News
FG to Establish National Land Commission… Put in Place Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law
FG to Establish National Land Commission
… Put in Place Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has announced plan to establish a National Land Commission, even as it revealed that works are on to put in place a Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangari disclosed this on Tuesday at the ongoing 6th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, NDIS in Abuja
The summit which has as theme, “New Vistas, New Aspirations, New Visions: The Diaspora and National Development is put to gather NDIS in conjucntion with Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
Dangiwa, in his remarks at the Summit, said the Land Commission when established will outline clear implementation guideline for the land Use Act.
The Minister said: “We are working to establish a National Land Commission. Part of their work will be to outline clear implementation guidelines for the Land Use Act to chart a new path of effective land administration in the country.”
He revealed that: “Last week I met with the leadership of the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms, Prof. Peter Adeniyi, where I committed to incorporating the comprehensive work, they have done over 14-years in our land reform strategy.
“As the renowned land reform scholar said, experience shows that a nation can never develop if it does not conduct land reform. This will be done under the Renewed Hope Action Plan for Housing.”
Dangari further explained: “Notable part of our housing sector reforms that is of particular interest to the Diaspora interested in investing in the housing and real estate sector is land reforms. What we envision is a streamlined land administration that cuts through the bureaucratic bottlenecks and systemic inefficiencies to ensure cost effective and efficient access to land for both individuals and investors in our country.
“Currently, we have a situation where the Land Use Act, which was enacted in 1978 has no complementary institution set up alongside it to provide the necessary framework, guidelines, and regulations for operationalizing it. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we aim to fix this systemic anomaly”.
The Minister also revealed that government is working towards having a uniformed mortgage system.
He said: “The second is the nationwide adoption of the Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law. The Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law (MMFL) provides contemporary provisions on the creation, registration, and enforcement of mortgages, along with remedies like foreclosure and the enforcement of mortgages on real properties and related purposes in Nigeria.
“As of date, the Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law (MMFL) has been passed in only four (4) states, including Lagos, Kaduna, Ekiti, and Nasarawa States. We aim to drive its passage in all the states of the federation as part of our efforts to ensure that investments in the housing and mortgage sector are protected.”
He hinted of government’s plan towards “boosting local manufacturing of building materials,” adding that: “Nigeria’s shortfall in the supply of quality housing stock presents a good opportunity for investors.”
He said: “To drive this, we aim to create an enabling environment for private sector players to produce building materials locally to lower cost, create jobs, grow the local economy, and ultimately ensure inclusive growth.
“To do this we are planning to establish six (6) manufacturing hubs – one in each of the six (6) geo-political zones in the country. The hubs will be provided with relevant facilities, including access roads, electricity, fit for purpose housing and relevant linkages for manufacturers to site their firms and operate. We are also proposing relevant incentives that will make it more profitable and rewarding for the private sector to manufacture building materials locally. “
The Minister who also launched the Diapsora Housing Mortgage Loan, assured Nigerians in Diaspora that the government is willing to support them to own houses in the country.
He said: “And as a Ministry, we are willing to support Diaspora initiatives in the housing and urban development space as well as encourage partnerships with the Diaspora towards making a change in the housing and urban development narrative of our dear country.
“It is important for me state that when we think about the Diaspora, we are not only thinking of them as sources of finance to develop our country, but we also see them as Nigerians, who though abroad, are desirous of owning homes in Nigeria. “
The Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme, he explained “is designed to enable Nigerians living overseas participate in the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme so they can access up to N50million to own their homes in Nigeria. Participants can access the loan via a National Housing Fund (NHF) loan, Rent-to-Own or the Individual Construction loan window.
“The terms are affordable and best market rates. This includes a single-digit interest rate of 9%, and a payback period of up to 10 years.
“As part of the initiative, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria will facilitate the construction of affordable housing units in major cities that meets the specifications of Nigerians in Diaspora.
“I want to say that the FMBN is not the only agency under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development that is delving into catering to the housing needs of the Diaspora.
“The Federal Housing Authority (FHA)is also involved as part of the Ministry’s sector wide effort to cater to the Diaspora. They have undertaken to develop the Diaspora City Project under a Public Private Partnership comprising the FHA, The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the private sector. The Project is situated in Maitama 2, with over 675 hectares of land. The FCT administration has committed to opening the road and providing the relevant infrastructure. The Diaspora City project is designed to have bungalows, semi-and detached duplexes, and mansions to reflect its inclusive essence.
“So, today, I want to say that I am excited to be the Minister of Housing and Urban Development to launch the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme, which I initiated as the MD/CE of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria on this auspicious occasion. Indeed, I consider it a positive twist of fate and “I want to use this opportunity to urge Nigerians in the diaspora to seize the opportunity the Scheme affords them to actualize their dreams of owning affordable homes in Nigeria.
“Our overall goal is to ensure that as our brothers and sisters’ sojourn abroad, they also have a decent shelter over here in Nigeria to call their home.”
On the country’s mortgage system, he said, “I am aware that the Mortgage scheme is set to be formally launched in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States soon, and it is my hope that the diaspora community would take full advantage of this opportunity and massively subscribe to reap its short and long-term benefits.”
The Minister equally assured the Diasporans of government commitment to sustaining necessary partnership with all relevant stakeholders.
“As I conclude my speech, I would like to assure you of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s commitment to sustaining the necessary collaborations, partnerships, and engagements with all relevant Stakeholders in the Housing and Urban Development sector, as we all work together towards ensuring the success of the Diaspora Housing Mortgage scheme, providing affordable housing, and ensuring sustainable urban development for Nigerians.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission(NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Nigerians in Diaspora to catch in on the current opportunities by investing in the country, insisting that now is the best time to invest in Nigeria.
She said: “My dear guests seated here and online, I assure you that this is an exciting time to be doing business in Nigeria,and this Summit is a step in making investment and growth a reality, because as Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora, we should always be conscious of the fact that Home is Home, and no one can develop Nigeria ike Nigerians.”
Dabiri-Erewa said in the quest of the Federal Government to go far in repositioning the economy, there was a need to partner with the Diaspora in achieving these goals.
She said: “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has just returned from attending the Saudi-Africa Summit made efforts to underscore Nigeria’s commitment to attracting more Diaspora direct investment and expand business partnerships, which are strongly reinforced by the administration’s ongoing domestic economic reforms.
“The summit is very appropriate because it creates innovative platforms of partnerships, between the Government and the Diaspora, in attracting investment into local businesses and thus enhancing Diaspora Direct Investment in the country,” she added.
FG to Establish National Land Commission
… Put in Place Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law
River guard killed in Yobe, police begin investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
A 40-year-old man, Musa Mohammed, has died after being allegedly attacked and thrown into a river by unknown assailants in Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Residents of Girim Village, Ya’u Gambo and Adamu Muhammad, told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:00 a.m. on Jan. 19, when the victim, who was employed to guard the village river, was confronted by some unidentified persons.
They said the attackers forcefully held Musa Mohammed, tied his hands and legs, and threw him into the river.
The sources added that about a month earlier, the deceased had a misunderstanding with five men from Dadigar Village in Bursari LGA, who allegedly warned him to stop guarding the river or face consequences.
Upon receiving the report, security operatives visited the scene and evacuated the victim from the river in an unconscious state.
“He was rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Gashua, where a medical doctor later confirmed him dead,” the sources said.
Photographs of the deceased were taken, and his remains were released to his relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.
Musa Mohammed was from Burburwa Village via Mayori in Yusufari Local Government Area of the state.
Investigation into the incident has commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing.
River guard killed in Yobe, police begin investigation
At least 31 killed in Yatakala attack in Niger Republic
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than 31 persons have been killed following a deadly attack by suspected terrorists in Yatakala, Tillaberi Region of the Republic of Niger, near the tri-border area with Mali and Burkina Faso.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on Jan. 18 in the Yatakala/Bolsi area of Tera Commune, where the assailants reportedly gathered residents together and opened fire on them.
The sources said that several other people, believed to be mostly women, were abducted during the attack, while five persons were injured as they tried to escape.
“They went from house to house, rounded people up and shot them. Those who managed to flee sustained injuries.
“Residents were rounded up and summarily executed, while an uncertain number mostly women, were abducted. At least 31 people were killed and five others injured as they fled,”one of the sources said.
The sources noted that Yatakala and surrounding villages toward the Burkinabe border had already been deserted by many inhabitants due to persistent attacks by armed groups.
