more likely to build lasting community ties.

Well-designed affordable housing developments also strengthen local economies.

They create construction and service jobs, attract small businesses, and promote diversity by bringing together people from different social and economic backgrounds.

Communities with accessible, quality housing tend to experience lower crime rates, greater social inclusion, and improved public health.

As cities continue to grow, the need for affordable, sustainable housing becomes more urgent.

Providing homes that people can truly afford not only improves individual lives but also builds stronger, more resilient, and more equitable communities for all.

The post How Affordable Housing Improves Lives and Strengthens Communities appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The former Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at the University of Lagos, Professor Leke Oduwaye, has described town planners as “prophets” of housing and urban development, emphasizing that strategic planning is essential to prevent uncoordinated growth and costly demolitions. Speaking at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Ogun State Chapter, held in Abeokuta, Oduwaye stressed the need for forward-thinking settlement planning to ensure sustainable urban expansion.

The meeting, which carried the theme “Conflicting Rationalities: The Challenge of Urban and Physical Development in Nigeria,” brought together key stakeholders in the built environment to reflect on the growing complexities of urban growth in Nigeria. According to Oduwaye, the role of the planner is predictive and preventive. “Planners are like prophets,” he said. “They envision what settlements should become using knowledge, theory, and legal frameworks that guide development.”

He warned that Ogun State, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing regions, risks slipping into urban chaos if it continues to expand without comprehensive and well-funded spatial planning. “It doesn’t cost much to plan. Government can start small—perhaps one town per senatorial district—allocating funds annually for the development of master plans,” he suggested. Oduwaye also pointed to several underlying factors driving disjointed development, including political interference, lack of funding, the presence of unqualified practitioners, and ethnic influences. He proposed reforms such as a streamlined “one-desk system” for planning approvals, land swap models to fund consultancy services, and the development of bankable master plans that could attract private sector support.

In his remarks, the Chairman of NITP Ogun State Chapter, Tpl. Adefela Sogbesan, addressed a widespread public misconception that town planners are responsible only for demolition activities. “There’s a belief that planners are out to demolish buildings,” he said. “But with proper professional input from the beginning, buildings will be sited correctly, eliminating the need for demolition entirely.”

Representing the Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Olatunji Odunlami, senior official Mr. John Olutunde reiterated the government’s commitment to updating housing and urban planning laws to align with evolving realities. He commended the institute’s efforts and assured participants of the state’s ongoing support for professional planning initiatives.

The meeting closed with a collective call for more transparent planning processes, improved public education, and enhanced collaboration among government agencies, professionals, and communities to safeguard Nigeria’s urban future.

The post Planners Are Prophets of Development – UNILAG Don Warns Ogun Against Uncoordinated Growth appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Lagos is witnessing an unprecedented construction boom, with new estates and luxury developments springing up across the city. Along the Lekki–Epe Expressway alone, more than 120 new estates have emerged in 2025, reshaping the skyline and transforming the coastline.

The state’s coastal geography is also being redrawn. Massive sand-filling projects are creating new land and entire islands, such as Eko Atlantic, Orange Island, Shoreline, and Cowrie Creek – exclusive enclaves catering to the wealthiest Lagosians. Banana Island and Eko Atlantic City are being expanded, while several estates along the Chevron-Lekki axis are also undergoing reclamation.

Government efforts to improve water transport include building new jetties to connect these rapidly developing areas, offering alternatives to Lagos’ congested roads. The newly completed sections of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway have further opened up the corridor from Victoria Island to Eleko, adding more land to Eko Atlantic and spurring even more development.

But the boom comes with a price. Landmark Beach, once a popular hangout, has vanished in just over a year, swallowed by new land reclamation works. Environmentalists warn that many coastal areas remain vulnerable to flooding, with some communities already seeing their homes collapse into the sea.

Authorities have begun cracking down on illegal reclamation and construction. At a recent Lagos conference, developers were served demolition orders for unauthorized projects along the coastline.

Meanwhile, existing waterfront communities like Makoko – home to an estimated 250,000 residents – are under scrutiny. Rather than demolish the iconic “floating city,” government officials are exploring ways to improve living conditions while preserving its unique way of life.

Inside the city, the building trend is upward. Ikoyi and Victoria Island now boast skyscrapers that have radically altered the skyline. Eko Atlantic is filled with 12-storey-plus buildings, while some of Ikoyi’s latest luxury towers rise 24 floors high. Kingsway/Alfred Rewane Road and Ozumba Mbadiwe Road are fast becoming corridors of towering glass structures.

