Baskadia

REAL ESTATE ADMINISTRATION IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY

Dr. (Amb.) Olusola Ilesanmi Owomoyela

General Managing Director (GMD) of Next Gear Group, Abuja, Nigeria.

Everyone deserves a good home, and aspires to get one. In the world today, real estate is becoming lucrative for individuals, firms, and government at large. Everyone aspires to possess a piece of real estate that will increase in value quickly and generate income. During pre-colonial times, ancient societies possessed and distributed land using different processes across various geographic regions. This is where real estate originates.

After Nigeria her gained its independence in 1960, there was an increasing demand for accommodation and infrastructure in urban areas. Developers’ bid to offer solutions to these demands led to the emergence of the real estate sector in Nigeria. And in 1980, the real estate housing sector witnessed a substantial change due to the introduction of structural adjustment strategies by the Nigerian government which led to economic liberalization and privatization. These changes prompted the private sector to participate in real estate development.

Subsequently, developers from the private sector began supplying Nigerians with housing, especially in urban areas.

A quick glance at how the city of Abuja became a major state where real estate thrives. Initially, Abuja was an underdeveloped state that had lots of vacant lands. Not until the capital city of Nigeria which was formerly Lagos moved to Abuja. This became a turning point for Abuja, as it began to gain relevance being the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

Being one of the first purpose-built cities, every influential person and investor wants to own a property in the mega state that’s Abuja; 1476sqk m with a population of 3,840,000 million people. That’s a whole lot.

However, in recent times, the real estate industry in Abuja, Nigeria has ceased to be a smooth ride as it is faced with numerous challenges despite its growth. These challenges include;

1. Limited participation of stakeholders in decision-making processes.

The process of land administration in Abuja lacks the active involvement of stakeholders, including residents, community organizations, and non-governmental organizations. This results in decisions being made without considering the needs and concerns of the larger population. The lack of inclusive decision-making processes contributes to the dissatisfaction and resentment among residents regarding land administration policies in Abuja.

2. Limited access to affordable housing.

Due to the skewed allocation of land in Abuja, there is a shortage of affordable housing for the lower and middle-income residents. The high cost of real estate has made it difficult for these individuals to afford decent housing options. This has led to the growth of informal settlements and slums, as people are forced to live in substandard conditions due to the lack of affordable housing options. Every human deserves a good home and should possess one, irrespective of their status.

3. Lack of effective land management systems.

Abuja land registry AGIS (Abuja Geographical Information System) has the most sophisticated land data management system in Nigeria but it is not without challenges for example the emergence of land racketeering, double allocation, impersonation, forging of documents and corruption etc. This has adversely affected innocent investors, land owners and developers. Thus, this system needs to be straightened out for better effectiveness and trust so as to encourage investors.

REMEDY TO ISSUES AFFECTING LAND ADMINISTRATION IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY

Inclusion of Professional Developers in City Planning:

Professional developers possess valuable insights and expertise in the real estate sector. By including them in committees responsible for city design, such as the Land Use and Allocation Committee (LUAC), the government can benefit from their advice on the specific needs of the population and ensure that real estate requirements are effectively addressed. Members of these committees can be drawn from reputable organizations like the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN).

2. Timely Land Allocation:

Efficient and timely land allocation is essential for economic growth, crime reduction, and job creation. The government should prioritize the expedited allocation of lands to facilitate real estate development. Delays in allocations can result in the occupation of lands by land grabbers illegally, hindering the availability of apartments and creating further challenges for prospective residents.

3. Partnership with recognized Real Estate Developers:

Collaboration between the government and experienced real estate developers is crucial. Partnering with developers with a track record of successful projects can enhance the quality and efficiency of urban development initiatives. These partnerships can foster ongoing job opportunities and mitigate the influence of land grabbers.

4. Addressing Density Concerns:

To cater to diverse family living requirements, city planners should consider different densities. High-density areas can feature skyscrapers, medium-density can accommodate multi-story buildings, and low-density areas can consist of bungalow-style housing. The challenges associated with abolishing bungalows in Abuja need to be addressed to ensure a balanced housing landscape.

5. Enhancing Interdepartmental Cohesion:

To streamline the urban planning process, there should be improved cohesion between various organs of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), including the Development Control and Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS). Simplifying the approval process for development projects by ensuring smoother communication and coordination between departments will facilitate efficient project execution.

6. Collaboration with Area Councils:

Effective collaboration between the FCDA and Area Councils can lead to more equitable land distribution. Empowering the Area Councils to allocate lands to different classes of citizens, similar to the village system in the United Kingdom, can help address the challenges of land scarcity and prevent illegal development.

7. Decentralization to Decongest City Center:

To prevent Abuja from becoming overly congested like Lagos, there should be a strategic relocation of ministries and government agencies to other Area Councils such as Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Bwari. This decentralization will distribute economic activities and create opportunities for development beyond the city center.

