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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
Zulum Donates ₦50m to Family of Fallen Officer, Reaffirms Support for Military Heroes
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has donated ₦50 million to the family of late Lieutenant Colonel OC Okolo, who was killed during a Boko Haram attack in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, on February 16, 2026.
The gesture comes amid a series of similar interventions by the governor, including a recent ₦150 million donation to families of three military officers who lost their lives in separate attacks across the state.
Zulum reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting families of fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifices as invaluable to Nigeria’s security and unity. He assured that his government would continue to identify with and assist families of personnel killed or declared missing in action in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The donation was delivered at a funeral service held in Obinofia Ndiuno, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State on Firiday. The governor was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General Abdullahi Sabi Ishaq (Rtd), who presented the cash on behalf of the Borno State Government.
Speaking through his representative, Zulum expressed deep sorrow over the officer’s death.
He said: “Lt. Col OC Okolo was a gallant, dedicated and committed officer of the nation whose contributions will not be forgotten,” while extending condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
He also prayed for the repose of the late officer’s soul and for strength for the bereaved family.
Responding on behalf of the family, Stanley Okolo expressed profound gratitude to the governor for the support and solidarity shown during their time of grief.
@The family members were particularly touched by the cash donation and the delegation sent from Maiduguri to attend the funeral service despite the short notice,” he said.
He further commended the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, for sending representatives to honour the late officer.
The funeral was attended by senior military representatives, including Brigadier General G.A. Suru, representing the Chief of Army Staff, and Brigadier General I.P. Omoke, who represented the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, alongside members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and the host community.
The donation underscores ongoing efforts by the Borno State Government to recognise and support the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency.
Zulum Donates ₦50m to Family of Fallen Officer, Reaffirms Support for Military Heroes
MSF Ramps Up Emergency Response as Lassa Fever Outbreak Deepens in Benue
By: Michael Mike
A worsening Lassa fever outbreak in Benue State has triggered an urgent intervention by international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), as rising infections and deaths place severe pressure on already stretched health facilities.
Working in collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Health, MSF has deployed emergency teams to reinforce infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, following a surge in cases that has exposed critical gaps in healthcare safety systems—particularly affecting frontline workers.
Official data indicate that as of mid-March, the state recorded 410 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 60 confirmed infections and 14 deaths. Disturbingly, 14 healthcare workers are among those infected, raising serious concerns about inadequate protective measures within treatment centres.
The situation reflects a broader national crisis. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports that Nigeria has recorded 167 deaths from Lassa fever in the first 13 weeks of 2026 alone, with a case fatality rate of 25.2 per cent—significantly higher than the 18.5 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
Benue State formally declared the outbreak on February 3, 2026, as infections escalated across communities in what is already recognised as one of Nigeria’s high-risk zones for the disease.
Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic illness endemic in Nigeria, typically peaks between November and April. It is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, but can also spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons—making healthcare settings particularly vulnerable when safety protocols are weak.
Responding to the emergency, MSF launched a three-month intervention in March aimed at containing the outbreak and preventing further transmission. The mission was initiated at the request of state authorities, especially in light of rising infections among health workers and persistent shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE).
“Healthcare workers and patients are at significant risk when infection prevention measures are not fully in place,” said MSF Emergency Coordinator, Juniper Gordon. “Strengthening IPC and improving the organisation of care are critical to reducing transmission in health facilities.”
MSF teams are now providing hands-on support in selected facilities, focusing on strengthening clinical practices and improving patient management systems. This includes training healthcare workers on IPC protocols, reorganising triage processes, and establishing clearly defined high-risk and low-risk zones to limit cross-infection.
The organisation is also supplying essential materials, including PPE, hygiene kits, and sanitation supplies, while reinforcing waste management systems and infection control procedures. Handwashing stations are being installed across supported facilities, and surveillance efforts are being strengthened through improved data collection and monitoring.
In a move to support patient welfare, MSF is also providing food assistance to individuals in isolation centres, helping to ease the burden on affected families.
MSF said it is coordinating closely with global and national partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the NCDC, to scale up response efforts and curb the spread of the disease.
Despite these interventions, public health experts warn that the outbreak underscores deeper systemic challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in infection control preparedness and rapid response capacity.
MSF Ramps Up Emergency Response as Lassa Fever Outbreak Deepens in Benue
Troops arrest 20 suspects, recover cash, electronics in Adamawa raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 232 Battalion (Tactical) have arrested 20 suspects and recovered cash and electronics during a raid on suspected criminal hideouts in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 5:00 a.m. on April 10 in Agwan Rami and Agwan Mallam areas, following credible intelligence.
The sources disclosed that troops, in collaboration with local hunters, stormed the identified hideouts and apprehended the suspects.
“During the operation, 20 suspects were arrested in criminal hideouts, while others were picked up for loitering during curfew hours,” the source said.
Items recovered include seven mobile phones, eight touch lights, one ThinkPad laptop and the sum of ₦2,137,285, among other items.
The suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities and enforce law and order in Adamawa State.
Troops arrest 20 suspects, recover cash, electronics in Adamawa raid
Zulum Donates ₦50m to Family of Fallen Officer, Reaffirms Support for Military Heroes
MSF Ramps Up Emergency Response as Lassa Fever Outbreak Deepens in Benue
Troops foil motorcycle snatching attempt, rescue victims in Kaduna
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