Category: Property

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

Real estate developers in Ogun State have been charged to follow due process by obtaining layout and building plan approvals before selling land to prospective buyers.

The Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Olatunji Odunlami stated this in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, during an interactive meeting with real estate developers in the state.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Yetunde Dina, Odunlami, said the state government discovered that real estate developers acquire hectares of land and cut  layouts without following due processes and sell to unsuspecting members of the public.

Read Also: ‘Govt should check sharp practices of building developers’

 

He explained that before such actions were carried out, several procedures ought to be followed which include, approaching the Bureau of Land and Survey to verify if the land was not within government acquisition, after, which the ministry would issue proper lay out and building permit.

He pointed out that master plans were being prepared for major cities in the state, saying approved layout plans also needed to be incorporated into the new Master Plan.

Speaking on behalf of the Real estate developers, Mr. Tunde Adeyemo, appreciated the administration for its support at ensuring that the state was well planned to attract investment into the state, assuring that developers would do the needful at ensuring that guidelines in the building sector were

A synergy among a multinational firm, Rendeavour, Lagos State government and Universal Homes has given birth to Alaro City in Ajah, Lagos State, writes Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie.

 

Africa’s largest new city builder, Rendeavour, which cquired over 12,000 hectares to build Alaro City in Ajah-Lagos, has delivered 500 units.

The project is a synergy among the firm, the Lagos State Government and Universal Homes through their subsidiary – North West Quadrant Development Company (NWQDC).

NWQDC has received the nod of the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, to develop and manage Alaro City.

The city is a mixed-income scale development with areas earmarked for offices, logistics and warehousing, homes and schools.

Others are healthcare facilities, hotels, entertainment, parks and open spaces.

Ariel Foods is a multinational food factory based in Alaro City.

Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Dr. Bola Balogun, inaugurated the city, which has  investments in housing, construction materials and equipment, soap and detergent production, media and energy.

Other firms unveiled include BUA Group, Universal Homes, Sana Industries, and  HMD Africa.

The Nation learnt that the Ariel Foods factory covers 15,414 square meters with a yearly production capacity of 18,000 metric tonnes.

It was further learnt that Universal Homes is bringing its high-quality,  and priced apartments to Nigeria, in partnership with Alaro City, to deliver the first phase of Unity Homes.

Rendeavour Chief Executive Officer, Stephen  Jennings, explained that Universal Homes is a developer of inclusive communities.

He said: ‘’Every home comes with high-quality build and fittings as standard, with all goods, fixtures and equipment being competitively sourced from ISO 9001 registered suppliers and are subjected to stringent quality control.

‘’Our homes also minimise energy and maintenance expenses for the owners, featuring high-efficiency light bulbs and solar water heating systems as standard.”

He explained that Sana Industries is developing the 43,000-square metre site as a multi-building manufacturing estate for products that will serve the needs of Nigerians.

Jennings said the products will include concrete blocks and pre-formed paving products; a range of environmental-friendly foam-cored sandwich panels; construction chemicals and coatings; and industrial doors.

HMD Africa, according to him, plans to establish a distribution centre in the city’s light industrial district for heavy machinery, equipment and spare parts for West Africa.

Sanwo-Olu said the confidence  international and foreign investors reposed in the project is a testament to Alaro City as the location of choice for businesses in the Lekki Free Zone and to the ease of doing business in Lagos State.

Jennings said in the one year since construction started in Alaro City, power, water, sewerage had been provided.

“Together, we have created an enabling environment for business and, indeed, improved the ease of doing business in Lagos State and in Nigeria.

‘’On behalf of my fellow investors in Rendeavour, from the United States, United Kingdom and Norway, we are proud to be bringing significant foreign direct investment to Nigeria. We have a long-term commitment to Africa, and to Nigeria,” he said.

Read Also: Lagos govt set to deliver 360 homes in lkorodu

 

He continued: ‘’Alaro City is a symbol of our commitment to Nigeria, and of the continuity of a partnership anchored in three administrations of the Lagos State Government.

It is also a symbol of the significant market demand for a high-quality, inclusive city-scale development designed for business and living.

With the first 1,000 hectares of Alaro City activated, we already see demand outstripping supply, and investors ready to bring capital to activate strategic locations such as portions of the city’s earmarked and the second 1,000 hectares with waterfront access.”

Ariel Foods Chairman, Dhiren Chandaria, said: ‘’Ariel Foods is proud to expand its production to Nigeria, and to play a major role in food and population security in West Africa through the production of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods to feed malnourished children and to supplement the diets of persons with special nutrition requirements.’’

Universal Homes Executive Director, John Latham, said: ‘’With 2,000 homes completed and under construction in Kenya, Universal Homes is bringing its high-quality, accessibly priced apartments to Nigeria, in partnership with Alaro City.

‘’We are pleased to play a role in the housing agenda of Lagos State and to be the pioneer residential development in Lekki Free Zone surrounded by amenities like shops, schools and healthcare and quot.’’

According to him, the first phase of Unity Homes at Alaro City will feature up to 500 apartments, starting at USD 55,000 (N20million), with future phases expanding the project to 2,000 apartments.

Founder Sana Industries Alaa Alghadban said: ‘’Sana Industries’ decision to locate in Alaro City was deliberate, because we want to grow our business in a modern, integrated community, with a full range of essential services such as roadways, electricity, water and waste removal.‘’

 

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

A real estate development firm Landshop founder Prince David Omaghomi  has called for the amendment of the Land Use Act to recognise ancestral ownership of land and make them bankable.

At a briefing, Omaghomi said though  he could not challenge the Land Use Act, he could call for its amendment on it as many cases were still pending in the court.

Citing a PwC report, he revealed that Nigeria has over $30 trillion dead capital that are lying fallow.

According to him, there were  many valueless land across the country.

“Our primary challenge is the amendment of the Land Use Act to recognise ancestral ownership of lands, because they make lands bankable,’’ he said.

Explaining their market segments, he said the youth is an important aspect of their value and to underscore that, they had a scheme dedicated to them.

He said: “We have the Land Ajoh Scheme. It is a key aspect of wealth and emotional security. Our target market is the youth. The youth occupie a major segment and  form that section of the population who cannot afford their place in property market. So, we have created this product for that market. It enables people pay for their land for as low as N833 daily.”

On a larger scale, he stated that they were looking forward to a situation where Nigerians could  own property with ease.

He pledged the preparedness of his organisation to reduce the housing deficit in the country by 10 per cent in the next five years.

The firm’s Brand Director and General Manager, Mr. Samuel Rotimi Onalaru, said the scheme would be open to the employed  where friends, family and colleagues could band  with their resources to purchase land for  either commercial or residential development.

“The scheme, which is also enabled by blockchain technology, avails Nigerians from various walks of life the opportunity to own real estate investment with ease,” he said.

At the event, the firm also allocated plots and houses at Merit Park and Famous Garden Estate on the Lekki/Ajah axis.

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

THE Lagos State government and the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) have  set up a committee  for the implementation of the Architects’ Project Registration Number ( APRN).

This was the outcome of a parley by the group and the government.

ARCON had visited the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development where its officials presented various issues to the ministry on how to move the state built sector and architecture forward.

Dipo Ajayi, who led ARCON team to the meeting, said it was necessary for the state to look at the initiative and adopt it.

Each has four officials. ARCON   had  Umar Murnai, Registrar of the Council, Kayode Anibaba, Ladi Lewis and Tiwalola Fadeyibi.

The government representatives were Abiola Koseegbe and  General Manager, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPA), Funmi Osifuye.

Ajayi said his Council had put in place  APRN that will, among other things, tackle the menace of building collapse and quackery  in the construction industry.

He revealed that the initiative had been adopted by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), adding that if the Lagos State government adopts the policy, it would have done itself greater good because the initiative would generate more revenue to the state.

Murnai said this measure was  aimed at complementing the National Building Codes, which are to ensure that only professionals with the requisite knowledge and expertise were engaged.

According to the Registrar, APRN is a mandatory registration number for architects on each projects, adding that it would help certify the projects being executed by Nigerians, who were registered with the professional body.

