The President of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), Nigeria, Ayodeji Odeleye, has pledged to position Nigeria as a major destination for international real estate investment.

Odeleye spoke in Lagos during his induction as president of the Nigerian chapter. Sixteen new members were also inducted at the event.

He said Nigeria has strong potential to attract foreign investment through real estate. He added that the country could become a major player in Africa’s property market.

FIABCI World Congress

Odeleye pointed to the successful hosting of FIABCI’s 75th World Congress in Lagos as proof of Nigeria’s potential.

The event was the first FIABCI World Congress to be held in Africa. Odeleye said the congress showed that Nigeria could host major global real estate events.

He said the event also gave Nigerian professionals greater visibility within the international property industry.

According to him, his administration will focus on turning FIABCI’s global network into business and investment opportunities for members.

He also wants Nigerian professionals to gain more access to international knowledge and partnerships.

Odeleye said Nigeria should have a stronger voice in global discussions about the future of African real estate.

Focus on Young Professionals

The new FIABCI Nigeria president also announced plans to expand the chapter’s membership.

He said the association would introduce a mentorship programme for younger professionals. The programme will focus on skills, training and international exposure.

He said these efforts would help members compete for business opportunities both in Nigeria and abroad.

Odeleye also promised to strengthen the chapter’s institutional structure. He said his administration would promote transparency, unity and greater participation among members.

Wider Participation

The FIABCI Nigeria president said the association should not be seen as an organisation based in only one city.

He called for members in Abuja, Port Harcourt and other parts of the country to take part in the chapter’s activities.

A wider membership base could help the association connect more professionals across Nigeria’s property market. It could also improve the sharing of knowledge and business opportunities within the sector.

Building Communities, Not Just Estates

Odeleye also called for a broader approach to property development.

He said developers should look beyond building estates and focus on creating functional communities.

This approach requires attention to roads, water, power, transport and other basic infrastructure. It also requires closer cooperation between developers and government agencies.

For Nigeria’s housing sector, this is important because housing development is closely linked to infrastructure and urban planning. New homes cannot function as complete communities without access to basic services and supporting infrastructure.

Stronger Government Engagement

Odeleye said FIABCI members have access to international professionals and global industry practices.

The association regularly engages with international colleagues through webinars and other professional activities.

He said the knowledge gained from these engagements could be shared with government officials. This could support better decisions on housing, infrastructure and urban development.

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has responsibilities covering housing and urban development in Nigeria. Better cooperation between government and property professionals can support more informed approaches to development.

Opatola Commended

Odeleye also praised the immediate past president, Akin Opatola, for his leadership of the Nigerian chapter.

He credited Opatola with promoting an inclusive approach during his tenure. His administration also led the chapter through the 75th FIABCI World Congress in Lagos.

Opatola also encouraged collaboration between FIABCI Nigeria and relevant government agencies.

Real Estate and Nigeria’s Investment Future

Real estate remains important to Nigeria’s housing, construction and urban development needs. The sector also provides opportunities for domestic and international investors.

Odeleye’s focus on international partnerships could help connect Nigerian professionals with investors, developers and property experts from other markets.

For Nigeria to attract more investment, however, real estate growth must go alongside strong infrastructure, effective planning and better cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The FIABCI Nigeria leadership is now seeking to use its international network to expand business opportunities, improve professional development and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global real estate industry.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that Nigeria attracted nearly $20 billion in foreign direct investments (FDI) this year, attributing the inflow to reforms introduced by his administration to improve transparency, efficiency and investor confidence.

Speaking during a panel session at the ongoing Africa CEO Forum, President Tinubu said the government’s economic reforms are gradually positioning Nigeria as a more attractive and competitive destination for investors.

“In Nigeria, we’ve attracted nearly $20 billion in direct investment this year because we are efficient, transparent and open for business,” the President said.

Tinubu Pushes Local Value Addition for Mineral Resources

The President stressed that Nigeria would no longer support the export of raw minerals without domestic value addition, noting that the country possesses the capacity to process mineral resources into finished products.

He specifically pointed to opportunities in electric vehicle manufacturing, stating that Nigeria has the resources required to produce batteries and support industrial growth.

