By Damilola Adeleke

The Federal Government has announced plans to impose financial penalties on property owners who leave their buildings unoccupied. This move aims to address Nigeria’s housing deficit by discouraging landlords from hoarding properties without leasing or selling them.

According to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, vacant buildings will attract higher ground rent charges. He explained that if a property worth ₦5 million annually remains unoccupied, the government may impose a ₦3 million ground rent to push owners to rent or sell instead of keeping the property idle.

The ministry is currently conducting a nationwide survey of unoccupied buildings to identify affected properties. Legal experts are also reviewing how to implement the policy without violating property rights.

Additionally, Dangiwa warned contractors working on the Renewed Hope City housing projects against using substandard materials, stating that those found guilty of poor construction will face contract termination. The government has strengthened monitoring mechanisms by deploying experts to ensure compliance with building standards.

With these measures, the FG hopes to increase housing availability while improving the quality of residential buildings across the country.