The Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy has called for greater commitment to physical planning and sustainable urban development as part of efforts to build safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable cities across Nigeria.

The call was made in a statement marking the 2026 World Environment Day, where the foundation urged governments, private sector actors, and citizens to prioritise responsible environmental management and orderly urban development.

Urbanisation Driving Environmental Challenges

According to the foundation, rapid urbanisation in Nigeria and other developing countries has intensified environmental and infrastructural challenges.

These include flooding, traffic congestion, pollution, indiscriminate development, housing shortages, and climate-related disasters.

Founder of the foundation, Nathaniel Atebije, said these challenges highlight the urgent need for effective physical planning as a strategic tool for environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social stability.

The foundation stressed that no nation can achieve resilient and sustainable cities without strict adherence to sound urban and regional planning principles.

It described physical planning as one of the most effective tools for:

• Orderly urban development
• Environmental protection
• Disaster risk reduction
• Efficient land use management
• Creation of livable human settlements

Call for Stronger Institutions and Enforcement

The organisation urged all levels of government to strengthen planning institutions and enforce development control regulations.

It also called for the preparation and implementation of functional regional, urban, and local development plans across the country.

The foundation further insisted that planning approvals and infrastructure decisions should be guided by qualified indigenous planning professionals with strong knowledge of local environmental and socio-economic conditions.

Private Sector and Developers Urged to Comply

The foundation appealed to corporate organisations, private developers, financial institutions, and individuals to integrate physical planning principles into all development projects and investment decisions.

It warned that developments carried out without proper planning often lead to:

• Environmental hazards
• Economic losses
• Avoidable disputes
• Unsustainable urban growth patterns

Underutilisation of Local Expertise

The statement noted that Nigeria has a pool of highly trained indigenous professionals in the built environment sector whose expertise remains underutilised in national development.

It stressed that involving town planners and related experts in project design, site selection, environmental management, and infrastructure planning is both a legal requirement and a long-term investment in sustainability.

Need to Update and Enforce Master Plans

The foundation also called for a comprehensive review and implementation of urban and regional master plans to reflect Nigeria’s rapid population growth and climate change realities.

It urged strict enforcement of development control regulations to prevent illegal structures and encroachment on floodplains, road setbacks, green areas, and utility corridors.

Commitment to Advocacy and Awareness

Reaffirming its mission, the foundation said it remains committed to promoting planning consciousness, environmental sustainability, housing advocacy, and responsible urban governance through research, policy advocacy, and public enlightenment.

“We call on all citizens to become active partners in protecting our environment and building cities that are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable for present and future generations,” the group stated.

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Despite posting strong turnover in 2025, Nigeria’s real estate and construction sectors recorded limited real expansion, highlighting a widening gap between nominal growth and actual productivity.

Stakeholders, however, remain optimistic, pointing to rising infrastructure demand, rapid urbanisation, and steady private sector investment as key drivers of future growth.

Construction and Real Estate Hit Strong Nominal Growth

Nigeria’s construction and real estate sectors recorded significant nominal growth in 2025, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

• Construction sector: N19.36 trillion, up from N16.29 trillion in 2024 (18.8% increase)
• Real estate sector: N58.16 trillion, up from N41.27 trillion in 2024 (40.93% increase)

Combined, the two sectors contributed N77.52 trillion in nominal output for 2025.

However, analysts warn that this growth is heavily influenced by inflation and rising project costs rather than a proportional increase in real economic output.

Real Growth Tells a Different Story

While nominal figures rose sharply, real GDP performance shows a more moderate picture.

• Construction real GDP growth: 5.53% in 2025, up from 4.16% in 2024
• Real estate real GDP growth: 3.78% in 2025, down from 6.59% in 2024

This divergence suggests that while more money is flowing into the sectors, actual output—such as completed housing units and infrastructure delivery—is not increasing at the same pace.

