Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has emphasized that strong political will, combined with private sector backing, can enable the government to deliver sustainable and affordable housing projects nationwide.

Speaking at the 2026 Wemabod Real Estate Outlook in Lagos, themed “Unlocking Land and Infrastructure for Inclusive Housing,” Osinbajo stated that governments can successfully provide social housing models similar to Bodija Estate, given the right commitment and private sector involvement.

“Within three years of my tenure as Vice President, I inaugurated 15,000 housing units in Borno State. Comparable projects are achievable elsewhere; it is a matter of political will,” he noted.

Osinbajo highlighted that Nigeria’s land management has long been constrained by fragmented records, overlapping claims, and bureaucratic delays. He stressed the need for full digitization of land records, creating a transparent database of ownership and usage rights. Digital titling, he said, would reduce disputes, prevent double allocation, and provide a reliable foundation for investment.

He also called for streamlined land acquisition processes and regional legal frameworks to simplify documentation and ensure predictable timelines. “This will encourage both private sector and public infrastructure development,” Osinbajo added.

The former vice president further explained that modernizing land administration can reduce corruption, enhance security for homeowners and developers, and support proactive land banking and urban expansion strategies coordinated with infrastructure delivery.

“Inclusive, sustainable housing is possible—it is a policy choice and a matter of political will. South-West Nigeria does not lack land, capital, or expertise; what is lacking is a coherent regional vision that treats housing as the backbone of urban development,” he concluded.

Bashir Oladunni, CEO of Wemabod, added that housing is more than a social obligation; it is a foundation for economic productivity, social stability, and sustainable urban growth. He highlighted structural constraints in land and infrastructure as the main challenges limiting access and affordability.

Nureni Adisa, Chairman of Wemabod Limited, remarked on the paradox of Nigeria’s urban growth: vibrant economies alongside deepening housing inequality and land trapped in outdated frameworks, stressing the need for strategic reforms to unlock the nation’s housing potential.

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Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has called on governments at all levels to prioritise infrastructure development as the foundation for sustainable and inclusive housing delivery in Nigeria.

Osinbajo said the country’s persistent housing crisis is not due to a lack of workable models but rather weak political will and institutional failure to replicate proven approaches.

He made the call at the 2026 WEMABOD Limited Real Estate Outlook, themed “Unlocking Land and Infrastructure for Inclusive Housing: A Regional Agenda for Sustainable Urban Growth.”

Drawing lessons from the historic Bodija Estate in Ibadan, Osinbajo said Nigeria once demonstrated a successful housing model built on proper planning and early infrastructure provision, but failed to sustain and scale it across regions.

According to him, Bodija was designed as a complete neighbourhood rather than a mere housing cluster, with demand anticipated and planned as part of a wider development strategy.

“Demand was anticipated. It was planned for and shaped, not reacted to after the fact,” Osinbajo said.

He explained that the estate followed clear planning standards, featuring low-rise density, green buffers and open spaces, while prioritising privacy, social integration and livability.

Osinbajo noted that Bodija’s proximity to employment centres, public institutions and essential services reduced commuting time and ensured strong integration into the city’s economic and social life.

He added that the estate deliberately accommodated different income groups within the same community, with modest bungalows for low-income earners, semi-detached houses for middle-income residents and larger homes for senior professionals.

According to him, one of Bodija’s most critical strengths was the delivery of infrastructure before residents moved in. Roads, drainage systems, water supply, electricity, schools and community facilities were provided upfront, significantly reducing living costs.

Osinbajo described infrastructure as a hidden subsidy that made housing affordable by removing the burden of self-provision from households.

He said the failure of the Bodija model was not in its design, but in the inability of governments to replicate it across the South-West and other parts of the country.

Contrasting past approaches with current trends, Osinbajo observed that many modern housing estates are gated, homogeneous and driven largely by short-term commercial interests.

He noted that most new developments are located on city fringes, far from employment centres and public transport, leading to longer commute times, higher transportation costs, reduced productivity and increased carbon emissions.

He added that infrastructure in many estates has effectively been privatised, with residents forced to provide their own water, power, access roads and waste management, driving up housing costs and excluding low- and middle-income earners.

Osinbajo rejected claims that governments lack the capacity to deliver mass housing, insisting the challenge lies in misplaced priorities.

He cited examples from his tenure as Vice President, noting that Borno State delivered nearly 15,000 housing units within three and a half years despite limited internally generated revenue.

The former Vice President identified land and infrastructure as the two major constraints to inclusive housing in Nigeria.

He called for government-led land assembly, early provision of bulk infrastructure and mandatory inclusionary zoning in large housing developments.

Osinbajo also advocated properly structured public-private partnerships, where governments provide land, infrastructure and clear regulatory frameworks, while private developers contribute capital, technical expertise and execution capacity.

