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The Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has called for an overhaul of the Land Use Act and National Housing Policy.
NIESV President and Chairman of Council, Victor Alonge, made the call on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at a news conference during the institution’s 55th annual conference in Abuja.
Alonge said the Land Use Act, in place since 1978, is outdated and needs review to expand land access and spur real estate development.
He noted land should be more accessible to all Nigerians, not just wealthy developers who often acquire vast portions of land.
“The masses struggle to access land. The Act should be reviewed, and the land administration system revisited,” he said.
Alonge also highlighted the need to revisit the National Housing Policy to tackle persistent challenges in the housing sector.
He stated that affordable housing delivery requires a multi-sector approach and deliberate policymaking with input from professionals.
He observed that housing policies often lack clarity, leading to confusion in their implementation.
According to him, affordable housing and social housing are frequently misunderstood as being the same.
He said many so-called affordable homes remain unaffordable for low-income earners.
“There is poor understanding and weak policy design around affordable housing. Nigeria lacks a proper social housing system,” he said.
Alonge explained that social housing typically serves workers like nurses and teachers, providing homes in central or high-value locations.
He said other countries offer city-centre homes to key workers through targeted policies, allowing them to live among the affluent.
Alonge also backed punitive taxation on vacant properties to compel owners to rent or occupy them.
“In advanced economies, empty homes are heavily taxed to discourage leaving them unused.
“If faced with high taxes on an empty house, owners would likely reconsider keeping it vacant,” Alonge added.
By Angela Atabo
