Real Estate Growth Can Stimulate FDI Inflows, New FIABCI Nigeria President Says

The new president of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) Nigeria chapter, Ayodeji Odeleye, has promised to make Nigeria an international real estate destination and a reference point in Africa for international investors. He spoke at his induction as president of the Nigerian chapter, alongside 16 new members, in Lagos.

Odeleye said Nigeria has the potential to attract millions of dollars into the economy through real estate, judging from the successful hosting of the FIABCI World Congress in Lagos, the first time the prestigious global gathering was held in Africa. "That achievement was historic and demonstrated that Nigeria could welcome the world and that Africa could provide a platform for the global real estate community," he said. "We proved to the global real estate world that Nigeria can lead the conversation."

He said his task as FIABCI president, Nigeria, would be to turn the global network into opportunities for members, including how to make the Nigerian real estate profession more visible within the global FIABCI family. "To ensure that when the world thinks about the future of African real estate, Nigeria will be part of the conversation, not merely as an observer, but as a contributor and a leader," he stated.

Odeleye added that his administration would lead a membership drive and mentorship programme for younger members, while encouraging competitive skills acquisition, training and global exposure for business opportunities. He pledged that FIABCI in Nigeria would not be perceived as an organisation centred in one city, with members in Abuja, Port Harcourt and other strategic locations set to be active participants, and pledged to establish and strengthen functional zones with defined leadership and clear responsibilities.