He said such collaboration remains key to closing Nigeria’s housing gap and achieving sustainable urban growth.

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Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has warned that commercial disputes in Nigeria can take nearly 13 years from filing to a final Supreme Court judgment, a delay he says threatens investment and economic growth. Speaking at the AELEX law firm’s 19th annual lecture in Lagos, Osinbajo highlighted how judicial inefficiencies, policy inconsistency, and weak enforcement have hurt investor confidence.

Citing data from the Justice Research Institute, he noted that cases spend over four years in the High Court, three years in the Court of Appeal, and more than six years at the Supreme Court. He recalled how a UK Court of Appeal once described Nigeria’s legal delays as “catastrophic.” Osinbajo also recounted how landlords in Lagos turned away from rental property investments due to endless tenant disputes and a slow judicial process.

To tackle this, he suggested reforms including digitization of courts, stronger sanctions for delays, creation of commercial courts, and limiting judicial interference in arbitration. He also called for changes to laws that hinder enforcement of judgments against government agencies.

Osinbajo further stressed that inconsistent government policies discourage both local and foreign investors. He urged cross-party collaboration to ensure policy continuity and stakeholder engagement before major reforms.

At the heart of his message was a push for people-centered governance. With nearly 70% of Nigerians under 25, he warned that failure to address youth welfare and justice would threaten national stability. He concluded by calling for unity across the executive, legislature, judiciary, and private sector to deliver meaningful reform.

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Speaking at the 75th World Real Estate Congress organized by the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) in Lagos, Osinbajo called for a shift in how real estate professionals approach housing development — from profit-driven motives to people-centered solutions that respond to human dignity and climate concerns.

He emphasized that access to shelter should be regarded as a basic human right, not just a commercial opportunity, and urged real estate stakeholders to embrace their role as social architects rather than merely builders. According to him, Nigeria’s population is growing by six million annually — a demographic trend that continues to outpace housing supply, particularly in urban areas.

“The goal should not be about constructing buildings alone, but about creating communities where people can live safely and with dignity,” Osinbajo said. He added that climate change, conflict, and affordability constraints have compounded the housing deficit, which now stands at over 50 million units across Africa.

He noted that with urbanization accelerating and more than 60 percent of Africa’s population projected to live in cities by 2050, the time to rethink housing strategies is now. Osinbajo called on industry players to integrate sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact while expanding access to decent and affordable homes.

Echoing this message, FIABCI Nigeria President Akin Opatola remarked that housing solutions must prioritize both progress and people. “Lagos exemplifies the kind of urban energy and innovation needed to drive future-forward real estate development,” he said.

FIABCI World President Ramon Riera also praised Lagos as a dynamic venue for the congress, saying it reflected the continent’s potential to shape a more inclusive and environmentally responsible property market.

The conference highlighted the growing consensus that housing should be treated not merely as a financial asset but as a cornerstone for equity, resilience, and inclusive growth.

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At a major international real estate summit in Lagos, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo urged industry leaders to rethink how homes are built in Nigeria.

He called for a shift towards sustainable housing practices that not only reduce harm to the planet but also make shelter more accessible to all. Speaking during the 75th World Congress of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), Osinbajo said the future of real estate must reflect the needs of the people and the planet alike.

He pointed out that climate-responsive design using local materials is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. In his view, housing should serve everyone, not just the wealthy or formally employed.

To do this, he said governments need to take social housing seriously not just as a policy tool, but as a smart investment that pays off both economically and socially.

Citing past and present examples, Osinbajo praised the efforts of former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande, who built over 30,000 homes between 1979 and 1983, and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who added more than 12,000 units between 2019 and 2023. Despite financial challenges, both leaders were able to deliver results by planning well, buying materials in bulk, and hiring local contractors. Osinbajo noted that their success came down to political will and good strategy.

He also pushed for broader mortgage access that includes those working in the informal sector. To help with that, he recommended embracing digital platforms such as Proptech, which can simplify land registration and reduce fraud.

FIABCI Nigeria’s President Akin Opatola echoed Osinbajo’s call, saying real estate isn’t just about buildings it’s about people and progress. He described Lagos as a city full of energy and potential, ready to lead the way in innovation and sustainable development. In a message delivered at the event, FIABCI World President Ramon Riera said the congress marks a turning point, not just for Africa, but for the global property market. He said Lagos, with its fast growth and vibrant culture, is the perfect place to explore new ideas in real estate and push for a more inclusive, eco-conscious future.

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It’s the new badge of honor in Nigeria’s political game. Not good governance. Not policy reform. But plastering their names on buildings paid for by the public.

