FAB Realty’s Chief Executive Officer, Ayomikun Adebayo, while addressing attendees, highlighted the company’s journey and its vision to bridge global capital with Africa’s property potential. “Afri-Vest is more than just an event—it’s a movement that educates, connects, and empowers Africans globally to invest with confidence and clarity,” she stated.

Emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships, Adebayo revealed plans to scale up the Afri-Vest initiative, describing it as a gateway for aligning diaspora wealth with development in Africa’s rapidly urbanizing regions. “Our mission is to bridge the investment gap and empower Africans to take part in the continent’s development story,” she added.

A central feature of the summit was a panel discussion involving seasoned experts in investment banking, property law, and real estate development. The discussion addressed core issues such as regulatory stability, legal protections, and collaborative models necessary for successful cross-border investments.

The speakers also tackled risk management, due diligence practices, and sustainable wealth creation for Africans abroad seeking opportunities in the continent’s urban centers. Calls for greater transparency and coordinated efforts across sectors echoed throughout the forum, with panelists stressing that building investor trust is essential to unlocking Africa’s full real estate potential.

The post Global Summit in London Explores Real Estate Investment Opportunities in Africa appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Key Factors Behind the Decline
Several issues have discouraged PFAs from investing in real estate, including the arbitrary revocation of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) by state governments, complicated regulatory processes, naira depreciation, and macroeconomic headwinds. These factors have also stifled the creation of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which once served as a primary channel for pension funds to invest in the real estate market.

According to data from the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), PFA investment in REITs rose steadily until 2020, peaking at N239.28 billion. However, between 2020 and 2024, investments plummeted to N20.06 billion, marking a sharp reversal of earlier gains.

Why REITs Are Struggling
Real estate and pension experts attribute the downturn to several factors, including a lack of available REITs in the market and difficulties obtaining regulatory approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Mr. Obinna Lewis-Asonye, Micro Pension Manager at Stanbic IBTC Pensions, noted that uncertainty in the real estate sector has made institutions hesitant to set up REITs. “Some companies couldn’t secure SEC approval, while others shifted focus to infrastructure funds as an alternative to residential mortgages, which come with significant risks,” he explained.

Urban Planner and environmentalist Michael Simire added that naira devaluation and Nigeria’s worsening economic situation have further complicated the real estate market. “Vacant properties are becoming more common, reducing demand and discouraging new investments,” he said.

Impact on the Housing Sector
The reduction in PFA investments has exacerbated Nigeria’s already dire housing crisis. The country produces about 600,000 fewer homes annually than it needs, leading to a 20 million-unit housing deficit. As financial constraints worsen, landowners are struggling to develop their properties, while others are holding onto land for future resale, slowing down the market even further.

According to industry experts, the government’s policy of revoking undeveloped land allocations—intended to encourage rapid development—has had the opposite effect, scaring off potential investors who fear losing their properties.

Path to Recovery
Despite the current challenges, experts believe the sector will recover in time. Chief Meckson Innocent Okoro, Principal Partner at M.I Okoro and Associates, acknowledged the harsh investment climate but expressed optimism about the future. “The sector is resilient and will eventually bounce back. Companies are reprioritizing their portfolios, and once the economy stabilizes, demand for real estate will rise again,” he said.

Mr. Ivor Takor, Director at the Centre for Pension Rights Advocacy, called on the government to improve access to affordable housing by providing moderate-interest loans and other financial assistance, such as tax concessions and subsidies. “With the right policies and investment-friendly regulations, Nigeria can revive its housing sector and attract more institutional investors,” he added.

While the road to recovery may be long, stakeholders agree that the future of Nigeria’s real estate sector depends on a combination of economic stability, regulatory reforms, and targeted investment strategies to boost the creation and success of REITs.

The post Housing Shortage Deepens as Pension Funds Cut Real Estate Investments by 91.6% appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Ademola Omotosho, revealed this exciting development at the flag-off ceremony of the Blue Sapphire District “SmartCity” Project in Ibadan.

“This project is more than just about real estate; it’s about creating opportunities, generating jobs, and transforming Oyo State into a hub of modern development,” Omotosho said, expressing optimism about the state’s investment-friendly environment.

A Game-Changer for Oyo State

Held at Ikija, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the launch event saw a gathering of key government officials, real estate experts, developers, traditional rulers, and enthusiastic investors eager to witness the state’s growth firsthand.

For Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Akeem Olatunji, this initiative is a game-changer. “We are not just building houses; we are creating a sustainable future with eco-friendly designs, renewable energy, and urban greenery. This is a bold statement about where Oyo State is headed,” he stated.

Boosting Business and Livelihoods

Beyond infrastructure, the project is expected to significantly impact the local economy. Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebisi, assured investors that the government remains committed to maintaining a business-friendly atmosphere for real estate and other sectors to thrive.

The private sector is equally excited about the prospects. Kola Abimbola, Managing Director of Tinath Realities, described the SmartCity project as “a landmark initiative that will redefine urban living in Ibadan.”

With its growing real estate potential, Oyo State is steadily positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s property market. The government’s proactive approach to infrastructure and investment is not just reshaping the cityscape but also creating better economic opportunities for its residents.

The post Oyo State Attracts N35 Billion in Real Estate Investments In 5 Years appeared first on Housing TV Africa.