Murnai added that the project registration number would serve as a  quality assurance.

He said with that initiative, only  registered and financial architects and firms were eligible to prepare, produce and submit architectural building plans for approvals/ implementation and to receive those approvals when they are given.

Specifically, the Registrar said the Council had observed that certain regulations in the planning law empower draftsmen to design, urging the state to remove that provision, as it runs against the Federal Govern-ment’s provision and courts’ pronouncement.

While a few clarifications were raised by the officials of the state, the Ministry’s PS said the government had noted the council’s grouse, assuring them that the offending section might be removed through the government’s policy.

However, some of ministry’s staff members expressed fear, saying that the adoption of APRN might further delay the state’s planning process.

Murnai assured that the process is automated, hence, it would not delay the planning process. Rather, it would make help the state to ensure standardisation and increase its revenue.

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

Former Chairman, Standard Chartered Bank of Nigeria Sir Oluremi Omotoso has identified leadership, as the greatest obstacle to Nigeria’s development.

Omotoso was the guest lecturer at the 15th Annual Adekunle Kukoyi Memorial Lecture organised by the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, NIS, Lagos State Branch, with the topic: Nigeria: Hills and valleys to cross to sustainable greatness.

According to him, a great nation must  uphold the rule of law, its senior citizens, provide security, basic physical infrastructure without discrimination.  It must also provide access to qualitative education and improve the quality of lives of the people, he added.

Omotoso said Nigeria has abundant resources but that corruption, nepotism, lack of commitment to qualitative education by political leaders had continued to stunt the growth.

He called on political leaders to imbibe the virtues of the late Adekunle Kukoyi and be dedicated to the growth and development of the nation, saying that quality leadership would determine the quality of life of its people.

Also,  Chairman, Lagos State Branch of the institution, Adesina Adeleke said the  lecture was an opportunity to gain a deep understanding of why Nigeria had not yet attained the much-desired greatness.

Nigerian Institutionof Surveyors (NIS) President Charles Alabo said  for Nigeria to get the desired change, it  must return to civic education teaching.

 

 

The announcement by the Federal Government at the weekend to pay those to be affected by the planned demolition of houses to pave way for the ongoing expansion of the Lagos-lbadan Expressway has brought sweet relief to many residents, writes Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie.

 

The fear was in the air when the Federal Government announced that more buildings would go for the on-going expansion of the Lagos-lbadan Expressway. The announcement was greeted with mixed feelings by those to be affected.

Many residents along the axis, who live mostly in Ogun State satellite towns, were not happy.

But hope it seems has come for them. The government is aware of their plight, the Director of the Southwest Zone of Federal Highways Department, Mr Funso Adebiyi, has said. It is also conscious of what road users were going through and was committed to completing the road on time.

He spoke at the weekend in Lagos, when he led a team of engineers to inspect the construction.

He said though 75 buildings were marked for demolition around the Redeemed Camp axis, he reiterated that more buildings would be pulled down to make way for expansion.

Adebiyi assured, however, that adequate compensation would be paid to owners of buildings that would be affected.

He said the government was taking advantage of the dry season to complete the construction, which is one of the busiest highways in the country.

He said: “We are taking advantage of the weather to fast-track the construction process and we are making significant progress.

‘’We are not leaving any stone unturned. As a matter of fact, on some of our sites, we are working 24/7 to ensure we make significant progress before the rains come. Those around Lotto should bear with us. If you see your house marked for demolition, it does not mean the end has come.

‘’We will not demolish the houses until all compensations are paid. Even if we are to relocate pockets of communities, we will do our best to ensure we move them to a better place.”

Adebiyi restated the commitment of the Federal Government to ensuring the reconstruction of highways nationwide.

He appealed to road users to bear the discomfort arising from the road reconstruction, pleading with them to obey traffic rules to minimise gridlock on the roads.

The director assured that adequate traffic diversions had been put in place and that government had provided enough funding for the completion of the project on schedule.

He said about 20 kilometres of the highway had been completed out of the 43 kilometres from Ojota in Lagos to the Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State.

