Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Managing Partner of Thinkmint Nigeria, Mrs. Imeida Usoro Olaoye, have highlighted the critical importance of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in shaping the future of the real estate sector in Lagos and Nigeria.
They made these remarks on Tuesday during the Two-Day 2024 Real Estate Discussions and Awards (REDA), organized by Thinkmint Nigeria and held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Housing, Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, praised the 2024 REDA’s theme, “Navigating Change in Real Estate for a New Era”, noting its relevance given the evolving landscape of the industry.
He emphasized that real estate is not just about building structures but about creating communities, driving economic growth, and fostering social development.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to making Lagos a leader in real estate development through comprehensive policies and infrastructure investments.
He outlined efforts to streamline land title registrations and ensure property ownership through the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).
These initiatives, according to Sanwo-Olu, have boosted investor confidence and reduced property disputes, making Lagos a more attractive destination for real estate investments.
He also highlighted the role of infrastructure projects, such as road expansions and transportation network developments, in unlocking the potential of key areas.
Furthermore, the Governor underscored the administration’s focus on sustainability, particularly in coastal areas like Eko Atlantic City, emphasizing green building practices and flood defenses as essential elements of Lagos’ long-term environmental strategy.
He also pointed to the role of regulatory bodies like the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in ensuring that real estate transactions in the state are transparent and environmentally compliant.
He urged the industry to embrace innovation and sustainability as key drivers for growth in this new era.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Imeida Usoro Olaoye set the tone for the conference, stressing the need for innovation and adaptation in the real estate industry.
She praised industry stakeholders for embracing the theme and urged professionals to think outside the box and collaborate to create solutions to current challenges.
Olaoye emphasized the importance of technology shifts, policy reforms, and changing market demands in ensuring the future success of the sector.
She also acknowledged the sponsors and partners for their contributions to the event and declared the conference open, encouraging attendees to take full advantage of the discussions and networking opportunities.
Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), echoed the sentiments of the conference, stressing the need for the industry to reshape its strategies to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
He reaffirmed LSDPC’s commitment to advancing housing solutions that meet immediate needs while promoting long-term economic and infrastructural growth.
He encouraged participants to engage in meaningful discussions and explore innovative ideas to address the evolving demands of the real estate sector.
