Business

HDAN to Wike: Adopt responsible approach to land allocation in FCT

Published

2 days ago

November 12, 2024

HDAN to Wike: Adopt responsible approach to land allocation in FCT

By Dada Jackson

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has expressed serious concerns over the recent allocation of over 200 acres of land in Abuja’s Phase 5 area for mass housing.

This allocation, reportedly granted to a single organization, has sparked debates on the current state of housing policy, land use, and urban planning within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

HDAN Executive Director, Festus Adebayo, at a briefing with journalists, urged the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to adopt a more inclusive, balanced approach that prioritizes sustainable housing development, economic growth, and job creation over immediate revenue generation.

He highlighted the demolition at the Phase 5, where over 100 housing units had already been brought down on the minister’s orders.

According to him, the demolition stems from the fact that this area has yet to be officially designated as a development zone.

He cautioned that the hurried allocation and clearing of land in such an unplanned area sets a concerning precedent, with negative implications for property owners, developers, and the economy of the FCT.

He emphasized the need for comprehensive planning before large-scale housing developments are sanctioned, citing that Phase 5’s lack of formal planning had led to unnecessary property destruction and financial loss.

HDAN’s investigation also revealed that many of the land recipients in the Phase 5 allocation intend to sell their parcels rather than develop them.

“Why allocate land to individuals or entities that may lack the resources or intention to build?” Adebayo questioned.

He argued that allocating large portions of land to those who prioritized profit over development undermined the larger goals of housing policy and urban growth.

He also spoke on policy inconsistency, stating that the FCT’s mass housing policy generally restricts allocations to a maximum of 10 hectares in urban areas and 20 hectares in rural areas. Ol’

The recent over 200-acre allocation clearly deviates from this policy, raising questions about its legality and oversight.

Adebayo voiced concerns over organisations that are in partnership with AMAC, and some of these organizations’ land had been taken over in the course of the recent allocations.

He said, “From the records made available to HDAN, we have found out that some of those allocations have been made some years ago where the concerned developers have also paid compensation and even received invoice for payments from the development control.

“There will be a need for the FCDA to look into the loss of these investors, who have already paid compensation to the settlers of this land.

“We need clarification on whether AMAC and FCDA will address these losses faced by those partners in housing developments.”

HDAN urged Minister Wike to use land resources to address the housing shortage, foster job creation, and strengthen the FCT’s economy.

Adebayo appealed to the FCT minister to consider land use as a tool for public good, advocating for projects that could generate employment, increase housing access, and drive overall economic development.

“This is a unique opportunity for the Minister to reposition the Urban and Regional Planning Department within the FCT,” Adebayo said, emphasizing that past failures to effectively manage planning had contributed to today’s housing crisis.

HDAN further suggested that any future mass housing allocation should be preceded by consultations with stakeholders and professional bodies to align on urban planning goals and ensure accountability.

Calling for a shift in focus, Adebayo encouraged Minister Wike to view land management not just as a source of revenue but as a means to drive sustainable development within the FCT.

HDAN is a research, non-profit, volunteer and non-governmental organization that is promoting affordable housing in Africa, with over 5,000 members drawn from all professions in the housing and construction industry.

Auto

Chery relishes impactful presence at 2024 Lagos Trade Fair, says it’s a resounding success

Published

6 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Trends Admin

Chery relishes impactful presence at 2024 Lagos trade fair, says it’s a resounding success

Days after one of the biggest trade shows in Nigeria ended, talks about the spectacular displays, special products on offer and which companies did what at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair are still reverberating in the business industry in and around the nation’s commercial capital.

After staging one of the most outstanding displays at the fair, Carloha, sole representative of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, has declared that the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair was a resounding success for Chery.

The fair held from November 1 to November 10 at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos was attended by businesses from various sectors.

Chery made a commanding impression with a display of its array of vehicles that captivated attendees.

Chery’s lineup at the place featuring the Tiggo 8 Pro, Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo 2 Pro, and Arrizo 5 — easily became the highlight of the event, drawing admiration from automotive enthusiasts and industry experts alike.

Carloha Nigeria in its assessment of the show notes that the enthusiastic response from attendees reflected Chery’s alignment with the values of Nigerian consumers: durability, efficiency and style.

Indeed, it says the presence of Chery at the fair reinforced the brand’s status as a leader in innovative and high-quality vehicles.

“Chery’s presence at the fair signals its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s automotive industry growth,” it states, adding that the brand looks forward to continuing its journey with Nigerians seeking reliable and stylish vehicles that elevate their everyday driving experience.

Chery showcased the unique strengths and aesthetics of each of its models, with the Tiggo 8 Pro taking centre stage.

