Its Managing Director, Mr Ngozi Anyogu, said this at the inauguration of the Empowering Society Through Investment in Women (ES-TIW) Project on Friday in Lagos.

 Anyogu said the ES-TIW Project, which would be implemented in collaboration with Hacey Health Initiative, was designed to empower the Nigerian economy by strengthening the role of women.

 According to him, the goal of the project is to empower women, leveraging the existing groups in local communities.

 “This goal will be achieved through business development, healthcare access, community engagement, financial inclusion, and digital literacy.

 “These skills shall ultimately contribute to the overall socio-economic well-being and resilience of the nation.

 “Women represent the group most influenced by government policies because of the pivotal role they play in the family.

 “Such an economically powerful group cannot be ignored but rather deployed to catalyse the overall economy,” he said.

 Anyogu said that the ES-TIW programme would be piloted in Lagos, Abuja, Edo, Delta and Abia states, with plans to expand its footprint to others soon.

 He stressed that the bank was deliberate in driving training in financial services and other sustainable support programmes to expand the financial inclusion of women to business support loans and services.

 According to him, the deliberate policy of the bank is to give 40 per cent of leadership roles to women, including executive and senior management positions and headship of Board and Management committees.

 “Our managerial environment is gender friendly such that it unlocks the potential of women, protects their dignity and creates necessary balance in their lives,” he said.

 Similarly, Rhoda Robinson, Executive Director of Hacey Health, said the partnership was an actualisation of efforts to promote gender equality and women’s access to resources.

 Robinson said that the project would deliver comprehensive business education and skill training to build the capacities of women entrepreneurs in micro and small businesses.

 She noted that this would equip them with the knowledge and tools to manage their businesses effectively.

 “This project is designed such that women also receive support in terms of education and information provided to them, not just for financial development but also for their healthcare.

 “This is because we recognise that health expenses are one of the leading expenses that women and families spend on, and as such, it digs into their savings.

 “So, while we can train women to be financially savvy, provide them with financial products and access to goods.

 “We are also ensuring that they understand how to better care for themselves and their families. That’s why linking them to health services and health products is important,” she said.

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Akintayo made the call during a news conference announcing the forthcoming 2021 Global Property Brokers conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

He said that declaring a state of emergency on infrastructure development would create opportunities that would spur economic activities and assist to curb issues of insecurity.

Akintayo noted that unemployment was a factor contributing to the increasing rate of insecurity in the country.

He added that investing in ammunition without addressing unemployment issues would not have the much-needed impact.

According to him, the three tiers of government must explore the dimension of improving the country’s infrastructure development in health, road networks and mass housing, among others.

Akintayo said that the private sector should take a more active role to assist the government in securing the country.

He stressed that insecurity was inimical to business and investment growth.

Akintayo said that the forthcoming Global Property Brokers conference organised by Gtext Homes was to proffer ideas and solutions that would create employment opportunities and wealth creation through the real estate industry.

According to him, the event slated for May 1 at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, will converge global experts in business, real estate, leadership and investment sectors.

Akintayo said the conference would expose participants to real estate investment opportunities, coaching and mentorship, networking and digital marketing tools.

He added that the conference would expose participants to untapped opportunities in the real estate industry.

“The conference will provide an opportunity for many youths to learn strategies that would assist them leverage social media to sell real estates in Nigeria, Dubai, US and UK markets.

“This will generate incomes that would make them financially independent and contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product growth,” he said.

Akintayo said that the conference would have about 12,000 participants in attendance virtually and physically from various countries.

Akintayo noted that the conference was targeted at achieving the company’s goal of creating 100,000 jobs before the end of 2021.

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The training academy is targeted at all strata of the society including young school leavers, undergraduates, professionals, graduates, retirees, engineers, architects and other interested individuals.

The Managing Director and CEO of Plusworld, Mr John Igbaifua made this known in a chat with journalists in Lagos recently. In his words, Mr Igbaifua said the training program was to proffer practical solutions to myriad problems a bad roof presents, as well as to prepare eligible beneficiaries for employment and enable self-employment in the construction industry.

According to him, the objective of the program is to bridge the knowledge gap in the industry training and practice. Before now, no traditional discipline or training contained all the competencies necessary for roof maintenance and restoration in architecture, engineering, building technology etc.

“Our training program will combine intensive classroom instructions using multimedia resources and on-site hands-on practical/apprenticeship program to equip participants with the requisite skills and knowledge to be self-employed in a sought-after niche industry,” he said.

The courses which run between two (2) and eight (8) weeks will give trainees access to tools and techniques needed to meet roof specifications and written budget, give insight on the latest industry technology and development, technical standards, research findings, building maintenance operations, customer service, grading, certification and entrepreneurship.

