ERNEST O. ALOHAN

This research project examines the appraisal of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending for housing development in Benin City, Edo State, focusing on its potential as an alternative source of finance within the Nigerian real estate market. The main objectives of this study are to determine the level of awareness of P2P lending among real estate developers, assess its perceived benefits, identify the risks and challenges associated with its adoption, and evaluate the role of regulation in encouraging its use for housing development.To obtain relevant data, a total of thirty (30) questionnaires were distributed to registered housing developers in Benin City. The questionnaire was structured to gather responses on key aspects such as awareness, benefits, risks, and regulatory challenges of P2P lending platforms. The responses provided useful insights into developers’ perceptions of digital finance and the readiness of the housing sector to adopt alternative funding mechanisms. The analysis of the data revealed that 65% of respondents had heard of P2P lending but lacked a clear understanding of how it operates, while 70% identified weak regulation as a major barrier to its adoption. Furthermore, 60% of participants highlighted data insecurity and fear of fraud as major concerns, and 55% cited high-interest rates as a limiting factor. Despite these challenges, 75% of respondents acknowledged that P2P lending could serve as a viable and flexible alternative to traditional bank loans if proper regulation and awareness programs are implemented. The study concludes with recommendations that emphasize the creation of a clear regulatory framework, enhanced digital literacy, and stronger collaboration between fintech firms and housing developers to ensure the effective and secure adoption of P2P lending in Benin City’s housing sector.

This study explores the multifaceted challenges hindering the effective implementation of the Land Use Charge (LUC) in Edo State, Nigeria. Effective property taxation is crucial for local government revenue generation and service delivery, yet its implementation often faces significant obstacles. Firstly, This research aims to identify these barriers, focusing on three key objectives. First, it seeks to pinpoint the primary challenges to LUC implementation, considering factors such as administrative capacity, data management, valuation methodologies, and collection mechanisms. Secondly, the study examines the influence of public awareness and understanding on taxpayer compliance. It investigates how public perception, knowledge of the LUC, and trust in government affect willingness to pay. Finally, the research analyzes the role of state governance in the LUC implementation process. This includes an assessment of the legal framework, institutional capacity, political will, and the level of transparency and accountability within the relevant government agencies. By addressing these objectives, this study aims to provide insights into the specific challenges facing Edo State's LUC implementation and offer potential recommendations for improvement, ultimately contributing to more effective revenue generation and sustainable level

Property valuation is a critical component of the real estate industry, influencing transactions, investment decisions, taxation, and urban planning. Traditional valuation methods often rely on subjective judgment, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. This study examines the impact of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) on property valuation, using Benin City as a case study. GIS integrates spatial data analysis with property valuation, enabling a more precise assessment of factors such as location, market trends, and environmental influences. The research employs a survey methodology, collecting data from estate surveyors and valuers to
evaluate GIS adoption, its benefits, and the challenges hindering its implementation. Findings reveal that GIS enhances valuation accuracy by improving data integration, visualization, and spatial analysis. However, challenges such as high implementation costs, lack of trained personnel, and data inconsistencies hinder its widespread adoption. The study concludes that GIS has the potential to revolutionize property valuation, provided
that stakeholders address the identified barriers through investment in training, infrastructure, and policy support.