Experts Urge Policy Alignment and Foreign Investment to Accelerate Nigeria’s Real Estate Growth
Nigeria’s real estate sector is projected to expand by 6–8% in 2025, supported by rapid urbanisation and population growth. Industry experts, however, warn that this potential can only be realised if the government and private sector strengthen collaboration, align policies, and attract foreign investment to bridge the sector’s funding gap.
At the recent Real Estate Stakeholders Conference in Lagos, Timothy Nubi, professor and director at the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, University of Lagos, highlighted the urgent need for coordinated policies. He noted that the disconnect between the public and private sectors has constrained growth, creating inefficiencies in housing delivery and infrastructure planning. According to Nubi, achieving sustainable development requires a “unity of purpose” between government regulators and industry operators. He argued that policy misalignment has slowed the pace of investment and discouraged large-scale capital inflows.
Financing the Sector’s Growth
Experts emphasised that Nigeria cannot rely solely on domestic capital to finance its real estate ambitions. With infrastructure deficits and high demand for housing, the sector requires significant external funding.
“The funds to develop the industry cannot be pulled from within,” Nubi said, stressing that international real estate financing is essential. He added that foreign investors bring not just capital but also expertise in large-scale project execution, which could help modernise Nigeria’s property market.
Rebuilding Trust and Transparency
Festus Adebayo, founder of the Housing Development Advocacy Network, underscored the need to improve the sector’s image. He pointed out that inconsistent policies and weak regulation have, at times, allowed fraudulent practices to thrive, damaging investor confidence.
“We cannot fold our hands and allow our sector to be branded as fraudulent,” Adebayo said, calling for stronger collaboration between policymakers and credible operators to enforce standards and restore trust.
Outlook
Nigeria’s real estate market remains one of the largest in sub-Saharan Africa, with rising urbanisation creating demand for both affordable housing and high-end developments. However, stakeholders caution that growth projections will not materialize without clear, consistent, and supportive government policies.
Aligning housing policies, fostering public–private partnerships, and attracting foreign capital remain critical steps to unlocking the sector’s potential. If addressed, these measures could not only stimulate real estate growth but also generate jobs, expand infrastructure, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s broader economic development.