Explaining the advantages participants stand to benefit in the training, Mr Igbaifua highlighted skill upgrade, international applicator certification, exposure to opportunities in the construction industry, better understanding of roofing systems that can be used in residential, commercial and industrial build, increased chance of gaining employment as well as roofing business management and entrepreneurship training.

The courses in this training include introduction to roofs and roofing systems, introduction to roof maintenance and repairs, roof and structural waterproofing, roof restoration, roof business management and safety at height and at work.

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Mr Olawale Ayilara, Chief Executive Officer, Landwey Investment Ltd., said during the launch of “Wey Money” in Lagos that the move was in line with its continued quest to ensure that its clients maintained their financial stability in spite of their investments in real estate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that Wey Money is a financial credit service accessible to all existing property subscribers of Landwey.

“We all know that to borrow money from the banks, you will need your property as a collateral, but many entrepreneurs find it difficult to get quick loans from the banks.

“Most of them go through loan sharks who give loans at 25 to 30 per cent interest rate, but with this scheme, I believe we can add value to our clients.

“Going by our data, a lot of our clients are business owners, so we thought of how best to add value to the services we render to them since they have properties with us.

“We will leverage with the property they have with us while we use part of the resources that we have to give loans to our customers at single digit interest rate of nine per cent using the property as collateral,” he said.

Ayilara said the scheme was a win-win initiative, as Wey Money offers variable rate loan with zero deposit required and access to 70 per cent of the property’s current market value.

According to him, its asset base is one of the biggest in the real estate sector with over 24,000 realtors currently marketing its products in different parts of the country and abroad.

Ayilara said that the firm takes pride in creating opportunities for corporates, businesses and individuals in the nation’s real estate sector.

He said that there was a lot of potential in Nigeria’s real estate sector and a need to evolve innovative products that would add value to citizens and invariably the economy.

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… Gives Tax Credit for Payment Already Made, Introduces Instalment Payment Plan

In line with the administration’s tradition of inclusive governance and civic engagement, the Lagos State Government on Thursday, March 15 announced the downward review of the amended Land Use Charge Law 2018 to 50% for commercial property as well as other LUC waivers that will give economic succour to owners of property and taxpayers in Lagos State.

This announcement was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade during a Press Conference held at the Baguda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos attended by members of the media in the state and other relevant stakeholders.

Mr. Ashade stated that the review to the amended LUC Law 2018 which was received with mixed feelings in the state came as a result of widespread dialogue with stakeholders such as the Organised Private Sector, Nigeria Bar Association, Real Estate Investors & Developers, Landlord & Resident Associations, Community Development Associations, Civil Society Organizations, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI), Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors & Valuers and several other professional groups.

“As a Government that is committed to the welfare of its citizens and which understands the importance of continuously engaging the populace, the Lagos State Government took this important decision for the good of the people”.

The after effect of the review of the amended LUC law means owners of property in Lagos State can now reap the benefits and waivers as follows:

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS, who are undoubtedly the stakeholders mostly impacted by this amended Law will be granted 50% discount. This means a commercial property valued at N20 million which was earlier billed N91, 200 will now pay N45,600 per annum.

PROPERTY OCCUPIED BY OWNER AND THIRD PARTY & PROPERTY USED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND MANUFACTURING PURPOSES will now enjoy 25% discount. This means that a N20 million property expected to pay N30,720 will now pay N23,040 per annum.

OWNER-OCCUPIED PROPERTY will enjoy 15% discount. For a N20 million property, this used to be N9,120. Now, it is N7,752 per annum.

Additionally, the penalty regime for late payment of LUC has been waived completely. Therefore, LUC payers who have received their bills will no longer be penalized for late payment of bills issued in 2018, thereby providing additional relief to LUC payers.

Apart from the earlier stated ones, other rates and reliefs will remain unchanged and will be implemented as stipulated by the Law. These include 40% general relief, 10% for 70 years and above, 10% for properties owned by persons living with disability and 10% for properties that are 25 years old and so on and so forth. Owners of Property across all categories will now be allowed to make payments by instalments. This will help to reduce the burden of taxation on Lagos citizens.

The Executive Director of Centre for Public Accountability (CPA), Comrade Femi Lawson who was elated at the new LUC review praised the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for its empathy with the people of the state. “This review shows a government that shares in the pain and concerns of the citizens of this state. Not only did they listen to our agitations but also LASG took action to allay our fears and worries by bringing the LUC rates down and introducing some other tax burden relief measures. This is surely a pro-people government.”

Similarly, Mr. Thomas Aderinola, a real estate investor in Lagos State, said the downward review of the amended LUC law by as much as 50% was a reassuring indication that the LASG is a listening government. “Imagine this huge waiver of 50%. It shows that the state government is sensitive to needs and is working for the interest of the people. We all can see what Governor Ambode is doing in the state in terms of Infrastructural development.”

