By Favour Nnabugwu

Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has affirmed its readiness to join hands with the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, in actualising his promise of one million housing development yearly. REDAN’s newly elected President, Rev Ugochukwu Chime, who gave the assurance in Abuja. According to him, “REDAN has set up a committee to come up with a road map on housing development as a position paper to be presented to the new administration for implementation.

“We will also work closely with the administration to ensure that the Land Use Act is amended. REDAN will step up its advocacy and liaison with the National Assembly to expedite the passing of the Land, Housing, foreclosure law; Mortgage and Real Estate related laws proposed by government with the National Assembly since 2006.”

The REDAN president also said its members will work with respective government agencies and research institutes to ensure reduction in cost of obtaining permits and approvals relating to land for mass housing development. “We will focus efforts on land administration in favour of real estate developers; develop technology to utilize local materials and achieve considerable cost of construction; encourage green construction;

ensure members adhere to standard in process and product s of housing development and; comply with National Building Codes and extant laws on land and housing construction. We shall collaborate with stakeholders in the government, built industry and business spheres to step up artisans, trades and craftsmen /women training and re-training to empower Nigerian citizenry especially the large population of youths,” he stated.

He assured that the association will work closely with the National Assembly to make REDAN an Act of the National Assembly that will ensure standard in the housing sector.