News
Minister of Housing Lauds Reforms Initiated by Task Forces
Nigerian Housing and Urban Development Minister Ahmed Dangiwa has lauded the significant accomplishments of the Housing Sector Reform Task Teams appointed by his ministry.
During a presentation at the ministry’s Abuja headquarters, the leaders of the four task forces established in January 2024 outlined their progress in fulfilling their mandates. Minister Dangiwa expressed his appreciation for their dedication, highlighting that they had surpassed 80% of their assigned tasks.
“I am so pleased by the way you have all taken this national assignment so far. I can see the extent of work you have done, and this is a testament to the confidence we reposed in you when we chose you all to drive some of the strategic reforms we were pursuing in the sector,” he stated.
Dangiwa also expressed delight that the task teams surpassed 80% of the deliverables and expect to receive the final reports in the next few weeks.
He explained that the report will form the guidelines to follow in strengthening the institutional capacity of federal housing agencies, promoting synergy between the agencies and optimising their capacity to deliver on the housing mandate, streamlining land administration in Nigeria, and establishing Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria
The Minister disclosed that a workshop will be held in the coming weeks to have an interface between all four Task Teams and validate their draft reports for fine-tuning and necessary modifications before the final reports are submitted.
The task teams, comprising the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team, Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team, Land Reform Task Team, and the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team, were constituted to map out the modalities, strategies, and frameworks with which the Ministry can break the barriers to efficient housing delivery and embark on sector-wide reforms to bring about sustainable housing delivery and Urban Development in Nigeria.
Land Reform Task Team, led by Rev. Ugochukwu Chime, will conduct a thorough review of the Land Use Act to identify areas that require amendment.
Additionally, they will develop a detailed plan for the establishment of the National Land Commission.
The Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team headed by Engr. Nuhu Wya, will create a comprehensive framework for the development of the building materials manufacturing hubs. Their framework will include specifications for the location, design, size, and financial implications of the hubs.
Housing Institutions Reform Task Team is responsible for optimizing the performance of housing agencies under the ministry’s supervision. Their focus is on ensuring the delivery of quality, affordable, and decent homes for Nigerians. To achieve this, they will conduct a thorough review of relevant housing industry laws, including the National Housing Fund (NHF) Act, 1992; the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria Establishment Act, 1993; the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Act, 1973; and the PenCom Act. They will facilitate necessary legislative amendments to these laws to encourage increased investment in housing.
News
Lagos schedules meeting with owners of distressed buildings.
The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.
This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.
Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.
He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.
News
FG threatens contractors over Enugu-Onitsha road delay
The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.
This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.
According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.
“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”
He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”
He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.
“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.
The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.
He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.
“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”
He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.
News
Ekiti state government mediates land dispute between traditional ruler and family in Epe-Ekiti
The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.
In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.
Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.
The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.
Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.
Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.
Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.
Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.
-
News2 years ago
A TENANT IS NOT ENTITLED TO REFUND OF RENT WHERE HE UNILATERALLY SURRENDERS TENANCY
-
News2 years ago
HOW PASTOR ASHIMOLOWO BECAME BIG IN REAL ESTATE
-
General2 years ago
Seven Most Popular and Influential Young Real Estate CEOs in Nigeria
-
News1 year ago
Understanding the importance of a certificate of occupancy in land ownership
-
News1 year ago
Big C Properties Boss, Aforjama to be Honored as Anambra Real Estate Person of the Year
-
News2 years ago
LAND TITLE VERIFICATION EXERCISE IN OGOMBO
-
News2 years ago
RevolutionPlus Property Unveils New Executive Management Team
-
News2 years ago
Lagos socialite accused of unlawful demolition of N800 million property