According to him, 45 kilometres have been completed out of 84 kilometres on Section Two of the project, spanning from Sagamu Interchange to Ojoo in Ibadan, representing 45 per cent completion.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mr Adedamola Kuti, who spoke on the section of the road between Berger and Kara, which is also under construction, assured that the project would be completed this month.

Kuti said materials had been moved closer to site, to ensure speedy completion, saying that “the February completion date for that portion is sacrosanct and we are sure we are delivering it.”

Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

 

The urban renewal drive of the Ogun State government has received a new boost as the British Government  is set to start its urban renewal programme aimed at fashioning out a new master plan for Abeokuta, the state capital.

The Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Olatunji Odunlami, stated this in a statement made available to The Nation during a courtesy visit to the ministry at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta by the management team of Future City Nigeria (FCN) Project.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Yetunde Dina, Odunlami said the government had signed a memorandum of Undrstanding (MoU) with Future City Nigeria to develop a world-class master plan for Abeokuta, which would cover Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ewekoro, Odeda and some parts of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.

The commissioner expressed optimism that the plan, when implemented, would transform the entire landscape of the state, as well as reposition it to a mega city, assuring of the government’s commitment to consolidating on its status as the second largest economy and the industrial hub of the country by renewing its physical development strategy, to attract more investments.

The Head, Intervention Team, FCN, Mr. Lookmon Oshodi, assured of the firm’s readiness to work with the Ministry and other relevant stakeholders to develop a master plan for Abeokuta City, adding that when a state has a proper master plan, it would attract investors, as well as create employment opportunities for its citizens.

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

FORMER Ogun State governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba has said his administration had good plans for the Arepo community in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of the state at its conception.

He spoke during the turning of the sod for the construction the secondary school in the Arepo Journalists Estate Phase.

He said his administration’s  plan was to make the area like Fleet Street, London, United Kingdom.

“We all know why Fleet Street is so called. Fleet Street is where you have newspaper houses and that was why I gave land to Punch; and I was going to give to other newspapers because that was the idea. My vision for this area, then, was to do a thorough town planning of all the area up to “Long Bridge” both left and right and leave the Green Zone. It was supposed to be an area for golf,” the ex-governor said.

Osoba, who explained that all the water plain areas around the long bridge were not meant to be for residential, regretted that upon his exit, subsequent administrations re-allocated the area for other purposes.

He also revealed that the idea was to make the plain areas, green or buffer zone, and develop part of Arepo up to Simawa.

“Journalists Estate, Arepo and all of you here are vital and your contribution to the government of Ogun State is immense. I say this categorically because a lot of you work in Lagos. The taxes that are deducted by Lagos State are paid to Ogun State and your IGR is to Ogun State and when you ask for government development, demand it as a priority.

‘’You have paid your tax and it is supposed to be used in developing your community. I can assure you, the records are there of how much the people in Arepo, Ibafo, Arigbabuwo, Asese, Pakuro, everything combined to Mowe paid in taxes. What you people have paid is to civic responsibility,” Osoba said.

Read Also: Saraki dares Kwara govt over revocation of father’s property

The Chairman, Journalists Estate Residents Association (JERDA), Mrs Olufunke Fadugba, acknowledged the foresight of Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, who she said when the estate had fewer than 10 residents  build the first school with a borehole without any strings attached.

According to her, the new building is to meet the needs of the school.

She said: “We came on board in March 2018 and to date we have worked on the estate civic centre to roofing stage after it had been abandoned for four years. Our hope is to  roof it in the new year either as an estate or through joint efforts of some residents. Equally, we put in place a drainage system on the main road to de-flood the estate.  This executive also remodelled the JIS to upgrade its infrastructure.”

In developed countries, technology is being used to tackle housing challenges. With the country’s housing deficit estimated at 21 million units, a major source of concern, experts have advised the government to adopt technology in delivering mass and affordable housing, writes OKWY IROEGBU- CHIKEZIE.

The deployment of technology in housing development  is the emerging trend in the construction sector.

The Lagos State government and its foreign partner seem to have caught the bug when they delivered four sets of two-bedroom flats in 14 days. This experience is set to change the face of housing delivery, given the innovativeness it has brought to the sector.

