The seventh edition of Lagos Real Estate Fest 2026 concluded in Lagos after two days of high-level conversations, strategic networking, and industry engagement focused on the future of Nigeria’s evolving property market and Africa’s broader real estate investment landscape.
Held from May 25 to 26, 2026, the summit convened developers, investors, policymakers, fund managers, legal experts, and real estate executives at a time when Nigeria’s property sector continues to navigate rising urban demand, changing consumer behavior, infrastructure challenges, and increasing interest in alternative real estate investments.
The event served as a platform for stakeholders to examine emerging opportunities shaping residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments across major African cities.
Among the notable industry leaders at the event were Tobi Akerele, CEO of Gidi Estate; Azubike Emodi, CEO of Afriland Properties; Ozofu Ogiemudia, Deputy Managing Director of UUBO; Ayotunde Adesalu, CEO of Novare Fund Managers Nigeria; Esvi Bashiri-Oladumi, MD/CEO of Wemabod Limited; Saadiyah Aliyu, CEO of Urban Shelters; and Waye Famojuro, Managing Director of Tide Legal Partners.
One of the standout discussions at the summit focused on the rapid growth of Nigeria’s shortlet apartment market and how changing lifestyle preferences are reshaping real estate development strategies.
Speaking during the session, Akerele explained that modern consumers are increasingly prioritizing lifestyle experiences over traditional accommodation offerings, forcing developers to rethink how properties are designed and positioned within the market.
“People are no longer looking for just a place to sleep. They are looking for comfort, lifestyle, experience, security, and memorable stays,” he said.
Akerele also highlighted the importance of proper due diligence before purchasing land or investing in real estate assets. He stressed that investors must pay close attention to documentation, legal verification, and long-term value potential when evaluating opportunities within the market.
Other panelists discussed emerging investment trends, evolving asset classes, commercial real estate opportunities, and the role of innovation in driving the future of Nigeria’s property market.
Another major session at the summit, themed “Open for Business: Scaling Retail & Commercial Real Estate in Nigeria,” focused on the transformation taking place within Nigeria’s retail and commercial property ecosystem.
The panel explored how retail and commercial spaces are evolving in response to changing consumer behavior, economic realities, urban expansion, and increasing demand for mixed-use developments across major Nigerian cities.
Speakers emphasized the need for strategic infrastructure, sustainable urban planning, technology integration, and investor confidence to unlock the next phase of growth in Nigeria’s commercial real estate sector.
Organizers described Lagos Real Estate Fest 2026 as a strategic industry platform designed to encourage collaboration, attract investment conversations, and support long-term growth within Africa’s property ecosystem.
Across keynote sessions, panel discussions, and business engagements, the event reflected ongoing conversations around the future of real estate development, investment, and urban growth in Nigeria and across Africa.
Crest Africa and Empire Magazine Africa participated as media partners for the event, helping to amplify discussions and industry insights emerging from the summit to wider audiences across the continent.
