By Fanta L. Keita
MONROVIA, Oct. 7 (LINA) – The National Housing Authority (NHA) has announced a package of initiatives to help Liberians abroad invest in housing at home, including an online Housing Investment Portal, a pre-verified land bank, and plans for a planned-community development.
Speaking to the press, Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing in Monrovia, the Managing Director of NHA Florence K. Geegbae, said the measures follow the recent diaspora conference in the United States, whose theme was “Transforming Diaspora Interest into Concrete Housing Development.”
She noted that the portal targets two obstacles raised by diaspora investors: a trust deficit in land transactions and a lack of knowledge about estate development.
According to her, some returnees had paid for the same land more than 20 times because they did not understand the procedures.
Madam Geegbae informed the public that the portal will offer land verification, permit checklists, cost calculators and a directory of licensed professionals.
“The NHA will also publish a plain-language estate development roadmap covering the process from land acquisition to occupancy permits.”
An NHA Partnership Program will advise investors on land ownership, zoning and permitting, working with the Liberia Land Authority to fast-track approvals.
“To just get permits to approve your designs is very complex,” NHA boss said, citing one developer whose design had been pending for almost three years.
Meanwhile, she said the NHA has negotiated and begun purchasing 578 acres, of which 452 are privately owned and the rest were provided by the Government of Liberia.
She added that the parcels are in Bong, Margibi, Bomi, Lofa, Nimba and Grand Bassa counties.
Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu and River Gee counties have also committed or donated land, though surveys there are pending, she stated.
Madam Geegbae disclosed that the contract for 482 housing units is expected to be signed this week or early next week, revealing that land for a further 600 units is being prepared, with surveys done, soil testing under way and clearing to begin soon.
To guarantee buyers, the NHA has enrolled 3,340 civil servants in an “off-takers” program. Homes will be offered through cash sales, mortgages and rent-to-own schemes.
In addition, the NHA also plans to offer free or discounted land to developers within planned communities.
Under the concept, a block of about 100 acres would be demarcated and serviced with water, sewage and electricity, with zoned space for a health center, school and market.
Ms. Geegbae said this would replace scattered individual builds. “If they can do it in Ghana, they can do it in Nigeria, they can do it in Ivory Coast, we can do it here in Liberia.”
She continued that the agency is in talks with NASSCORP on housing insurance and expects to sign an MOU next Tuesday, so that homes built under its programs are insured.
It has also signed an MOU with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to explore cooperation on affordable housing and sustainable urbanization.
The NHA head said the institution is still operating under a 1960 Act, needs more authority, likening it to a “toothless bulldog.
” A new Act, already validated, awaits submission to the Legislature when it reconvenes. It would give the NHA regulatory and monitoring powers, including rent control. “They build a house for $4,000, and then they’re charging $10,000,” he said.
It would also create a National Housing Trust Fund to safeguard contributors’ money.