The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Benue Chapter, has stated that there are currently no unoccupied housing estates in the state, apart from the recently completed Federal Government Estate in Makurdi, which is yet to be allocated to civil servants.
The NSE Benue Chairman, Mr. Ukeyima Manger, emphasized that housing remains a critical challenge for residents, particularly in urban areas.
The manager noted that while there are no completely vacant estates, several privately owned and state-owned buildings have been abandoned due to contract disputes, payment delays, and disagreements. One such example, he said, is the Sheraton Hotel project, which commenced in 1980 but remains incomplete due to a dispute between the government and the original project consultant.
He further raised concerns over the lack of professional involvement in many ongoing construction projects, stressing the need for proper engagement of architects, structural engineers, and other experts to ensure quality housing development.
In a related development, Makurdi resident and landlord, Mr. James Terwase, highlighted the worsening housing deficit in the city, which has led to a sharp rise in rent prices.
According to him, single rooms that previously cost ₦24,000 annually have surged to ₦50,000–₦60,000, while one-bedroom apartments that were ₦150,000 now range between ₦250,000 and ₦500,000. Two-bedroom flats, once rented for ₦400,000, now go for ₦1 million and above.
Despite the rising cost of rent and increasing housing shortages, there is no official regulatory body overseeing the housing sector in Benue, leaving tenants at the mercy of landlords.