This disturbing trend is now woven into the fabric of Nigeria’s political landscape. The funds may be public, but the glory is often hijacked. Whether it’s a block of classrooms, a bridge, or a market—once it’s complete, it becomes a monument not to service or community, but to the politician who made it happen… with your money.

Politicians and Self-Promotion: The Rise of “Monumental” Naming

Former Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, did it. The hall of residence at the University of Lagos wasn’t paid for from his personal account—it came from a constituency project funded through the national budget. Yet, there it stands, with his name proudly etched on it. Like a gift from a generous king.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had his turn too. A learning center for orphans of Boko Haram in Maiduguri, named after him. Noble project, questionable naming choice. Why stamp your name on something meant to serve the most vulnerable? Isn’t it enough to have done the work?

In Ebonyi, David Umahi named both a university and a market after himself while still serving as governor. In Akwa Ibom, a 21-storey tower was named after former governor Udom Emmanuel by the very man he helped put in power. It’s a mutual admiration society funded by the masses.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s name is already on multiple public projects, just over a year into his term. Even his wife, Remi Tinubu, has been honored with her name slapped on a new healthcare center in Lagos—courtesy of a local council chairman desperate to curry favor.

It’s a growing list, and the absurdity doesn’t end there. Some of the same politicians who once criticized military regimes for naming infrastructure after themselves are now doing exactly that. Power, as they say, changes people. And in Nigeria, it appears to change plaques, too.

The Changing Culture: From Honoring the Dead to Self-Glorification

Historically, naming a project after someone was a sacred gesture. Reserved for giants like Obafemi Awolowo or Nnamdi Azikiwe, whose lives and legacies transformed entire regions. It wasn’t done lightly, and it certainly wasn’t done while they were still in office. It was a way for a grateful nation to say, “Thank you,” long after the applause had faded.

Today, the applause doesn’t wait. Politicians clap for themselves. They commission projects and christen them all in one breath. It’s governance meets vanity project—a strategy to write themselves into the history books before history has had a chance to judge them.

The Downside: A Culture of Impunity

Gbenro Olajuyigbe, Executive Director of Emergency and Risk Alert, calls this behavior what it is: crude impunity. He argues that this kind of self-glorification isn’t just tasteless—it’s dangerous. It erodes the democratic principle of public ownership and feeds into a culture of entitlement among the political elite.

The power holders treat public assets like private trophies,” Olajuyigbe said. “They’re not serving; they’re showcasing. We’ve allowed this behavior to continue because we’re intimidated, and in some cases, sycophantic. We’ve traded accountability for applause.”

Politicians, Accountability, and Governance

Bukola Bassey, a public affairs analyst, agrees. She believes the trend shows just how far we’ve let our expectations drop. A hospital gets built not a world-class facility, just a basic one—and it’s seen as divine intervention. The politician who facilitated it is celebrated like a messiah, instead of simply being acknowledged as someone doing their job.

“Building a road or a school is not extraordinary,” Bassey said. “It’s literally what they were elected to do.”

The Risk of Setting a Dangerous Precedent

Auwal Musa Rafsanjani of CISLAC thinks the practice is setting a very dark precedent. If current politicians name projects after themselves while in power, what’s to stop the next crop from naming the whole country after their families?

He points to the recent renaming of an airport to Bola Ahmed Tinubu Airport as an example of how this culture is getting out of hand. There was backlash, but no lesson learned. More projects have followed, each carrying a familiar name.

“It sends the wrong message,” Rafsanjani warns. “If you want a building named after you, earn it. Let others decide if your legacy deserves that honor.”

The Danger of Self-Glorification in Politics

But why do these leaders crave their names in stone? Psychologist Mathew Adebola says it’s a mix of insecurity and image-building. For many, holding office isn’t enough. They want permanence. They want something to outlive their time in power, even if their leadership was mediocre.

“It’s not about public service. It’s about personal branding,” Adebola explains. “It’s legacy-building on a foundation of vanity.”

And it works—until it doesn’t. Because history, unlike concrete, is fluid. Today’s monument can become tomorrow’s mockery. Statues fall. Buildings are renamed. Streets are repainted. What remains is impact, and no plaque can manufacture that.

The Road to True Legacy: Governance Without Glory-Seeking

In the end, the real tragedy isn’t just the self-promotion. It’s the missed opportunity to truly serve. These leaders could let their actions speak louder than their names. They could invest in institutions that last longer than their terms. But instead, they choose shortcuts to immortality, forgetting that a name on a building is just a name—unless the building changes lives.

And if things keep going this way, we might wake up to news of “Shekau University” or “Bandit General Hospital” someday.

Absurd? Yes. But in a nation where politics is theater and public service is brand management, it’s not as far-fetched as it sounds.

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