Allocate Land To Credible Developers, HDAN Tells Wike
A non-governmental organisation, the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allocate land only to credible developers.
The group’s call came on the heels of the rising cases of some land speculators in the FCT who are parading themselves as developers but are reportedly selling the allocated land to genuine developers.
HDAN is a research-driven, non-profit, volunteer, and non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting affordable housing across Africa.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the Executive Director of HDAN, Barrister Festus Adebayo emphasized the need to curb the rampant practice of land speculation.
“Recently, it has been observed 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.
“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,” he said.
Adebayo suggested that if individuals outside the real estate industry receive land, their percentage should be minimal compared to established developers.
“This model works in other countries. Why should a few people benefit from our commonwealth to the exclusion of the majority?
“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, he said.
Adebayo, however, proposed intensifying efforts to uncover fraudulent activities, acting as whistleblowers against those exploiting the system at the expense of public housing needs.
He urged 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 on 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.
Meanwhile, HDAN also commended Wike for turning around the infrastructure status of the Federal Capital Territory.
Allocate Land To Credible Developers, HDAN Tells Wike is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
