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Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated that sustained infrastructure development remains a major catalyst for real estate expansion and long-term economic growth.
The governor made this known in a statement released on Friday, February 6, 2026, by Mr. Ganiu Lawal, Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Housing.
Lawal said Sanwo-Olu spoke on Thursday at the 2026 Nigeria Construction and Real Estate Outlook Conference held in Lagos.
The conference was organised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Nigeria Group, and attracted key stakeholders in the built environment sector.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said infrastructure formed the backbone of sustainable urban development.
He stressed that infrastructure investment should be seen as essential, rather than discretionary, for cities seeking inclusive and resilient growth.
According to the governor, Lagos State has consistently prioritised infrastructure to accommodate rapid population growth and stimulate construction activities.
He said the strategy also aimed to unlock private sector investment and enhance the state’s competitiveness within regional and global markets.
“Infrastructure is not an accessory to growth; it is its architecture,” the governor said.
He added that infrastructure determines where economic value emerges and how cities expand in a sustainable manner.
Sanwo-Olu said professionalism, transparency and integrity were critical in attracting investment into the construction and real estate sectors.
He noted that investor confidence depended largely on predictable systems and high professional standards within the built environment.
The governor commended RICS for promoting global standards and supporting improved professional practices in Nigeria’s property and construction industries.
He highlighted major infrastructure projects reshaping Lagos, including the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system and ongoing road and bridge developments.
Sanwo-Olu said integrated transport planning was opening new real estate corridors and redefining land use patterns across the state.
He emphasised the importance of strong institutions in making infrastructure projects attractive and bankable for investors.
The governor cited reforms in land administration, planning approvals and public-private partnership frameworks as key achievements.
According to him, the reforms have reduced investment risks, improved certainty and enhanced project delivery timelines.
Sanwo-Olu said the reforms reflected policy consistency and continuity across successive administrations in Lagos State.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s construction and real estate outlook in 2026, in spite of prevailing economic challenges.
The governor identified opportunities in transit-oriented development, urban regeneration, affordable housing and logistics infrastructure.
He also highlighted climate-resilient infrastructure as a growing priority for sustainable urban development.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos would continue to focus on climate-adaptive investments and data-driven urban planning.
He added that innovation would be strengthened through partnerships with the private sector and professional bodies.
The governor acknowledged the contributions of chartered surveyors and built-environment professionals to accountability and value protection.
He said their expertise was vital to delivering sustainable projects and maintaining public trust.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to sustainable urban development and responsible infrastructure delivery.
He thanked RICS Nigeria Group for providing a platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing within the sector.
The conference was attended by government officials, surveyors, developers, academics, policymakers and investors.
Participants discussed emerging trends, policy reforms, investment opportunities and the future direction of Nigeria’s construction and real estate industry.
By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe
