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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
NEMA Provides Relief to Banditry Victims in Kebbi as Communities Struggle to Recover
By: Michael Mike
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced the distribution of emergency relief materials to victims of recent banditry attacks in Kebbi State, offering support to families displaced by a wave of violence that has unsettled parts of the state.
The Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, flagged off the exercise in Birnin Kebbi, targeting affected residents in Shanga, Yauri and Bunza Local Government Areas. She said the intervention followed a detailed assessment of the affected communities to identify their most pressing needs.
Over the past weeks, suspected bandits reportedly launched coordinated attacks on several villages across the three local government areas. Residents were forced to flee as homes were burnt, food stores destroyed and livelihoods disrupted. Local authorities confirmed casualties and displacement, with many families seeking refuge in neighbouring communities and temporary shelters.
The attacks form part of a broader security challenge confronting parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups have carried out raids on rural settlements, targeting civilians and farmlands. In Kebbi, the violence has compounded existing socio-economic pressures, particularly for farming communities that depend on seasonal harvests for survival.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Umar conveyed the Federal Government’s sympathy to the affected families and the Kebbi State Government. She noted that the relief materials—including food items, bedding and other essential supplies—were provided to cushion the immediate hardship faced by victims.
According to her, the response aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises prompt humanitarian assistance and citizen welfare. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations impacted by insecurity and other disasters.
Representing the Emir of Gwandu, the Wazirin Gwandu, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, commended the Federal Government and NEMA for what he described as a timely and compassionate intervention. He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items while praying for lasting peace in the affected communities.
Also speaking, the Wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir, said the support would help restore hope to displaced families and ease the burden on host communities.
The distribution exercise is part of ongoing efforts by NEMA to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of insecurity and strengthen support systems for crisis-affected populations across the country.
NEMA Provides Relief to Banditry Victims in Kebbi as Communities Struggle to Recover
Zulum Unveils Infrastructure Push as World Bank Reaffirms Development Support for Borno
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has reiterated his administration’s commitment to post-conflict reconstruction and sustainable development following the commissioning of multiple infrastructure and education projects across the state, amid growing international development partnerships.
The projects were formally inaugurated by the Nigeria Country Director of the World Bank, Dr. Mathew Verghis, who described the investments as critical milestones in strengthening human capital development and economic resilience in regions recovering from insurgency.
Verghis praised the Borno State Government for prioritising education and infrastructure as pillars of recovery, noting that long-term stability in conflict-affected regions depends largely on access to quality education, functional infrastructure, and inclusive economic opportunities.
The newly inaugurated facilities include three modern mega schools designed to expand access to quality learning for children in vulnerable communities, as well as major road infrastructure projects aimed at easing movement within Maiduguri metropolis.
The educational facilities include the Government Secondary School Mainusari, the Mega Primary School Maimusari, and the Command Secondary School Maiduguri, all equipped with modern classrooms, learning materials, and student support facilities.
The infrastructure component of the project covers the West End flyover bridge and three major dual carriageway roads spanning Sultan Mainalari, Bursari, and Shehu Sanda Kura corridors. State officials say the roads will improve traffic flow, boost commerce, and enhance security surveillance within the city.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Zulum said his administration is deliberately investing in education as a strategic tool for social transformation. He explained that decades of insurgency had severely damaged school infrastructure and disrupted learning for millions of children.
He disclosed that more than 5,000 classrooms were destroyed during the conflict, displacing thousands of students. To address the challenge, the state government has embarked on massive reconstruction efforts, building new schools while rehabilitating damaged facilities across rural and urban communities.
The governor also highlighted several social intervention programmes aimed at supporting students’ retention in school. These include the distribution of millions of exercise books and textbooks, provision of school uniforms and learning bags, and the expansion of school feeding programmes targeting thousands of pupils annually.
Zulum further stated that vocational and technical education has been prioritised to address youth unemployment. According to him, the state has established multiple vocational training institutes and entrepreneurship schools for women and youth, designed to promote skills acquisition and small business development.
Community leaders, education stakeholders, and development partners attending the event described the projects as a confidence-building step for displaced communities gradually returning to normal life after years of instability.
Observers say the growing partnership between Borno State and international development organisations signals stronger support for recovery, governance reforms, and sustainable growth in the North-East region.
Zulum Unveils Infrastructure Push as World Bank Reaffirms Development Support for Borno
NESREA Seals Abuja Quarry After Death of 10-Year-Old
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has shut down Dai Jin Jia Quarry located in ACO Village along Airport Road, Abuja, following the tragic death of a 10-year-old boy during a blasting operation.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, February 27, 2026, prompted immediate intervention by the agency after it received reports of the fatality linked to activities at the quarry site.
Addressing journalists, the Director of Environmental Quality Control, Mr. Elijah Udofia, who spoke on behalf of the Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, described the development as deeply troubling. He revealed that the facility had previously been sealed by NESREA last year for regulatory breaches but allegedly continued operations in defiance of enforcement directives.
According to him, the agency’s preliminary investigation—conducted alongside officers from the ACO Division of the Nigeria Police—uncovered serious regulatory violations. He stated that the quarry failed to present a documented Blasting Operation Plan and could not provide records of its Charge Load Density (CLD), which details the quantity of explosives used during blasting. These lapses, he noted, constitute violations of Regulation 23 of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations, 2013.
Udofia further disclosed that the facility’s warning alarm system, which is required to alert surrounding residents before blasting activities, was found to be faulty at the time of inspection. He emphasized that the absence of such a critical safety measure may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
“It is distressing that despite prior warnings and enforcement actions, the company continued operations in ways that endanger lives and contravene national environmental laws,” he said, adding that the quarry has now been sealed again pending the outcome of a full investigation.
NESREA assured the public that all responsible parties would be held accountable in accordance with the law. The agency also reiterated its commitment to safeguarding host communities and ensuring strict compliance with environmental standards across the country.
The enforcement body called on operators within the quarrying sector and other industries to strictly adhere to national environmental regulations, warning that negligence and non-compliance will attract decisive sanctions.
The agency stressed that protecting lives, communities, and the
NESREA Seals Abuja Quarry After Death of 10-Year-Old
NEMA Provides Relief to Banditry Victims in Kebbi as Communities Struggle to Recover
Zulum Unveils Infrastructure Push as World Bank Reaffirms Development Support for Borno
NESREA Seals Abuja Quarry After Death of 10-Year-Old
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