Tiggo 8 Pro

Known for its luxurious design and cutting-edge technology, the Tiggo 8 Pro made a lasting impact on attendees looking for a blend of sophistication and performance in an SUV.

Auto enthusiasts and prospective buyers were particularly captivated by the model’s spacious interior, high-quality finishes, and suite of intelligent features, which align with Chery’s reputation for engineering excellence.

Tiggo 4

For those interested in compact SUVs with versatility and style, the Tiggo 4 Pro was an instant hit.

Its sleek design, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features resonated with visitors seeking a reliable yet stylish vehicle for urban and adventurous lifestyles alike.

The Tiggo 4 Pro’s appeal lies in its balance of form and function, and this resonated with young professionals, families, and automotive aficionados who stopped by Chery’s exhibit for a closer look.

Tiggo 2 Pro

The Tiggo 2 Pro also attracted significant attention at the fair.

Known as a stylish, compact SUV with a bold, urban design, the Tiggo 2 Pro struck a chord with those looking for a vehicle that combines affordability with aesthetic appeal and performance.

Its smaller size, combined with a powerful engine, makes it an ideal choice for city driving, and visitors were impressed by its efficient fuel consumption and user-friendly tech features, making it a perfect fit for Nigeria’s dynamic city life.

Arrizo 5

Arrizo 5, Chery’s stylish sedan that combines efficiency with cutting-edge technology, was part of the impressive lineup.

Many attendees were taken aback by the Arrizo 5’s seamless integration of petrol and CNG technology.

This appeals to those looking for sustainable and budget-friendly commuting options.

The sedan’s advanced safety features, plush interiors, and fuel efficiency made it a strong contender for those prioritizing both style and sustainability in a vehicle.

This year’s Lagos International Trade Fair saw an unprecedented turnout, with thousands of visitors exploring the diverse offerings from local and international brands.

Chery’s display not only highlighted the brand’s innovative automotive designs but also underscored its commitment to Nigeria’s automotive market.

The foot traffic at the Chery stand was a testament to the brand’s growing appeal, as well as Nigeria’s evolving automotive landscape, where demand for high-quality, dependable vehicles continues to rise.

Engagement with visitors

Beyond showcasing vehicles, Chery’s team engaged with visitors to explain the unique benefits of each model and answer questions.

This helped create a personal and informative experience for everyone who stopped by.

From live demonstrations to interactive sessions, Chery provided an immersive experience that helped attendeesj job understand the full scope of features each model offers, strengthening the brand’s connection with potential customers and automotive enthusiasts.

Carloha’s Sales Director, Mr. Joseph Omokhapue, says to make Chery ownership easy and affordable, highlighted their exclusive offers: a 6-year free service plan, 6-year/200,000 km warranty, and flexible auto financing options.

“These benefits are at the core of Carloha’s commitment,” he said, adding, “With fair pricing, nationwide 24/7 parts and service support, our customers can enjoy their Chery vehicles with complete peace of mind.”

Railway

NRC increases trips on Abuja-Kaduna route from four to six

Published

8 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Trends Admin

NRC increases trips on Abuja-Kaduna route from four to six

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced an increase in the number of trains on its Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) route in response to rising demand based on its customer feedback.

A statement signed by the NRC Deputy Director of Public Relations, Yakub Mahmood, on Wednesday, said the number of trains had been increased to six from four, running Monday to Friday during peak periods.

This development, it added, aimed to enhance customer satisfaction by making commuting more convenient and accessible on the route as well as tackling complaints of ticket racketeering.

The statement quoted the acting Managing Director of the NRC, Ben Iloanusi, as saying that a five-month trend analysis revealed a 22 per cent increase in new passengers registering on the ticketing platform for the Abuja-Kaduna route.

The surge, he said, showed a growing preference among Nigerians for train travel as a comfortable, reliable, and safe commuting option.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Railway Corporation, reaffirming its commitment to responding to customer demands, improving customer satisfaction, and tackling complaints of ticket racketeering, has increased the number of train services from four to six from Monday to Friday when demand tends to peak on its AKTS route.”

The NRC also noted that similar trends had been observed on the Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, and Port Harcourt-Aba routes, with efforts already underway to enhance services along these routes as well.

The acting MD assured Nigerians of the increased presence of NRC senior management across all train service routes to drive continuous efficiency and tackle the issue of ticket racketeering head-on.

“Our valued customers are encouraged to use NRC ticket platforms online to take advantage of the increased services and avoid patronising ticket racketeers.

“Additional information can be obtained from the NRC website, www.nrc.gov.ng,” it stated.

The expanded services on the Abuja-Kaduna route, it said, followed similar enhancements on the Lagos-Ibadan route, which now includes additional trips on Fridays and Saturdays to accommodate increasing demand.