The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, on Wednesday, urged the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Bello, on the provision of land for affordable housing in FCT.
This was stated by the president, NIESV, James Omeru, during a courtesy visit to the Minister, where he stated that the institution had desired to construct modern and affordable housing for residents of Abuja.
He said: “As a player in the real estate and building industry, it has always been our desire to build a modern housing estate in the FCT. We appeal to you to allocate land to us for this purpose.”
While acknowledging the challenges faced by government in the issue of land administration, the NIESV boss assured the organisation’s support the minister on partnering with it to address such challenges.
However, Omeru also explained that the visit was to confer on the Minister patron of NIESV, in consonance with its constitution. By this conferment, the minister would be playing a key role in the institution’s 46th annual conference holding next week.
The minister in his acceptance speech promised to work with the institution, and asked the management to consider downward review of amount charged on property rent, by reducing the amount charged as commission on properties, and adding that it would go a long way in alleviating the sufferings of the people.
Meanwhile, the NIESV delegation suggested to the Minister to revoke all landed property allocated within the city centre, which were yet to be developed by the owners over a long period of time.
It said a situation where landed property were left idle for years without tangible development was against the vision of government in making the city one of the best in the world.
“It is our suggestion that a deliberate attempt should be made to revoke those areas that are yet to be developed and to be allocated to allotees who are ready to develop immediately”, Omeru said.
