𝙍𝙀𝙁𝙇𝙀𝘾𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙊𝙉 𝘼 𝙏𝙍𝘼𝙉𝙎𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙈𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙑𝙀 𝙀𝙓𝙋𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙉𝘾𝙀 𝘼𝙏 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘼𝙁𝙍𝙄𝘾𝘼 𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝘼𝙇 𝙃𝙊𝙐𝙎𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙎𝙃𝙊𝙒 Africa International Housing Show

𝙍𝙀𝙁𝙇𝙀𝘾𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙊𝙉 𝘼 𝙏𝙍𝘼𝙉𝙎𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙈𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙑𝙀 𝙀𝙓𝙋𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙉𝘾𝙀 𝘼𝙏 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘼𝙁𝙍𝙄𝘾𝘼 𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝘼𝙇 𝙃𝙊𝙐𝙎𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙎𝙃𝙊𝙒 Africa International Housing Show

I had the distinct privilege of participating in the just-concluded Africa International Housing Show held at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. This gathering of industry leaders, experts, and visionaries provided a fertile ground for insightful discussions on the future of housing across Africa.

During the event, I was honored to speak alongside esteemed colleagues in the real estate sector. My session, titled "Housing the Future: Catering to Nigeria’s Young Population," focused on the evolving housing preferences of millennials and the diverse options available within Nigeria’s dynamic landscape.

A central theme of my discourse was the delicate balance between desires and realities. I emphasized that government intervention is crucial to address the pressing housing crisis, especially among Nigeria’s youthful and low-income demographics. Providing accessible housing funds and supportive policies can significantly catalyze progress in this sector.

Drawing from personal experience, I shared how we built our investment portfolio at Nests & Nails Properties. Starting small—purchasing modest properties on flexible 2-3 year payment plans—we gradually flipped these assets, leveraging strategic patience and delayed gratification. Over time, this approach enabled us to establish what we now know as Nests & Nails Properties nestsandnails.ng nestsandnailsproperties . I highlighted that careful planning and resilience are vital, and that success often stems from strategic, incremental steps.

The discussion also touched on critical choices in housing development—balancing functionality, aesthetics, and location—topics that provoke thoughtful consideration for industry stakeholders aiming to meet the diverse needs of Nigeria’s population.

I am profoundly grateful to the Africa International Housing Show team for the opportunity to engage in such a meaningful dialogue. Special thanks to the convener, whom I fondly refer to as the “Spirit of Real Estate,” Barrister Festus Adebayo Festus Adebayo , for inviting me to be part of the Youth and Under 40 Real Estate CEOs Forum. It was truly an inspiring experience.

As we look to the future, I remain optimistic that with collaborative effort, strategic innovation, and supportive policies, Nigeria can unlock its housing potential and secure a better future for its young and growing population.

Dr. Oladipupo Akinkunmi
MD/CEO, Nests & Nails Nigeria Limited