Federal Government offers land to investors for mass housing projects
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
The Federal Government of Nigeria is prepared to collaborate with investors to address the nation's housing deficit, offering land across the country for mass housing projects. Muttaqha Darma, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, announced this after a Chinese delegation, led by Chief Engineer Lewis Chima, proposed a partnership for large-scale affordable housing. Darma noted that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes public-private partnerships to expand access to affordable housing. The ministry is committed to providing an enabling environment for investors, including facilitating land access and offering institutional support. Chima highlighted Nigeria's significant housing demand, estimated at 17 million units, as a key attraction. The company plans to deploy advanced prefabricated construction technology under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing model to deliver 10,000 housing units within 30 months, aiming to reduce costs, improve quality, and shorten completion times. The minister has directed a committee to review the proposal. The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, reiterated the ministry's dedication to strategic partnerships to advance the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda, which includes Renewed Hope Cities and Estates, with over 10,000 units already under construction across 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
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The Nigeria Football Federation has issued a warning to Nigeria Premier Football League clubs, urging full compliance with club licensing regulations for the upcoming 2026/27 season. The NFF, with the backing of the National Sports Commission, plans strict enforcement of these rules. This warning follows a communiqué from the NFF Executive Committee meeting in Asaba, Delta State, where the NSC's commitment to supporting the licensing framework was welcomed. These measures are part of broader reforms in the domestic league, which include a proposed N2.5bn prize pool for the 2026/27 NPFL season and an increase in the minimum player salary from N150,000 to N2m. NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, stated that these reforms aim to professionalize the league, making it more competitive and attractive to players, thereby preventing them from seeking opportunities in other countries. The NPFL board has tentatively scheduled the 2026/27 season to commence between August 27 and 29, concluding on May 28, 2027, with the President Federation Cup fixtures also integrated into the structured domestic football calendar.
Portuguese top-flight club SC Braga has completed the signing of 18-year-old Nigerian defender Adebisi Olamikun from Nigeria Premier Football League side Inter Lagos. Inter Lagos confirmed the transfer, noting Olamikun's reputation as one of the country's brightest young defenders. Reports indicate the left-footed centre-back has signed a long-term contract in a deal valued at approximately €50,000. Olamikun has already arrived in Portugal and will begin his development with Braga’s youth team, aiming to progress to the senior squad. His move follows an impressive period at Inter Lagos, where his composed displays and defensive qualities made him a standout young talent in the NPFL. This transfer highlights Inter Lagos' growing success in nurturing players for European football. According to Transfermarkt, Olamikun is the eighth Nigerian to join Braga, following in the footsteps of players like former Super Eagles defender Elderson Echiejile.
World record holder Tobi Amusan has qualified for the 2026 Wanda Diamond League Final in the women’s 100m hurdles. She accumulated 28 points from five Diamond League meetings, securing her spot in the season-ending championship scheduled for September 4 and 5 in Brussels, Belgium. Amusan is currently second in the Diamond League standings with 28 points, behind American Masai Russell who leads with 32 points. Both athletes have upcoming races in London, Lausanne, Silesia, and Zurich before the final. Russell holds the fastest time this year at 12.14s, while Amusan's season's best is 12.28s, achieved three times. Amusan will aim for her fourth Diamond League title in Brussels, having won three consecutive crowns from 2021 to 2023. She also holds the world record in the event, set at 12.12s four years ago.