The President of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Oba Akintoye Adeoye, has called for the passage of Real Estate Regulation and Development Bill aimed to strengthen transparency and accountability in housing sector.
Adeoye made the call while delivering a keynote address titled, “Real Estate Regulation, Transparency and Accountability,” at the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), on Friday in Abuja.
He said the proposed legislation would establish a comprehensive legal framework for the real estate industry to ensure that only qualified and responsible operators participate in the sector.
According to him, the bill will strengthen consumer protection, improve compliance with professional standards and enhance transparency and accountability in housing transactions.
“A key priority for REDAN is the passage of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, which will establish a comprehensive legal framework for the industry.
“This legislation is essential to restoring public confidence and attracting greater investment into Nigeria’s housing market,” he said.
Adeoye, the paramount ruler of the Okeigbo community in Ondo State, said transparency, regulation and accountability remained critical to sustainable housing development and investors confidence across Africa.
He noted that Africa currently faced an estimated housing deficit of about 51 million housing units, with Nigeria accounting for approximately 28 million units, the largest housing gap on the continent.
The REDAN president noted that the housing challenge was not merely about constructing more houses but creating systems that inspire confidence among investors and homebuyers.
“People invest where they trust the process. Investors commit capital where regulations are predictable, while citizens purchase homes where titles are secure and protected,” he said.
Adeoye identified multiple land allocations, forged titles, hidden ownership, misleading advertisements, non-disclosure of project risks and opaque pricing structures as some of the challenges undermining transparency in the real estate sector.
He stressed that governments must ensure efficient land administration and consistent policies, while regulatory agencies should guarantee timely approvals and fair enforcement of regulations.
The REDAN president said developers must also be accountable for delivering projects in accordance with approved specifications and agreed timelines.
He disclosed that REDAN received over 30 petitions in 2025, resolved more than 20 cases and facilitated settlements valued at over N300 million through its Membership, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee.
Adeoye added that the association had strengthened compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing regulations by promoting Know Your Customer procedures and collaborating with relevant agencies.
He said REDAN remained committed to supporting Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation by strengthening compliance within the real estate sector.
He, however, proposed seven priority areas for policymakers and industry leaders, including modernising land administration through digital systems, strengthening independent regulatory institutions and improving transparency in planning approvals and land transactions.
Other priorities, he said, include enforcing professional ethics and accountability, leveraging technology to reduce fraud, expanding access to affordable housing finance and promoting integrity across real estate transactions.
“Transparency must remain the foundation of every real estate transaction, supported by accurate land records, efficient approval processes and proper documentation.
“If we succeed in doing this, we will not only transform our housing sector, we will transform the future of Africa itself,” he said.
Shettima tasks ALGON on implementation of Nutrition 774 initiative
Nutrition
By Salisu Sani-Idris
Abuja, July 17, 2026 (NAN) Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Friday urged Local Government Chairmen to drive the implementation of the Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative to improve nutritional outcomes at the grassroot.
Shettima made the call during a courtesy visit by the National Executive Committee of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The vice president noted the goal was to develop functional structures capable of delivering measurable improvements in nutrition at the community level.
He described local government chairmen as the closest tier of government to the people and the first responders to challenges.
Shettima said that the absence of a coherent nutrition agenda at the local government level, which has created a significant gap, is unacceptable.
The vice president also directed ALGON to actively participate and strengthen the Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition.
Similarly, the vice president implored ALGON to become centres of planning, coordination, implementation, and accountability in every council.
“I believe that strengthening the Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition therefore presents an important opportunity to reinforce this governance framework.
“These committees should become centres of planning, coordination, implementation and accountability within every Local Government Area.
“I urge ALGON to drive this process with determination so that every council develops functional structures capable of delivering measurable improvements in nutrition at the community level,” he stated.
Shettima told the ALGON Executive that President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to nutrition was a governance directive that must be strengthened in order to become fully operational.
“The commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to nutrition is a governance directive.
” Strengthening every tier of government is the pathway through which that directive becomes operational.
“National concern must become institutional action, institutional action must become measurable outcomes, and measurable outcomes must be reflected in healthier families, stronger communities.”
He stressed the need to ensure that children’s opportunities in life are no longer constrained by preventable malnutrition.
Shettima noted that the seriousness of the Nigerian state would ultimately be judged by the quality of life enjoyed by its youngest citizens.
He maintained that the President was transforming leadership at the local government level, with councils increasingly delivering governance that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people.
“Our state governments have made commendable contributions to improving nutrition outcomes.
” However, the absence of a coherent nutrition agenda across many Local Government Areas has created a significant gap within the governance framework established by the National Policy on Food and Nutrition.
