‘Dangote major driver of real estate dev’t in Nig’

The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) and other stakeholders in the housing industry have described the Dangote Group as the main driver of real estate development in the country.

President of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Professor Yohana Izam, said with the huge investment outlay in Africa, the Dangote Cement holds the key to rapid development being envisaged in the real estate sector.

Speaking at a recent African International Housing Show in Abuja, he said there was the need for stakeholders in the sector, as well as the government to partner Dangote Group in the realization of housing for all scheme.

Speaking, Coordinator of the AIHS Bar. Festus Adebayo told newsmen that the housing deficit in the country can be mitigated through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

He said he was optimistic that the partnership with the Dangote Group would yield a fruitful result.

Speaking earlier, Group Head, Sales and Marketing, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Rabiu Umar said Dangote was not resting on its oars, as it has already been investing hugely in the development of infrastructure through the tax credit scheme and its numerous social programmes.

“Adopting the tax credit model, the government can sign agreements with willing estate developers, financial institutions and other private sectors interested in taking advantage of the provision to build new estates. Related to the tax credit system is adopting a public-private partnership on mass housing. Government can initiate construction of new estates through PPP models,” he said.

Speaking, Dangote Cement’s National Sales Director, Funmi Sanni, said Dangote Group has invested enormously in reversing the menace of collapsed building in the country through its quality cement and training of block moulders across the country.

Head, Technical Sales, Dangote Cement Plc, Aniki Ayodeji, said the company is on course to support real sector development through its various partnerships.