More importantly, Aderinola applauded the government for introducing some other waivers like instalmental payment and the newly set up People’s Tribunal to resolve LUC payment cases in the state. “With developments like these, we will be happy to show our commitment to the growth of Lagos by paying our taxes as at when due.”

Furthermore, the Commissioner of Finance appreciated and commended property owners of all categories who have been performing their civic duties faithfully by paying the LUC.

“Consequently, as a result of these new measures, those who have paid the original amount will be awarded tax credits to the extent of the excess amount paid and carried forward to next year”.

The Government also thanked Lagosians for their support and trust while encouraging them to participate effectively in the legislative proceedings.

“We appreciate you for trusting the current administration with the responsibility of investing the revenue from LUC in infrastructure renewal and overall development of our State. We promise we will continue to make your tax work for you”.

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The Lagos State Government has further clarified the rates for the newly reviewed Land Use Charge Law of 2018 noting that payers can compute the amount of charges payable on their respective properties themselves.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, the State’s Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade said the Land Use Charge law is aimed at entrenching a regime of self-assessment, which would allow property owners to make their own calculation and know their rate with the help of professional valuers.

“The Land Use Charge law institutes the regime of self-assessment. The intent of the reviewed Law is for Lagosians to be able to compute the amount payable on their respective property by themselves.”

“You don’t have to wait for demand notices before your pay your charges, you can calculate it yourself, engage us, you can make your payments voluntarily.  Do it yourself, let’s dialogue and let’s get the basis right.”

The Commissioner further gives examples under three categories recognized by the law. First of which is that, “If you are a landlord and you are the only one living in your house with your family (No tenant), your annual fee is 60% of the value of the house × 0.076%.”

“For instance, if your house is valued at N20million, your fee is 0.076% of (60% of N20m) = 0.076% x N12m = N9,120.00 per annum”

“Secondly, If you are a landlord living with your tenant in the same building value of N20million, you will pay 0.256% of (60% of N20m) =0.256% × N12m= N30,720.00 per annum.”

“Thirdly, If you rented out the house to tenants only and you don’t live there and the house is worth N20million, you will pay 0.76% of (60% of N20m) = 0.76% of N12m = N91,200.00 per annum.”

“The Law does not tax the market value of properties. It gives a general discount rate of 40% to all property owners in the state. The Land Use Charge Law is holistic and fair to everybody. It is quite discriminatory. It is not one cap, fit all. Market value of properties in Ikorodu and Ikoyi can never be calculated as the same.”

According to one of the participants at the stakeholders’ meeting,Mr.Shadrack Bayowa,The Managing Director,Hinges Constructiona and Properties Limited,the meeting has cleared the grey areas on the formulae used in assesing the Land Use charge as well as whose shoulder lies the responsibility of valuation.He could not hold back his impression of Mr.Ashade who he described as a thoroughbred professional and a brilliant public officer who was calm and,patiently answer questions inspite of the initial hostile dispositions of some participants.”I am more comfortable now with the new law as it is reasonable and progressive”, he concluded.

In his own remarks, the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Babatunde Ruwase noted that one of the key tenets of democracy is inclusiveness, participation and dialogue. He commended the Lagos state government for being receptive to dialogue.

“As business community, we appreciate what the state government has been doing, especially the investment in infrastructure and security. We are therefore willing and ready to pay our taxes. Indeed, over 90% of the current IGR of over N300bn generated in the state is coming from the private sector. We appreciate the need to even do more.”

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Mr. Aliu Mayungbe, Acting National Chairman of the union, disclosed this while announcing the maiden National Delegates Conference cum election of its national executives which is to hold in Lagos on 24th October, 2017.

The conference is scheduled to hold at the Lagos State Television (LTV 8) premises in Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

Mayungbe said that having executives at the national level of the union would strengthen its activities, unity and enable it reduce the activities of middle men who exploit building owners through overpricing and short fall of supplied goods.

The Acting National Chairman of the union, mentioned that the central body would be a vehicle for transmitting government’s programmes to its members, eliminating unlicensed miners and also hold members accountable for their actions and inactions.

Also, Comrade Solomon Pitan, Lagos State Chapter Secretary, said that the economic impact that improved infrastructure has on national development could not be over-emphasised, adding that the government is in dire need of all sectors to revive the nation’s economy.

“There is no better time to work toward improving Nigeria’s infrastructure than now and no better time to contribute to the diversification of the country’s economy through participation in building a strong Solid Mineral and Transport sector,” Pitan said in a statement.

The Lagos chapter Secretary noted that the conference would examine and proffer solutions to issues of concerns to both government, operators and customers in the sector.

“This dialogue will enable various stakeholders to deliberate on key issues relating to averting incessant building collapse in the country through usage of standard sand for building; multiple taxation, occupational safety and capacity building for members,” he said.

