A real estate development expert, Mr Lewis Ladipo,  yesterday identified the subsisting housing policy as a major cause of the nation’s housing deficit.
He also said that government’s reluctance to aggressively overhaul the existing housing laws and lack of coordinated efforts in implementing national housing development remained another bane of the sector.
Ladipo, who is the Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos Branch, told newsmenin Lagos that the growing population and the poor housing plan makes it imperative for a new national housing policy.
According to him, the dismal housing development plans and nonchalance of successive governments toward urbanisation across the geopolitical zones lead to the current national housing deficit challenge.
Ladipo also urged government to re-evaluate the impact of the land registration system on housing development, stressing that the system, as presently implemented remains a drawback toward enhanced wealth creation through real estate.
He said that numerous operators and companies had left the nation’s property industry following difficulties they encounter in land registration.
He said that contrary to other opinions, efficient land registration system enhances wealth creation, provides more houses and attracts new investment opportunities.
Ladipo said that the computerisation of the land titling processes was not only essential but imperative in having an efficient land registration system.
“A modernised land registration system will create land markets, enhance access to credit facilities and drives the process of poverty alleviation.
“It will open-up the property market for more local and foreign investors alike,” he said.
Ladipo advised that the land registration system should incorporate global best practices to improve the process of procuring land titles and documentation.
The existing land use law (The Land Use Act of 1978) gives the governor of a state the sole right to give assent to land titles.
“Duplication of work, lack of consensus in decision making process with professionals, lack of public awareness and transparency combined with the weak rule of law to create basis for corruption in the housing sector.
“These factors are enough reasons to call for complete overhaul of land administration system in Nigeria,’’ he said.
The NIA boss suggested that government should educate the general public about the land policies, individual responsibilities and right of ownership.
“Government should stimulate people’s interest in land title registration by ensuring that conversion of customary titles to statutory right of occupancy is at minimal cost,” he said.
Ladipo noted that removal of the Land Use Act from the constitution was the only way through which the country could have an effective land registration system.