8. Implement a fair and transparent land allocation system:

There should be clear guidelines and criteria for land allocation that prioritize the needs of the lower and middle-income residents. The allocation process should be free from corruption and favoritism, and decisions should be based on merit and the overall benefit to the community.

9. Increase affordable housing options:

The government should prioritize the development of affordable housing projects and incentivize developers to focus on providing housing for the lower-income residents. This can be achieved through the provision of subsidies, tax incentives, and streamlined approval processes for affordable housing projects and also partnership with Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN)

10. Virtual Inspection:

This enables clients, investors view their lands from anywhere around the world and conduct online search of plot number, file number, cadastral zone, generate coordinate, make payments, generate receipt and further conduct search. This will enable people in diaspora do business from anywhere in the world without having to come on-site.

11. Set up task force committee:

This committee will help people secure or take possession of their land from anywhere around the world so as to prevent land racketeers who have deep pockets which they use to buy their way through the ranks of security agents, and also prevent the use of thugs and police to threaten rightful owners.

12. Improve land management systems:

Abuja has one of the best land management systems in Nigeria-AGIS. However, the government should invest in digital land registry systems that accurately document land ownership and transactions. This will help prevent fraud, disputes, and overlapping claims. It will also make it possible for those in diaspora to do land business online such as search, payment of bills and generation of Remita.

In conclusion, the future of Real Estate in Abuja shows great promise, which will only be attainable when the right steps are taken, and only the inclusion of reliable private sectors such as NEXT GEAR HOMES LIMITED would make this possible, as some of the government agencies have proven reluctant over the years.

The NEXT GEAR HOMES LIMITED is a Nigerian Real Estate Company with her headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, a subsidiary of Next Gear Group. Other subsidiaries of Next Gear Group are: Next Gear Resources, Next Gear Facility Managers, Next Gear Project Support and Watch My Property Concepts. These subsidiaries all work together to give you nothing but the best as long as shelter allocations and development is concerned. Lay your concerns on our tables, we’ve got you covered.

Author’s Profile

Dr. (Amb.) Olusola Ilesanmi Owomoyela, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Next Gear Group (https://nextgearng.com/), is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse range of expertise in law, real estate development, and humanitarian work. Born and raised in Nigeria, he has made significant contributions to various fields throughout his career.

Dr. (Amb.) Olusola Owomoyela completed his undergraduate studies at Obafemi Awolowo University in 2006, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree. Following his passion for law, he became a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in 2007, showcasing his commitment to the legal profession.

In 2008, Dr. (Amb.) Owomoyela commenced his legal career as an associate at Owolabi & Oyefeso Law Firm in Lagos, Nigeria. During this time, he gained valuable experience working on a wide range of legal matters, including contract negotiations, dispute resolution, and corporate law.

Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Dr. (Amb.) Olusola Owomoyela ventured into the field of real estate development and established Next Gear Homes Limited in 2014, where he currently serves as the Group Managing Director (https://nextgearng.com/). Under his leadership, Next Gear Homes Limited has emerged as a prominent real estate company in Abuja, Nigeria, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Dr. Olusola Owomoyela became a member of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) in 2018, demonstrating his dedication to promoting professionalism and ethical practices in the real estate industry.

Dr. Olusola is a co-founder and currently serves as the President of Mercy Drops Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Abuja, Nigeria. Through Mercy Drops, he strives to provide humanitarian aid, healthcare services, and educational support to underprivileged individuals and communities.

He holds an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Entrepreneurship Management from Prowess University Delaware, USA, and is also a Fellow of the Ecolerite Institute for Peace Building.

Dr. Olusola is also the founder of Watch My Property Concept Limited (https://www.watchmyproperty.org), a company uniquely designed to meet the needs of Nigerians’ home, both in diaspora and for expatriates who are looking to invest in the real estate sector in Nigeria.

Dr. (Amb.) Olusola Ilesanmi Owomoyela’s notable achievements, extensive experience, and dedication to his profession and community make him a respected figure in Nigeria. His multidimensional expertise in law, real estate development, and philanthropy exemplifies his commitment to personal growth, social responsibility, and the betterment of the society as a whole.

AWARDS

PAN Africa; Most Resourceful Real Estate Company 2023

PAN African Youth; 100 influential CEO in Africa 2023

Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity given by West African Youth Council 2023

African CEO Merit Awards 2023: Most Outstanding African CEO 2023

CAGAI Ambassador for Humanity and Support for Women by Convention Against Gender Abuse Initiative (CAGAI) 2023

Home Builders Awards 2023 by Build

Fin & Forbes Award of Excellence 2023

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Congress of Nigeria Youth (CONYO) National Outstanding Leadership Award 2022