Governments in major Nigerian cities, particularly Lagos, are intensifying efforts to create new towns and modern urban communities designed to ease congestion, expand housing options and stimulate economic development.
These emerging new towns—such as Gracefield Island, Orange Island and Periwinkle Estate—are more than suburban extensions. They are intentionally planned communities integrating housing, commerce, industry, transport and leisure facilities to reduce pressure on overcrowded city centres.
This perspective was shared by experts at the 4th UPDC Real Estate Summit in Lagos, where stakeholders agreed that Nigeria’s estimated 28 million housing deficit can serve as a foundation for large-scale economic expansion if strategically addressed.
Franklin Nnaemeka Ngwu, Professor of Strategy and Governance at the Lagos Business School, noted that real estate has become Nigeria’s third-largest contributor to GDP, accounting for 12.8% in Q2 2025, behind crop production and trade.
He explained that new towns create opportunities for job growth, construction activity, logistics, finance and long-term urban development. “Real estate is more than structures; it represents opportunity and prosperity,” Ngwu said, adding that integrated planning prevents unregulated urban sprawl and enhances productivity.
Ngwu highlighted that the rise of new towns provides significant opportunities for developers like UPDC to expand into both affordable and premium housing markets. He also noted rising investor interest in development finance and REITs, which signals growing confidence in the sector.
Also speaking at the summit, Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, said the government plays a critical role in guiding new town development—from population redistribution to regulatory oversight. He noted that Lagos is creating new business districts to ease pressure on Lagos Island and to support balanced urban growth across the state.
The commissioner added that strategic urban planning and infrastructure development are essential to sustaining the transformation of new communities into vibrant economic hubs.
Speakers agreed that Nigeria’s urban future depends on decisions made today. With deliberate planning, investment and regulation, new towns and emerging urban communities could dramatically reduce housing shortages and fuel long-term national growth.
