Photo Credit: The Sun Nigeria / Mixta Africa
Mixta Africa Endorses FG’s Housing Reforms, Advocates for Independent Verification System

Real estate development firm, Mixta Africa, has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s proposed reforms aimed at sanitizing Nigeria’s housing sector, while stressing the need for a robust system for independent verification of construction projects.

The company said the proposed National Housing and Built Environment Regulation Policy, which seeks to introduce mandatory licensing for developers and estate agents, escrow accounts for buyers’ funds, and stricter construction standards, is a welcome development that will boost investor and buyer confidence.

The policy also proposes improved land administration, urban renewal, the creation of a National Housing Data Observatory, and the establishment of a National Housing Industry Regulatory Commission to provide oversight for the sector.

Reacting to the reforms, the Chief Commercial Officer of Mixta Africa, Tola Akinsulire, noted that licensing and escrow protection are critical interventions in a market where homebuyers have historically borne excessive risks.

According to him, the success of the new framework will depend on two critical factors: who independently verifies construction milestones before funds are released from escrow, and how credible developers will access construction finance when buyers’ funds are more tightly controlled.

“Licensing and escrow protection are important interventions in a market where consumers have too often carried significant risk. We welcome the direction of the Federal Government and believe it can materially strengthen confidence in the housing sector,” Akinsulire said.

He recommended that milestones tied to escrow releases should be certified by qualified built-environment professionals with clear standards and a verifiable audit trail.

“The question is not only where the buyer’s money sits, but what evidence is required before that money can move. Independent verification creates a clear link between construction progress, fund release and accountability,” he added.

Mixta Africa further cautioned that while escrow protects buyers, it does not fund construction. The firm explained that off-plan payments have traditionally served as working capital for housing projects, and restricting access to such funds without alternatives could affect housing supply.

“Escrow can protect the homebuyer, but escrow on its own does not finance construction. We need to protect buyers while ensuring credible developers can continue to finance and deliver the homes the market needs,” Akinsulire stated.

The company called for sustained dialogue between the government, financial institutions, developers, and professional bodies to create a balanced framework that guarantees strong buyer protection, effective project governance, and sustainable access to construction finance.

It added that translating the reforms into practical and enforceable standards will be key to building a more transparent, investable, and sustainable housing sector.
Source: The Sun Nigeria –