Federal Government moves to unlock N300bn in dormant land assets

The Federal Government has announced that ongoing land administration reforms are projected to unlock over ₦300 billion in dormant land assets across Nigeria. This initiative, aimed at expanding housing access and deepening the national property market, seeks to transform underutilised real estate into active economic capital.

Speaking on Monday at the Africa Women in Housing and Construction Conference and Business Expo 2026 in Abuja, Shuaib Belgore, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, emphasised that the reforms are central to addressing Nigeria’s persistent housing deficit.

Digitisation and the national Land titling programme

The cornerstone of this reform is the National Land Titling, Registration and Documentation Programme. The initiative is designed to digitise fragmented land records, strengthen governance, and provide robust tenure security. According to Belgore, the historical absence of a unified, well-documented system has left significant assets “dead,” constraining development and limiting access to formal finance.

By formalising these land holdings, the Ministry aims to create a more transparent environment for investors. The transition to digital records is expected to reduce the bureaucratic bottlenecks that have traditionally hindered property transactions and large-scale housing projects.

Accelerating housing delivery via “Renewed Hope” cities

To complement land reforms, the Ministry is aggressively pursuing the Renewed Hope Estates and Cities Programme. This strategic framework targets the delivery of over 50,000 housing units nationwide through public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Currently, 14 project sites are active across the federation, including three large-scale “cities” and 11 estate developments. The flagship project, Renewed Hope City Karsana in Abuja, is expected to contribute 3,112 units to the national housing stock upon completion. These developments represent a shift toward high-density, integrated urban planning to meet the needs of a growing population.

Empowering women in the built environment

The 2026 conference also highlighted the critical role of women in architecture, engineering, and urban renewal. Belgore noted that increasing female participation is vital for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s infrastructure.
Flora Anne, the conference convener, underscored the need for professional synergy, noting that architects, quantity surveyors, and town planners often work in silos. She advocated for targeted interventions to address the specific hurdles faced by women developers, particularly regarding access to high-volume construction finance and property ownership.