The Federal Government has made a commitment to assist Nigerians living abroad who are interested in owning property in the country.

Ahmed Dangiwa, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, announced this pledge at the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit in Abuja.

He also promised to facilitate a conducive environment that encourages secure and lucrative private sector investments in the construction industry.

Dangiwa disclosed that Nigerians in diaspora have been remitting over $24 billion yearly for various business ventures, including housing and urban development in the country.

He commended Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) for championing several policies and programmes, including the Diaspora City project aimed at helping the country leverage on the massive potential of the diaspora in developing the nation’s economy across several sectors.

The minister stated that part of its housing sector reforms will be of particular interest to the diaspora interested in investing in the housing and real estate sector, adding that land administration would be streamlined.

Chairperson, NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri, decried the bureaucratic bottlenecks and systemic inefficiencies to ensure cost effective and efficient access to land for both individuals and investors in the country.

Dabiri said, over the years they have seen more Nigerians in Diaspora appreciating and acknowledging the innovative drive, adding, they would continue to contribute to economic and infrastructure development through the Diaspora City project.

“The project is designed to have bungalows, semi-and detached duplexes, and mansions to reflect its inclusivity. The goal is to ensure that Nigerians living abroad have decent shelter,” she added.

Source: The Guardian