Pitan noted that to achieve these, the union during the conference, would conduct an election to elect its national leaders that would steer the affairs of the organisation for the next four years.

The Secretary also emphasized that seasoned professionals, government officials and notable experts in the transport and mining sector would be available to interact with stakeholders.

It is worthy of note that the Union of Tipper and Quarry Employers of Nigeria (UTQEN) have been operating at various chapters without a centre body.

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Alhaji Mohammed Bukar made this known on Wednesday at the sixth meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Abuja.

Bukar noted that the Federal Government demonstrated its determination on the sector through the quantum increase in the budgetary allocation to the sector in the last two years.

“The present administration is not only concerned about the challenges facing the development of the sector, but is determined to revitalise the sector.

“This explains the quantum increase in budgetary allocation to the sector in the last two years by the Federal Government,” he said.

According to the permanent secretary, the sector is saddled with the responsibility of providing qualitative affordable housing as well as building houses for communities that were inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

He urged all the stakeholders in the built environment to endeavour to proffer solutions to challenges facing the housing and land matters, and to reposition the sector for the benefit of the citizens.

In his remarks, Mr Chinyeaka Christian, Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said the FCT Administration was working hard to reposition land administration for a better result.

Chinyeaka, represented by Malam Adamu Huseini, Director, Lands, FCT, noted that the FCT administration has suspended land allocation.

He added that it has put machinery in place, including constitution of the Land Use Allocation Committee to give advice in resolving lingering land cases in the FCT.

“This administration has also resolved to fast track the process of converting the customary titles to be issued by the various Area Councils into Statutory.

“The administration is currently working round the clock in issuance and signing of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and giving the needed approvals to all consents such as assignment and mortgages.

“In order to add value to land across the territory, basic infrastructures are usually provided. The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) provides infrastructure in the 250 square kilometres of the FCT.

“While Satellite Town Development Department (STDD) make such provision in the satellite towns by opening up feeder roads, culverts and bridges to create and ease access to land and development.

He further noted that its mass housing department always strive to monitor mass housing projects as well as estate development.

The council meeting, which is scheduled to hold from Aug. 21 to Aug. 24, has its theme as: “Building for Inclusion, Growth and Prosperity”.

It avails professionals in the administration of lands, housing and urban development the opportunity to articulate a common front to proffer solutions to challenges in the sub-sector.

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The minister was represented at the occasion by the Federal Capital Development Agency ( FCDA) Executive Secretary, Umar Jibrin. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the provision of adequate houses  for  residents of the  FCT.

“The FCT administration sees this project as a partnership gesture and a demonstration of confidence in the present administration which is working to address the housing deficit in the territory.

“This is in order to attract foreign direct investment into the sector,’’ he said.According to him, this administration’s policy of partnership with genuine estate developers will continue to receive priority.

Bello said that his administration was putting measures in place to ensure that past infractions that hindered the faithful execution of the mass housing policy by successive FCT administrations were eliminated.

This, he stressed, was with a view to ensuring strict adherence to laid down guidelines and guaranteeing the successful implementation of these laudable policies.

Earlier, the Chairman, Crown Realties Plc, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, drew attention to the high profile of the company, saying it had been engaged  in other developmental projects  in Lagos.

“Our Crown Estate in Lekki, Lagos,  is still one of the largest private community estates in the Lekki Peninsula with more than 1,000 family units built in the early 90s and still occupying  a pride of place today,” he said.

The Managing Director, Crown Realties Plc, Mr Darl Uzu,  presented the estate situated in a 5.97 hectares luxury residential area opposite American International School, Durumi.

He said that the estate  involves 81 blocks of family detached units of four bedrooms each.

The estate, he added,  boasts of 24 hours  power supply as well as technology-driven security and communication systems.

Also speaking at the occasion,  Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe,  noted that the continued investment of persons of South East extraction outside their geopolitical zone eloquently demonstrated their abiding faith in the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria.

Abaribe called on the people of  the South East Zone  to remain committed to the development of the country,  saying, “we are going nowhere.

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The General Manager, Niger State Housing Corporation, Mr Ahmed Abdullahi, made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking to newsmen in Minna.

He said that the project would be on a public/private partnership arrangement. Abdullahi said that the state government would provide 91 hectares of land in Paikoro Local Government Area on the Minna-Abuja Expressway, while Italworks would fund the project.

According to him, the project when completed will go a long way to address housing deficit in the state. “This is part of Gov. Abubakar Bello’s efforts in providing affordable houses for Niger people,’’ he said.

The Managing Director of Italworks, Mr  Gaetano Crisa, said that the project, to begin in July, would create employment for thousands of youths.
He said that the housing units will be two-bedroom and three-bedroom bungalows. Crisa gave the assurance that Italworks would construct quality and affordable houses.

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