Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has restated the importance of infrastructure development as a key driver of real estate expansion, while also outlining the state’s priorities for delivering affordable housing amid a highly competitive global investment climate.
Sanwo-Olu made the remarks at the 2026 Nigeria Construction and Real Estate Outlook Conference, organised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Nigeria Group, and held at the Metropolitan Club on Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, the governor used Lagos State as a practical example, noting that the city’s rapid population growth presents both significant challenges and opportunities.
He explained that the state has intentionally adopted infrastructure development as a long-term investment approach, with government-led initiatives aimed at boosting private-sector confidence.
For Lagos State, the governor identified key priorities to include deepening infrastructure provision, strengthening institutions, expanding climate-responsive investments, enhancing data-driven planning systems, and encouraging innovation in construction through stronger collaboration with the private sector and professional bodies.
Sanwo-Olu stated that “Infrastructure is not an accessory to growth; it is its architecture. It determines where value emerges, how cities expand, and whether growth is inclusive or fragile.” He further observed that in “An increasingly competitive global investment environment, professionalism, transparency, and integrity in the built environment are decisive factors for attracting capital and sustaining growth’’.
The governor praised RICS for its global leadership and high professional standards, noting that these have continued to add value to stakeholders.
He highlighted the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system, major road and bridge projects, and integrated transport planning as transformative initiatives that are reshaping land use, opening up new real estate corridors, cutting congestion costs, and promoting transit-oriented development across the state.
Sanwo-Olu also emphasized the role of strong institutions in making infrastructure projects attractive to investors, pointing to reforms in land administration, planning approvals, and public-private partnership frameworks that have improved certainty, lowered risk, and sped up project execution.
According to the governor, “These achievements reflect continuity of vision across successive administrations and a clear understanding that infrastructure is the strongest signal of government credibility and long-term intent.”
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about Nigeria’s construction and real estate prospects in 2026, identifying opportunities in transit-oriented development, urban renewal, affordable housing, logistics and industrial parks, as well as climate-resilient infrastructure.
Sanwo-Olu further acknowledged the crucial role of chartered surveyors and other built-environment professionals in protecting value, ensuring accountability, and aligning development with long-term economic and social goals.
“In a global investment environment where trust is currency, your role directly influences where capital flows and where cities thrive,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to setting the pace in sustainable urban development and commended the RICS Nigeria Group for its continued efforts in shaping Nigeria’s built environment.
The RICS 2026 Conference was attended by Dr Adekunle Olayinka, Special Adviser in the Office of Works, Lagos State; Surveyor Adesina Ayokunnu, Special Adviser to the Governor in the Office of the State Surveyor General; as well as leading chartered surveyors, real estate professionals, construction experts, policymakers, academics, and investors.
The conference provided a forum for in-depth discussions on emerging trends, policy reforms, investment prospects, and the future direction of Nigeria’s construction and real estate sector.