Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate growth and stability in Nigeria’s real estate industry.
The Governor made this call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the International Real Estate Federation – Nigerian Chapter (FIABCI-Nigeria), led by the President of FIABCI Africa and Near East Region, Mr. Adeniji Adele.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing clear policy direction and regulatory support to encourage private sector investments in real estate, noting that recent reforms in physical planning and urban development were geared towards preventing building collapses and ensuring sustainable infrastructure.
“It is not only the government that can do it. The private sector must take the lead. We will provide the policy direction, but the private sector must continue to invest and organise themselves,” he said.
He also highlighted Lagos’ growing reputation as a technology-driven city, pointing to recent global rankings that place Lagos as one of the fastest-growing tech ecosystems in terms of innovation and digital growth.
Looking ahead to the upcoming 75th FIABCI World Real Estate Congress, scheduled to take place in Lagos from July 9 to 13, the Governor expressed the state’s readiness to fully support the event. He noted that the congress would create a platform for Nigerian real estate professionals to engage with global industry leaders and attract international partnerships.
Earlier, Mr. Adeniji Adele, who also chairs the Congress Organising Committee, revealed that the 75th edition of the FIABCI World Real Estate Congress will mark the first time the global event is held in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Adele said over 400 high-level participants from more than 40 countries, including ministers, urban planners, developers, investors, and government officials, are expected to attend the congress.
“The choice of Lagos was not accidental. Lagos represents the future of African cities—dynamic, resilient, and rapidly transforming. It is the epicentre of innovation, infrastructure development, and real estate investment,” he said.
Adele noted that the congress, themed “Global Real Estate Renaissance,” would focus on the urgent need for transformative thinking and innovation in the sector. Discussions will spotlight emerging trends such as proptech (property technology), which is reshaping the ways real estate is developed, financed, and managed.
“Lagos, with its thriving tech ecosystem, is uniquely positioned to lead this conversation on the African continent,” he added.