No organisation had formally claimed responsibility for the latest atrocity, but the pattern and area of operation point strongly to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), the Al-Qaeda-linked group active across the Liptako-Gourma axis
The area had previously come under attack on Jan. 3, 2026, when Yatakala/Garoul was assaulted and about 17 soldiers were reportedly killed.
Zagazola report that the Tillaberi theatre is under sustained pressure. The enemy appears intent on clearing large swathes of territory, forcing communities to abandon their homes and creating humanitarian corridors of displacement that terrorists then exploit for further expansion.
The attacks also draws to the attention of the accelerating expansion of jihadist violence across the Sahel and its dangerous spillover implications for Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region.
The attack fits into a broader campaign by both Al-Qaeda- and ISIS-aligned factions to dominate borderlands, forest reserves and riverine routes, particularly around the W Park–Panjari complex, with a creeping approach toward Niamey.
The strategic objective was to degrade state presence, terrorise civilians into flight, and establish uncontested movement and recruitment zones.
Its draws parallels with past atrocities, including the January 2025 killings in Kasuwan Daji in Borgu area of Niger State, allegedly carried out by JNIM in collaboration with JAS/Ansaru networks, as well as recent mass abductions at worship centres in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru LGA, Kaduna State.
These are not isolated incidents. They form part of a synchronised regional campaign aimed at destabilisation, psychological dominance and narrative warfare.
Zagazola warned that beyond the kinetic dimension, insurgents were also leveraging disinformation, including the manipulation of religious and ethnic narratives, to internationalise their cause and weaken regional cohesion.
The humanitarian crisis generated by these attacks will push refugees and internally displaced persons toward north-west and north-central Nigeria, with attendant security, social and economic consequences.
Therefore, Nigeria’s response must go beyond internal counter-terrorism operations to include strengthened diplomatic and security cooperation with Niger, Benin and other frontline states.
Border challenges cannot be curbed unilaterally. There must be deeper intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols and joint operations. ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) must urgently re-engage on collective security mechanisms to contain this expanding threat,” he said.
Yatakala massacre was both a warning and a call to action.
If proactive regional measures are not taken, the Sahelian conflict arc will continue to bend southward, with Nigeria increasingly in the line of fire.
At least 31 killed in Yatakala attack in Niger Republic
School renovation: You’ve renewed our hope, Students with disabilities tell Gombe Govt, NEDC
Some students from the Special Education Centre in Gombe, have commended the Gombe State Government, and the North East Development Commission (NEDC), over ongoing renovation of their school.
The students told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe, that the move would boost access to education for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
A NAN correspondent who visited the school, reports that there was ongoing renovation of facilities.
A visually impaired student of the Senior Secondary three class (SS3), Husseini Abubakar, said that the renovation sends a strong message of inclusion to them.
According to him, the ongoing upgrade of the school has renewed their hope in education and a better Nigeria, as emphasised by President Bola Tinubu.
“I was suprised to hear that our school is being renovated after many years of neglect.
“We had lost hope of any intervention, but see what Gombe State government and NEDC are doing; we lack words to express how we feel.
“Today, I feel that our President, Bola Tinubu’s statement of “let’s renew the hope” is being fulfilled in our school because our hope has indeed been renewed,” he said.
Another visually impaired student, Mr Ahmad Umar, noted that they use to share classrooms with junior students during the rainy season, following dilapidated classrooms.
“Some days, we prayed against rainfall so that we will not be beaten by the rain, but thank God the suffering has now ended, and a better structure is here,” he said.
He said that now, he feels relieved.
Another student with hearing disability, Mr Basesa David, who spoke through an interpreter, said he was happy that the days of cold were over
He noted that the rehabilitation of toilets facilities and regular water supply, would improve hygiene and health condition in the school.
“We are grateful, especially the female students who usually suffer severe cold from exposure and poor toilets; thank you Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and the entire leadership of NEDC,” he said
NAN reports that the school, a specialised institution in the state, was established in 1996, to cater for children with disabilities.
The renovation project, is aimed at improving access to inclusive, equitable and quality education for PWDs, who are learners in the state and the North-East.
The centre currently has a population of 615 students
School renovation: You’ve renewed our hope, Students with disabilities tell Gombe Govt, NEDC
VP Kashim Shettima: Tinubu, APC leaders must reject divisive tactics ahead of 2027.
River guard killed in Yobe, police begin investigation
NAF air strikes destroy terrorist boats, neutralise fighters in Kukawa riverine
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News9 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