“That gap weakens implementation where impact matters most. National ambitions cannot flourish if they lose momentum before reaching the communities they were designed to serve.”
Shettima, however, lauded ALGON’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the Nutrition 774 initiative.
He also applauded the association for the ongoing validation of pilot local government Areas and the association’s collaboration with the Nutrition Technical Team and development partners.
“I also commend your resolve to strengthen institutional collaboration, expand capacity, improve monitoring, reinforce accountability, and sustain implementation across all 774 local government areas,” he stated.
The vice president said local government leaders occupy a strategic position in Nigeria’s governance structure because they understand the realities at the grassroots.
He urged them to remain committed to addressing the concerns of their constituents.
He stressed that history would judge public office holders not by the length of their tenure but by the quality of service they render.
Shettima noted that tackling insecurity, poverty, and youth restiveness at the grassroots would significantly accelerate national development and improve the well-being of Nigerians.
Earlier, the ALGON National President, Bello Lawal, thanked the Vice President for granting an audience to the delegation.
Lawal commended President Tinubu for placing food security, nutrition, agriculture, and human capital development at the centre of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the association sees Nutrition 774 as an opportunity to strengthen local food systems by increasing agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve storage.
“On behalf of the ALGON, I assure Your Excellency that the association will continue to provide the leadership required to ensure that Nutrition 774 translates into measurable improvements in the lives of our citizens,” he added.
Lawal sought the vice president’s support and advocacy for the inclusion of nutrition services for pregnant women and children in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) benefit package.
He also sought continued support for the inclusion of ALGON and the 774 local government councils in national programmes as the third tier of government in Nigeria.
Lawal assured the vice president that ALGON would intensify community awareness campaigns to ensure that nutrition becomes a household responsibility.
He said local government councils witness firsthand the devastating consequences of malnutrition in their communities.
He reiterated the commitment of ALGON to making nutrition a development priority across all 774 local government areas
NEMA receives 1,516 Nigerians voluntarily repatriated from South Africa
Repatriation
By Daniel Obaje
Abuja, July 17, 2026 (NAN) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has coordinated the successful reception of 1,516 vulnerable Nigerians voluntarily repatriated from the Republic of South Africa between June 11 and July 15.
The agency disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the exercise was coordinated by the Federal Government in collaboration with relevant agencies and partners.
It said the repatriation involved the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
Others are the Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, National Identity Management Commission, Port Health Services, security agencies and MTN.
According to NEMA, the returnees arrived in seven batches through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, aboard Air Peace and South African Airways flights.
It said the first batch of 258 returnees arrived on June 11 aboard Air Peace, followed by 66 returnees on June 24 via South African Airways.
The agency said 298 returnees arrived on June 30, while another 266 were received on July 3 aboard Air Peace.
It added that the fifth batch of 284 returnees arrived on July 9, followed by 39 others on July 10 through South African Airways.
NEMA said the seventh and final batch of 305 returnees arrived on July 15, bringing the total number of returnees to 1,516.
The agency said it played a leading operational role in coordinating the reception of the returnees and facilitating arrangements for their onward transportation to various destinations in collaboration with partner agencies.
It commended all stakeholders whose support ensured the successful completion of the voluntary repatriation exercise.
NEMA also lauded its Lagos Operations Office, led by the Head of Operations on behalf of the Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, for ensuring the successful reception, processing and onward movement of the returnees.
The agency equally reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to provide coordinated humanitarian support during emergency evacuations, voluntary repatriation and other humanitarian operations in line with its statutory mandate.
Nigerian chartered insurance institute inaugurates Orimolade as 53rd President
Insurance
By Taiye Olayemi
Lagos, July 17, 2026 (NAN) The Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) on Friday inaugurated Mr Akinjide Orimolade as its 53rd President and Chairman of Council.
Oriomolade, while speaking at his investiture in Lagos, pledged to deepen technology adoption, strengthen insurance awareness and commence the construction of its permanent secretariat.
The new president said his administration would build on the achievements of his predecessor, Mrs Yetunde Ilori, through a three-point agenda termed Technology, Enforcement and Building (TEB).
“The agenda is designed to reposition the institute and prepare insurance professionals for the rapidly evolving global insurance landscape.
“The institute will complete the transition to hybrid computer-based examinations.
“This is to enable candidates across the country write professional examinations without geographical constraints,” he said.
He noted that the institute would also establish an InsurTech Learning Hub to provide continuous professional development in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber risk among others.
“Leadership in this institute has never been about status but always about service.
“I, therefore, call on members to collaborate and be committed in this journey of powering the future of insurance.
“This administration will pursue a focused, time-bound and measurable agenda for transformation, designed to move it forward,” he said.
