Business
CBN Urges Preference To Mortgagees
The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Mr Olajugba Oluropo, Publicity Secretary, called on Federal Government to direct commercial banks to give preference to mortgagees to grow the real estate industry.
Oluropo, also a real estate consultant, told newsmen that commercial banks were well positioned to develop the real estate sector.
He said that a directive from the apex bank to all commercial banks to give loans to builders and real estate entrepreneurs would help to plug Nigeria’s housing deficit.
According to him, involvement of commercial banks in the mortgage finance market would invigorate the real estate sector.
“Commercial banks in Nigeria are not providing enough mortgage financing, instead they offer short and medium-term loans with stringent conditions to all customers.
“Nigeria does not yet have a law that ensures that banks give preference to businessmen in the real estate sector in matters of taking loans.
“Meanwhile, it is a known fact that mortgage finance market is the foundation of the real estate industry and cannot exist without vibrant commercial banks’ involvement.
“I believe that developing countries like Nigeria can provide adequate houses for their citizens through well organised mortgage system,” he said. Oluropo said that Nigeria needed to put in place a sound land tenure system and property ownership rights as well as laws to move the real estate business forward.
“Foreign investors are ready to invest in Nigeria’s real estate sector if there is conducive environment, “ he said.
Oluropo urged commercial banks in the country to “get on board the train to turn the house ownership fortunes of Nigerians around”.