Kwara State, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is embarking on an ambitious urban development project known as the Kwara Smart City. Projected to house 540,000 residents upon completion, this meticulously planned metropolis will address the anticipated population boom in Nigeria over the next two and a half decades. The governor emphasized the project’s significance during the Kwara Real Estate 2025 conference, highlighting the city’s comprehensive design encompassing residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational facilities. With 19,000 hectares of land already secured, the Kwara Smart City is poised to become a model of sustainable urban development. This forward-thinking initiative reflects the government’s proactive approach to managing future demographic shifts and ensuring adequate housing and infrastructure for the growing population.
The conference, themed “Aspiring to Elevate,” served as a platform to discuss the future of real estate in Kwara and beyond. Governor AbdulRazaq, represented by the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, underscored the importance of preparing for Nigeria’s projected rise to the third most populous nation globally. He stressed the need for proactive measures across various sectors, including housing and infrastructure, to accommodate the anticipated growth. The Kwara Smart City, conceived as a “city for tomorrow,” is a direct response to this challenge, providing a well-planned urban environment to cater to the burgeoning population. Furthermore, the governor highlighted the ongoing urban renewal efforts in Ilorin, the state capital, which include significant improvements to the road network and urban landscape.
Beyond the Kwara Smart City, the state government is committed to ongoing urban renewal initiatives across Kwara. Governor AbdulRazaq pointed to the visible transformation of Ilorin’s urban landscape, evident in the improved road network and overall infrastructure. He emphasized the government’s dedication to creating a more sustainable living environment for the residents of Kwara. This dual-pronged approach – developing the new Smart City while revitalizing existing urban areas – showcases the state’s comprehensive vision for urban development.
The conference brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the real estate sector. Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), acknowledged the difficulty governments face in meeting the housing needs of their citizens due to limited resources. Speaking through Kehinde Eleja (SAN), he emphasized the global nature of the housing challenge and called for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to address the issue. Fagbemi also stressed the importance of quality assurance and adherence to regulatory frameworks in real estate development to ensure sustainable and responsible growth.
Dr. Azeez Adigun, the convener of the conference and CEO of Jibzit Properties Limited, highlighted the significance of the event in shaping the future of real estate, not only in Kwara but also as a national model for sustainable and inclusive development. He emphasized the four pillars of real estate—purpose, product, people, and process—as key areas of focus for the conference. Dr. Adigun’s vision aligns with the government’s efforts to transform Kwara’s urban landscape and promote sustainable development practices. The event aimed to foster innovation and collaboration, driving solutions that will shape the future of Kwara’s urban environment.
Chief Kamar Abioye, Chairman of the Kwara State branch of the Real Developers Association of Nigeria, affirmed that the conference demonstrated Kwara’s readiness to become a thriving hub for real estate growth and innovation. He reiterated his association’s commitment to empowering developers, advocating for enabling policies, and fostering collaborations that create opportunities for its members. The conference provided a platform for the public and private sectors to align their efforts, contributing to a shared vision of a sustainable and prosperous urban future for Kwara State. The emphasis on collaboration, quality assurance, and adherence to regulatory frameworks underscores a commitment to responsible and sustainable development.