“With our metals, we can produce batteries for cars. The private sector brings capital and expertise, but government must de-risk and create the enabling environment,” he said.

Tinubu explained that stronger collaboration between government and investors remains critical to accelerating development across Africa.

President Calls for Full Implementation of AfCFTA

The President also urged African countries to move beyond discussions and fully activate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to him, African nations must work together and maximise the continent’s resources rather than operating in isolation.

“We have the African Continental Free Trade Area—it must not sit on the shelf. It needs to be activated properly through collaboration and effective use of resources,” Tinubu said.

He advocated an “Africa First” development strategy that prioritises local production, processing and manufacturing.

“We don’t want scavengers and extractors. We want partners who process and manufacture locally,” he added.

Dangote Refinery Shows Africa Can Deliver Large Projects

Tinubu cited the success of the Dangote Refinery as evidence that African nations can execute large-scale industrial projects when supported with the right policies.

According to him, Nigeria’s transition from dependence on imported petroleum products to becoming a net exporter demonstrates the impact of strategic government support.

“Today Nigeria is a net exporter of PMS, aviation fuel and other products. Dangote is supplying aviation fuel across Africa and to European airlines,” he said.

Tinubu Calls for African Financial Reforms

The President also questioned Africa’s continued dependence on foreign currencies for trade transactions.

He argued that conducting trade using local currencies would reduce costs and improve economic stability across the continent.

“If you produce in Nigeria, you can trade in naira. Why should African trade depend on dollars? That adds cost and instability,” he said.

Tinubu proposed an African commodity exchange platform that would allow direct trade among African countries.

He further called for the establishment of an African credit rating agency, arguing that many international rating firms do not properly understand African economic realities.

“The big American agencies dominate 95 per cent of the market, but they don’t understand our risks and opportunities,” he stated.

Nigeria Expands Digital Infrastructure

On digital development, Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria is currently laying 19,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables nationwide to improve connectivity and strengthen the digital economy.

He noted that Africa must move beyond basic telecommunications and begin investing in broader digital systems, including artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and data infrastructure.

“We need to fund Africa’s shift from basic telecoms to AI and e-commerce,” he said.

The President expressed optimism that despite current challenges, stronger cooperation and commitment among African nations would eventually drive greater economic integration.

“Pan-Africanism can’t remain a slogan. It has to be lived,” he said.

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Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has expressed concerns over the declining inflow of foreign direct investments (FDI) into Nigeria. Speaking at the 1st Abuja Business and Investment Summit on Wednesday, Soludo emphasized that the country is underperforming in attracting investments in Africa and globally.

 

The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria highlighted Nigeria’s struggle to maintain positive returns on capital. “Nigeria is witnessing negative returns on capital,” Soludo stated, noting that the country is lagging in inflation and interest rate management compared to other economies.

 

“Globally, the majority of FDIs flow to Asia, while Africa received only 3 to 4 percent last year,” he pointed out. “Nigeria is punching below its weight in terms of FDI and portfolio investments, both relative to its population size and the scale of its economy,” Soludo added.

Soludo called for immediate action, stressing the importance of sustainable investments to secure Nigeria’s future. He urged the country to position itself to participate in and lead the 21st-century global economy.

 

Strategic Investments Key to Nigeria’s Growth

 

Soludo underscored the theme of the summit, “Optimizing Investment Through Partnership,” and emphasized the importance of understanding the global landscape when making investment decisions. “Investments don’t happen in a vacuum,” he remarked, urging stakeholders to consider global megatrends and their implications for Nigeria.

 

Abuja Investments MD Backs Strategic Discussions

The Managing Director/CEO of Abuja Investments Company Limited, Maureen Tamuno, expressed optimism about the summit’s potential to foster economic growth. She commended the panelists for their thought-provoking insights, which she believes will pave the way for economic prosperity.

 

“This summit is aimed at promoting investment opportunities in the Federal Capital Territory and providing a platform for networking among investors,” Tamuno said, adding that the event would encourage participants to explore innovative investment ideas.

 

“As we engage in discussions, I urge participants to recognize the importance of partnerships in achieving successful outcomes. Together, we can optimize our investments and drive the transformative change needed for economic growth,” she concluded.

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