Experts, who okayed the new technology known as the Terra Block Fabricator, which uses  soil and labour to create high quality building blocks, said technology could engender growth by stimulating market demand for improved housing and raising the standard of living for low income earners.

The Managing Director, Alpha Mead Development Company, (AMDC), Mr. Damola Akindolire greed. He said deploying technology in housing production could cut the cost of housing to 25 per cent. He said: “If the government ensures that there is good infrastructure, developers can focus on building houses and invest the funds they were going to use for infrastructure in technology that could help them build faster.”

Also, the Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, during a tour of the first green and eco-friendly housing estate being developed by as a joint venture between the  state government and Echostone Development Nigeria Limited, said the houses were designed to use less energy for cooling and heating, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the environment.

He disclosed that it took three weeks to complete four sets of two-bedroom flats at the estate. He said the innovative technology and eco- friendly designs used would be deployed in the construction of multi-level structures in the urban areas of the state, such as Ayobo and lmota in Ikorodu.

Commending the technology deployed by the developer, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Wasiu Akewusola, said more estates would benefit from the scheme and that this was the only way to go in mass housing provision.

Earlier, Managing Director, Echostone Development Nigeria, Sammy Adigun, said they took advantage of the history of the town and infrastructure to come up with the novel project.

He said every Echostone unit was built with savings and sustainability from the construction technology to energy and water saving fixtures with each house designed to save money and last up to 100 years.

He said their reflective roofs keep indoor temperatures consistent and prevents the unit from absorbing the heat. On the walls and other structures, he said they were built with concrete, which has greater thermal and sound insulation, while also requiring less maintenance with high durability.

He said: “Our houses are built with Echostone’s proprietary concrete designed for thermal and acoustic insulation, water resistance and fire proofing. We don’t build houses, but rather manufacture them to produce world-class affordable housing options on a massive scale  and rapid rate.”

The state government is deploying this technology to its estates, such as Ilubrin, a once rusty and run down location rife with crime and illicit local brews, which has been  transformed into exciting new water front district on the lsland, arguably the city’s first affordable luxury mixed-development.

‘If the government ensures that there is good infrastructure, developers can focus on building houses and invest the funds they were going to use for infrastructure in technology that could help them build faster’

The government said central to the vision of Ilubrin is creating a vibrant and inclusive community with world-class shops, concerts and dance, restaurants and cafes, places to work, live and play.

Landscaped with garden, wetlands and lagoon-side promenades, this engaging and dynamic new community will set the standards for placemaking and urban living.

Read Also: Experts proffer solutions to housing problems in Abuja, Lagos

Ilubirin is a 29-hectare mixed-use development with a substantial residential leisure component linked to the lagoon edge and the new wetland area.

The middle class abode is a joint development between the Lagos State Government and a developer, First Investment Development Company (FIDC), a global firm.

Moruf Akinderu-Fatai added: “We have a solid plan to deliver the first phase of the project in the third quarter of 2021 and the first residential in 2020. Ilubirin is a critical important development for the city that will rejuvenate the area. We have a duty to ensure that more Lagos residents become homeowners and that the homes themselves are built to the very highest standards.”

He said the estate is one of the administration’s programmes to partner the private sector to re-engineer the state through urban regeneration and partnership with the private sector.

The commissioner stated that government would inaugurate 360 more housing units to tackle the challenge of housing deficit. He said the administration has resolved to complete all its housing schemes set aside by the previous administration to bring succour to Lagosians.

He said: “Reducing the housing deficit and bringing more people on the home ownership ladder through the provision of affordable and quality homes are tasks that are germane to building a 21st century economy. The gap is huge  particularly in the urban areas and private sector participation is essential in changing the preset narrative.’’

He said though there were constraints in their quest to provide decent and affordable housing for Lagosians, the government is, however, poised to solve the problem.

The idea, according to him, is to actualise the vision of building a 21st century economy with decent shelter for all. ‘’Lagos is blessed with the potential and we are strongly committed to bringing it to fruition,’’ he stressed.