Oriomolade said he would launch the “insureNigeria awareness campaign” to take insurance into schools and professional bodies.
“”We have plans to commence the construction of a permanent secretariat, to strengthen the institute’s infrastructure.
“We will organise an Annual Secretariat Fundraising Gala to mobilise support from insurance operators, investors and other stakeholders.
“I am making a personal commitment that before the end of this tenure, we will break ground for the CIIN permanent secretariat,” he said.
The immediate Past President of the institute, Mrs Yetunde Ilori, urged the incoming leadership to embrace innovation while preserving the institute’s core values.
Ilori advised the new president to courageously adopt innovations that would advance the profession, while remaining committed to the institute’s enduring principles.
“Integrity should remain the hallmark of your leadership as it inspires confidence, strengthens accountability and earns the trust of members and stakeholders,” she said
FG, BOA launch ‘Renewed Hope’ fund target 25m tonnes of grains
Grains
By Mustapha Yauri
Zaria (Kaduna State) July 17, 2026 (NAN) The Federal Government and the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) have launched the Renewed Hope Smallholder Agricultural Financing Programme to raise Nigeria’s annual grain output from about 11 million tonnes to 25 million tonnes.
The Managing Director of BOA, Mr Ayodeji Oludare-Sotinrin, said the initiative would boost food production, tackle food insecurity, reduce rising food prices and improve smallholder farmers’ access to affordable agricultural financing across the country.
Oludare-Sotinrin spoke at the unveiling of the Renewed Hope Smallholder Support and Value Chain Fund organised by Arzikin Noma Africa in Zaria on Friday.
He said the programme would provide subsidised fertilisers, certified hybrid seeds and other essential farm inputs through a single-digit interest financing arrangement.
“This is designed to increase productivity and strengthen national food security sustainably,” he said.
According to him, the inputs are not grants but are financed under BOA’s nine per cent lending facility, making them affordable for farmers while ensuring sustainability and continuity of the intervention over time.
Oludare-Sotinrin said the bank selected 20 farm aggregators from more than 1,240 applicants after assessing their technical competence and operational capacity to effectively support farmers across participating states during the pilot implementation phase.
According to him, the first phase will benefit about 500,000 farmers during the current farming season before expanding to two million farmers next year and eventually reaching five million farmers across the country.
The managing director said five million farmers cultivating one hectare each and producing at least five tonnes per hectare would generate about 25 million tonnes of grains annually for national consumption and export.
He said the projected increase would reduce dependence on food imports, stabilise domestic prices, strengthen national food security and create opportunities for agricultural exports, rural employment and broader economic growth across Nigeria.
Oludare-Sotinrin disclosed that the bank also planned irrigation financing and irrigation-as-a-service initiatives to support year-round farming, increase productivity, improve farmers’ incomes and reduce the country’s dependence on seasonal agricultural production.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the inputs strictly for farming, avoid diversion or resale, comply with extension officers’ guidance and ensure prompt repayment to sustain the revolving financing scheme for future beneficiaries.
Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said the federal government remained committed to addressing food inflation by increasing agricultural production rather than relying on food imports.
Kyari said food affordability was largely determined by supply and demand, stressing that expanding production through timely access to quality inputs remained the Tinubu administration’s central strategy for improving food security nationwide.
The minister said about two million farmers would benefit through registered farm aggregators providing quality inputs, extension services and a Guaranteed Minimum Price mechanism to protect farmers from unfair market practices after harvest.
“Although nearly 90 per cent of Nigerian farmers cultivate less than one hectare, they produce about 85 per cent of the country’s food, making sustained support for smallholders essential to food security,” he said.
Kyari, however, expressed confidence that timely input distribution, improved seeds, weather-based advisory services and guaranteed pricing would significantly increase food production, lower food prices and improve farmers’ incomes across the country.
In his remarks, the Group Managing Director of Arzikin Noma Africa, Mr Adeoluwa Adeshola, said sustained private sector participation and prompt loan repayment by beneficiaries were essential for the programme’s long-term success.
Adeshola said the government should provide policy direction and financing support, while the private sector should drive implementation because of its closer relationship with farmers and stronger understanding of agricultural value chains nationwide.
He said beneficiaries would repay the financing after harvest, explaining that the revolving nature of the fund would enable additional farmers to access support during subsequent farming seasons across the country.
Adeshola added that traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies and other stakeholders had pledged support by encouraging beneficiaries to honour repayment obligations and ensure the sustainability of the agricultural financing programme.
“The sustained investment in smallholder agriculture and prompt loan repayment will increase food production, reduce inflation, improve rural livelihoods and position Nigeria as a leading agricultural producer and exporter in Africa,” he said