Despite the building frenzy, most new developments remain out of reach for average Lagosians. Housing affordability continues to be a pressing issue, with rental prices soaring and demand far outstripping supply. Observers are urging the government to focus on inclusive housing policies to ensure the city’s growth benefits all residents – not just the elite.

By: Caroline Akinlotan
Source: Business Day

The post Lagos Property Boom: New Estates Rise as Coastline Expands appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr. Sagir Musa, made this known after the State Executive Council meeting held in Dutse. He said the project is in line with Governor Umar Namadi’s commitment to inclusive development and improved urban planning.

The housing units are part of Phase II of the state’s Mass Housing Estate initiative. The plan includes a mix of three-bedroom detached and two-bedroom semi-detached units, all enclosed with perimeter fencing for security and privacy.

The project will cover Babura, Birnin Kudu, Dutse, Gumel, Hadejia, Kafin Hausa, Kazaure, Maigatari, and Ringim.

According to the commissioner, the initiative will not only improve housing access but also create jobs and stimulate the local economy through construction activities and demand for materials.

Nigeria currently faces a housing deficit of around 28 million units. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Musa Dangiwa, recently noted that more than 75% of the country’s 42 million homes are substandard, with a large portion of the population living in informal settlements.

To tackle this, the Federal Government launched the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme in 2024. The initiative aims to deliver 100,000 homes nationwide, with flexible ownership options such as single-digit mortgage loans, rent-to-own models, and full purchase plans.

In April 2025, the government also announced an additional 77,400 housing units. Of these, 80% will be allocated to low-income earners who can pay gradually using one-third of their monthly income.

Despite these efforts, the Housing Minister has called for a minimum annual allocation of ₦500 billion to the sector. He said meeting the goal of 550,000 new homes each year over the next decade would require ₦5.5 trillion annually making the proposed budget less than 10% of what is needed.

The post Jigawa Approves ₦19.6 Billion for New Housing Projects in Nine LGAs appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

As the cost of rent continues to rise, particularly in the capital city of Umuahia, the government is working closely with private developers. This collaboration seeks to create sustainable solutions that will balance the housing market and ease the burden on tenants.

Government’s Commitment to Housing Expansion

Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumereije, emphasized at a press conference in Umuahia that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is fully committed to expanding the state’s housing capacity. He acknowledged that the skyrocketing cost of rent is driven by the fundamental forces of demand and supply. More people are seeking accommodation than the available housing stock can support.

Rather than attempting to regulate rent prices directly, which would likely be ineffective in a free-market economy, the government has opted for a strategic approach. It plans to increase the supply of homes through the construction of new estates.

A Surge in Migration and Property Demand

Abia has gained a reputation as an attractive destination for businesses and individuals looking to relocate. As a result, the state has seen a significant influx of people. The administration has successfully fostered a business-friendly environment, leading to a surge in investments and migration.

This increased demand has inevitably put pressure on available housing and driven up property values. Chukwumereije emphasized that the government’s response is to create more opportunities for homeownership and rental options. To achieve this, it is working with reputable private developers to establish modern housing estates across different locations.

Providing Affordable Housing Options

The estates will cater to various income levels, with a strong focus on providing low-cost housing for those in need of affordable accommodation. By addressing the housing deficit from the supply side, the government aims to create a more balanced market. As more options become available, rents are expected to stabilize naturally.

Enforcement of Land Title Recertification and Rent Demand Notices

In addition to unveiling new housing initiatives, the Abia State government is intensifying its enforcement of land title recertification and rent demand notices. Chukwumereije announced that property owners who have not yet complied with the recertification process, which began in May 2024, will now face legal action.

Multiple grace periods have already been granted. However, the government has set a firm deadline of 14 days for property owners to submit their title documents. Failure to do so will result in full legal enforcement.

Regulating Real Estate Transactions for Transparency

The commissioner stressed that the enforcement process applies to all existing housing estates in Abia. This includes key locations such as IBB Phase I, Agbama, Ehimiri, Isieke, and the World Bank Estates in both Umuahia and Aba.

This move is part of a broader effort to streamline property ownership, eliminate irregularities in land documentation, and ensure that real estate transactions in the state remain transparent and properly regulated.

A Promising Future for Housing in Abia

As the government pushes forward with these initiatives, residents and investors can look forward to improved access to quality housing. The administration remains committed to creating an environment where businesses and individuals can thrive without the constant struggle of finding suitable accommodation.

With a clear strategy focused on expanding housing supply, enforcing property regulations, and maintaining a strong partnership with private developers, Abia is positioning itself as a model for sustainable urban growth in Nigeria.

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