By Kingsley Adegboye

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), has called on the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to adjudicate land allocations in the interest of credible developers who are genuinely committed to building houses and addressing Abuja’s housing deficit.

The Executive Director of HDAN, Festus Adebayo, made this appeal in a statement released in Abuja, emphasizing the need to curb the rampant practice of land speculation.

“It has been observed recently that numerous Certificate of Occupancy (CofOs) documents are circulating in Abuja from politicians seeking buyers among developers. We want to appeal to the Honourable Minister of the FCT to carefully examine those benefiting from land allocations,” Adebayo stated.

He stressed that beneficiaries must bring value to the sector rather than merely pressuring the minister for land.

“Because once they acquire the land, they immediately start looking to sell it for billions of naira. If this practice is not controlled, it will negatively impact the housing market,” he added.

According to the statement, HDAN is advocating for a system where land allocations are given to developers with financial capacity, a proven record of performance, and a history of excellence.

Adebayo suggested that if individuals outside the real estate industry receive land, their percentage should be minimal compared to established developers.

He said stakeholders have voiced their frustrations, pointing out the imbalance in the current system. “The government spends billions on district infrastructure, yet the landowners reap the benefits, not the general public. This deprives the city of schools, hospitals, and satellite town developments,” one stakeholder remarked.

Others proposed a more transparent approach, such as joint ventures between the government and developers, where a percentage of the units or equivalent land value is dedicated to affordable housing.

“This model works in other countries. Why should a few people benefit from our commonwealth to the exclusion of the majority?” a developer questioned.

The housing deficit in Nigeria, estimated at 20 million units, continues to worsen as land prices skyrocket.

Developers bear the brunt of the costs from land acquisition to infrastructure, financing, and construction with no risk-sharing across the value chain. This burden has driven many developers toward luxury housing, abandoning affordable projects due to the unsustainable pressures involved.

Land racketeering has been an issue in Abuja since the 1990s, but stakeholders argue that the current rate of reallocation and plot flipping is unprecedented.

Plots are reallocated and placed on the market within days, raising questions about whether the funds generated benefit the government or private individuals.

HDAN believes that government support, both through land allocation and financial interventions, can help stabilize the sector.

The leading advocacy group also proposes intensifying efforts to uncover fraudulent activities, acting as whistleblowers against those exploiting the system at the expense of public housing needs.

“This is a call to action, and we will write this as an official appeal,” Adebayo affirmed, urging the minister to establish a committee of housing experts to review the original FCT master plan, assess deviations, and evaluate the impact of non-adherence to the plan.

“The sad truth is that the hope of an average Nigerian to access affordable housing is fading. But through advocacy, collaboration, and policy reform, we can create a more equitable housing system. Even if it’s just by bringing stakeholders together, we can be instrumental to the change we hope to see,” he stated.

HDAN’s plea is clear, land should go to those ready to build, not those looking to profit from paper allocations.

The time for decisive action is now, and the future of Abuja’s housing landscape may depend on the minister’s willingness to champion this much-needed reform.

Meanwhile, HDAN also seizes this opportunity to commend the efforts of the Honorable Minister for FCT in turning around the infrastructure status of the Territory.

According to Adebayo, “What we are saying is appreciable and commendable, and we urge the minister to continue doing his best. We encourage him to explore further improvements in infrastructure development to enhance the city’s growth and liveability.”

HDAN is a research-driven, non-profit, volunteer, and non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting affordable housing across Africa.

With a membership of over 5,000 professionals spanning various disciplines within the housing and construction industry, HDAN strives to advance sustainable housing solutions throughout the continent.