Quarterly data further reflects uneven performance:

• Construction peaked in Q4 2025 at N5.52tn
• Real estate peaked in Q3 2025 at N18.24tn

Inflation and Cost Pressures Driving Nominal Growth

Stakeholders say rising costs are inflating sector figures without delivering equivalent physical expansion.

Soji Adeniji, Chairman of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Construction and Engineering Group, said growth is being driven by infrastructure demand and urban expansion.

He noted that inflation and foreign exchange pressures are significantly increasing project costs.

“In simple terms, projects are costing more, and that is reflecting in the sector’s GDP contribution,” he said.

Housing Demand and Population Growth Fuel Real Estate

In the real estate sector, Dr Michael Oladiji, Chairman of the LCCI Real Estate Group, linked turnover growth to Nigeria’s rising population and housing demand.

“Housing is a basic need. As the population increases, demand for housing rises,” he said.

He also highlighted the role of diaspora remittances in financing property development across the country.

However, he acknowledged that rising costs and inefficiencies are limiting the sector’s ability to translate investment into actual housing delivery.

Private Investment and Urbanisation Remain Key Drivers

Urban expansion in major cities such as Lagos continues to fuel demand for both residential and commercial developments.

Adeniji noted that private investors increasingly view real estate as a hedge against inflation, while informal housing development also contributes to sector activity.

He added that despite economic challenges, operators have remained resilient in delivering projects across the country.

Financing Constraints and Structural Challenges

Stakeholders warn that limited access to affordable financing remains a major barrier to sustained growth.

Adeniji stressed that cost stability and long-term funding are essential for infrastructure and housing delivery.

Without these, the sector risks continued reliance on nominal expansion rather than real output growth.

Technology and ESG Becoming Critical

Industry experts say the future of the sector will depend on improved efficiency and technology adoption.

Oladiji highlighted the growing use of smart buildings, digital property platforms, and virtual tools to improve sales and construction efficiency.

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards are also becoming more important in attracting funding.

Adeniji said ESG compliance is now “a core requirement for sustainable growth in the construction sector.”

Outlook: From Volume to Value

Despite strong figures, stakeholders agree that Nigeria’s construction and real estate sectors must shift from volume-based growth to value-driven delivery.

Adeniji concluded that future success will depend not just on how much is built, but how efficiently and sustainably it is delivered.

As Nigeria continues to face a major housing deficit, the challenge remains turning rising investment into tangible, affordable housing and infrastructure for a growing population.

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Nigeria’s real estate sector is entering a new growth phase, with industry analysts projecting that five emerging segments will drive expansion over the next decade, as the market shifts away from traditional property models.

According to insights from BusinessDay, the future of real estate in Nigeria and across Africa will be shaped by specialised sectors designed to meet the demands of a rapidly urbanising and technology-driven population.

Analysts say the industry is gradually moving beyond luxury high-rises and conventional office spaces toward more functional and impact-driven developments.

These emerging segments include purpose-built student accommodation, industrial and logistics real estate, data centres, healthcare infrastructure, and mid-market residential housing targeted at young professionals.

Data indicates that institutional investment in traditional real estate segments surged by 260 per cent to $1.8 billion over six years, reflecting growing investor confidence. However, market experts believe the next wave of growth will come from alternative asset classes with stronger long-term fundamentals.

Research by Fotren and Company highlights increasing investor appetite for these sectors, driven by evolving economic realities and demographic shifts.

Purpose-built student accommodation is gaining traction as rising enrolment across higher institutions continues to outpace available housing supply. Analysts estimate that existing student housing stock meets less than 30 per cent of demand, creating significant opportunities for private investment.

In the industrial and logistics segment, the rapid expansion of e-commerce and trade integration is fueling demand for modern warehousing, cold storage, and distribution infrastructure.

The sector is further supported by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to boost intra-African trade and strengthen supply chains across major economic corridors.

Technology-driven real estate, particularly data centres, is also emerging as a critical growth area. With Africa accounting for a significant share of global mobile money transactions and experiencing rapid growth in data usage, demand for digital infrastructure is rising sharply.

Analysts project that data centre capacity will expand significantly by 2030, requiring billions of dollars in new investment to meet growing demand.

Healthcare real estate is another sector attracting attention, driven by rising income levels, increased access to private health insurance, and a shift toward outpatient and specialist care facilities.

Experts note that demand is growing for purpose-built facilities such as diagnostic centres, dialysis clinics, and medical plazas, which existing infrastructure cannot adequately support.

Meanwhile, demographic trends are positioning mid-market residential housing as a key driver of future growth. Africa’s population, estimated at 1.5 billion, is projected to reach 1.9 billion by 2035, with a large proportion of young people entering the workforce and forming new households.

Urbanisation is also accelerating demand, with millions moving into cities and increasing pressure on housing supply in major urban centres.

Analysts say these combined factors are reshaping the real estate landscape, presenting new opportunities for investors while redefining how property development aligns with economic growth and societal needs.

The post Five Sectors Set to Drive Nigeria’s Real Estate Growth by 2035 appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Housing has remained one of the most pressing development challenges in Nigeria, with experts increasingly pointing to infrastructure deficits as the major constraint limiting supply, affordability, and sustainable urban growth across the country.

Across developed economies, housing is treated not just as shelter but as a strategic pillar for economic stability, social welfare, and national productivity, shaping policies that ensure citizens have access to affordable and quality living conditions.

Globally, frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights reinforce housing as a fundamental human right, compelling governments to adopt inclusive and sustainable housing policies.

In Europe and the United States, sustained investments in public and social housing, backed by strong infrastructure systems, have helped bridge housing gaps while boosting economic growth and improving living standards.

For Nigeria, however, the situation remains dire, with a housing deficit estimated at over 28 million units, driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth, and rising demand for residential and commercial spaces.

As more Nigerians migrate to urban centres in search of economic opportunities, pressure on available housing continues to intensify, worsening living conditions and deepening inequality, particularly among low-income households.

Industry stakeholders argue that the crisis is largely a result of systemic challenges, including weak urban planning, high construction costs, limited access to finance, and inconsistent policy implementation across different levels of government.

They maintain that without deliberate and coordinated intervention, Nigeria’s housing shortfall will continue to widen, further constraining economic development and social stability in rapidly expanding cities.

Experts note that infrastructure development remains the most critical enabler of large-scale housing delivery, influencing where investments flow and determining the pace at which new housing projects can be executed.

In countries such as the United States and China, massive and sustained investments in infrastructure—including transportation networks, power supply, and urban planning systems—have significantly boosted real estate development and improved housing accessibility.

These investments have not only enhanced property development but also created jobs, increased productivity, and strengthened overall economic performance, making housing more attainable for a broader segment of the population.

In contrast, Nigeria continues to grapple with inadequate infrastructure, particularly in critical areas such as electricity, roads, rail systems, and water supply, all of which directly impact housing costs and availability.

Analysts emphasise that improving infrastructure will reduce construction expenses, attract private sector participation, and unlock new areas for development, thereby expanding housing supply and lowering costs for end-users.

They further stress that government-led infrastructure projects must be prioritised and sustained, as they play a pivotal role in shaping real estate markets and driving long-term economic growth.

Ultimately, stakeholders agree that addressing Nigeria’s housing crisis requires a holistic approach that combines infrastructure investment, policy reforms, and active collaboration between government and private sector players to deliver affordable housing at scale.

The post Infrastructure Holds Key to Solving Nigeria’s Housing Crisis — Experts appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Urbanization, the permanent concentration of people in cities has become one of the defining trends of modern society. It reshapes economies, social systems, and the environment, driving nations from agrarian communities to industrial and service-based urban centers.

Globally, this transformation accelerated during the Industrial Revolution and continues today. By 2050, about 64% of the developing world and 86% of developed nations are projected to be urbanised. While urbanisation fosters innovation and growth, it also poses major challenges: population pressure, inadequate infrastructure, housing shortages, and rising unemployment.

In Nigeria, rapid urbanisation combined with population growth has deepened the housing crisis. Millions—especially low- and middle-income earners—struggle to afford decent homes as demand far exceeds supply. The result is soaring rents, slum expansion, and overstretched infrastructure.

Housing is not just shelter—it underpins quality of life, economic stability, and social inclusion. Meeting UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 requires addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit through inclusive and sustainable urban planning.

To close the gap, experts advocate a multifaceted strategy:

• Stronger government policies promoting affordable housing.
• Public-private partnerships to mobilise investment and expertise.
• Innovative financing, tax incentives, and subsidies to support low-income households.
• Mandatory inclusion of affordable units in private developments to promote mixed-income communities.

If effectively implemented, these measures can turn Nigeria’s urbanisation trend into an opportunity for growth rather than crisis. Sustainable planning, responsible governance, and cross-sector collaboration will be vital to ensuring every Nigerian has access to safe, affordable housing and vibrant urban living.

Source: Guardian

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Africa’s skylines are rising fast. From highways to power plants, ports to housing estates, a wave of construction is sweeping the continent, fuelled by rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, and a swelling population. This transformation is reshaping economies and creating one of the world’s fastest-growing construction markets.

The sector, currently worth an estimated $200 billion, is expected to expand to $300 billion by 2032, according to new figures from Afreximbank. Nigeria alongside Algeria, Egypt, Tanzania, and Ethiopia will drive more than half of this growth, with Nigeria standing out as the continent’s most dynamic and influential player.

“Africa is undergoing a transformation,” said Anthony Coleman, Director of Development Research at Afreximbank, during the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair in Algiers. “Population growth, rapid urbanisation, and the push for energy sufficiency are combining to reshape the construction landscape.”

The surge is not isolated from global dynamics. Stagnant growth in Europe has slowed the global construction sector, but the geopolitical fallout of the Russia-Ukraine war has redirected focus toward energy security. That shift has driven demand for liquefied natural gas infrastructure and reconfigured logistics networks trends that are fueling additional construction opportunities in Africa.

“We are seeing companies rethink supply chains and governments invest in energy infrastructure,” Coleman explained. “This has created a ripple effect across African markets.”

Yet the boom is uneven. North Africa dominates, with Algeria and Egypt together accounting for almost one-third of activity in the region. Central, East, and West Africa are beginning to show promise, with Cameroon and Rwanda emerging as bright spots. Still, most countries face a wide infrastructure gap, particularly in transport, energy, and housing.

“The need is clear,” Coleman said. “To keep up with economic expansion, we must match it with roads, ports, power plants, and homes.”

Despite the impressive numbers, African contractors remain largely absent from the biggest deals. Afreximbank’s research revealed that limited technical know-how, weak financing options, and poor visibility of opportunities prevent many local firms from securing government and donor-funded projects.

“Many contractors simply don’t know where the opportunities are,” Coleman noted. “And when they do, they often lack the support needed to win.”

Government agencies voiced parallel concerns, citing doubts over local firms’ ability to deliver at scale and highlighting restrictive financing rules that tilt in favour of foreign companies. “Sometimes the obstacle is written into the financing terms themselves,” Coleman emphasised.

To address these barriers, Afreximbank is launching a centralised digital platform to improve project transparency and access. It is also investing in capacity-building programmes to strengthen the financial, operational, and technical readiness of African contractors.

Perhaps most crucially, the bank is pressing governments and funding partners to reform procurement policies to ensure African EPC firms are directly involved in the continent’s infrastructure build-out.

“We want these projects to be African-led and African-delivered,” Coleman said. “That is how we build resilience and ownership.”

Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of the Intra-African Trade Bank, reinforced this point, stressing that local firms play a more strategic role than is often recognised. “Most African EPCs are not merely contractors,” she said. “They are development enablers and key partners in overcoming the financing challenges facing the continent.”

Businessday

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