Nigeria’s Real Estate Market: A Call for Reform by Cecil Osakwe

Real estate developer Cecil Osakwe points out the distinctions between the real estate markets in Nigeria and the United States, focusing on regulations, transparency levels, and investor trustworthiness. His evaluation underlines the obstacles faced by Nigeria. He Identifies avenues for progress setting the stage for future development, in the country. 

The real estate sector in the United States is well known worldwide for its established rules that promote fairness and responsibility within the industry. These rules include building codes and real estate laws as licensing criteria that create an attractive environment for investors from near and far. Legal procedures play a role in enabling transactions such as lease agreements and property sales while also dealing with foreclosures to build trust and stability in the market.   

The real estate industry in Nigeria encounters obstacles as a result of regulation laws despite an increasing population and a burgeoning middle-income group segment that it caters to; the sector grapples with issues owing to insufficient supervision measures in place, leading to widespread corruption problems and low standards of construction work as well as prevalent instances of fraudulent activities, within the realm of real estate agencies and contractors.  This lack of centralized oversight results in a fragmented market, discouraging local and international potential investors.

Osakwe emphasizes the crucial role of regulation by contrasting the stringent licensing and enforcement in the U.S. market with Nigeria’s more lenient approach. In the U.S., noncompliance results in severe penalties, which helps uphold professionalism across the industry. In contrast, Nigerian contractors frequently cut corners, inflating property prices while compromising the quality of their buildings. This lack of strict enforcement leads to widespread distrust, causing many investors to avoid the Nigerian market.

One significant issue identified by Osakwe is the disparity in tenant rights between the United States and Nigeria. In the United States, the rights of both tenants and landlords are explicitly defined and legally enforceable, thereby fostering a balanced and equitable rental market. Conversely, tenants in Nigeria frequently encounter arbitrary rent increases and unexpected evictions due to inadequate protections, which render them susceptible to exploitation.

Despite these obstacles, Osakwe remains optimistic about Nigeria’s real estate potential. The country’s rapid economic growth drives demand for quality residential and commercial properties. To unlock this potential and foster trust in the market, Osakwe argues for stronger regulations and improved oversight. Strengthening the legal framework surrounding property transactions and dispute resolution would create a more attractive environment for investors.

Osakwe emphasizes the need for increased government intervention in Nigeria’s real estate sector by drawing on lessons learned from the U.S. He advocates for measures such as mortgage subsidies and affordable housing initiatives. He believes that with the right reforms, Nigeria can transform its real estate industry into a thriving, investor-friendly environment that ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness for all stakeholders.