From Idu Jude, Abuja
A prominent property developer, Barrister Cecil Ezem Osakwe has said in Nigeria, rapid urbanization has created strong demand for housing, but infrastructure and regulatory processes have not always kept pace.
Osakwe, in a statement in Abuja, said in today’s interconnected world, property development is no longer a purely local exercise.
According to him, capital moves across borders, construction methods are shared globally, and international standards increasingly shape investor expectations.
He said in this environment, a global perspective is not a luxury for developers — it is a strategic necessity.
Osakwe said, “However, adopting a global perspective does not mean copying what works elsewhere without adaptation. The most effective developers are those who understand how to translate the best global practices into local realities. This requires both technical knowledge and cultural awareness, as well as the discipline to balance ambition with practicality.
“One of the most important advantages of international exposure is the opportunity to observe how mature real estate markets function. In cities like Houston, for example, residential development is often driven by structured planning, predictable regulatory processes, and access to long-term financing”.
Osakwe said developers in these environments benefit from zoning regulations, established mortgage systems and reliable infrastructure networks.
To him, these elements reduce uncertainty and allow projects to be executed with greater efficiency adding that they also create a framework within which risk can be more accurately assessed and managed.
he said the challenge arises when developers operate in markets where these systems are still
evolving. In Nigeria, saying for instance, rapid urbanization has created strong demand for housing, but infrastructure and regulatory processes have not always kept pace.
He said key lesson from global experience is the importance of building structure internally, even when external systems are less predictable.
“This means: conducting rigorous feasibility studies, phasing developments to manage risk and investing in supporting infrastructure where necessary.
“In Abuja, emerging residential corridors illustrate how this approach can create value. Developments that anticipate infrastructure growth — rather than waiting for it — often benefit from early positioning, leading to long-term appreciation.
“In more structured markets, phased development is a common strategy for aligning supply with demand. This approach is equally valuable in emerging markets, where demand can be strong but uneven.
“By developing projects in phases, developers can reduce capital exposure, adjust to market feedback and maintain pricing stability.
“This model has proven effective in both the United States and Nigeria, demonstrating that certain principles of real estate development are transferable across borders when applied thoughtfully”, he said.
Osakwe said another critical lesson from global markets is the central role of infrastructure.
He said roads, drainage systems, utilities, and connectivity are not optional features — they are fundamental to the success of any development.
He further said in many emerging markets, developers must take a more active role in delivering or facilitating infrastructure. “While this increases upfront costs, it also enhances long-term value”, he said.
The post Osakwe highlights infrastructure gaps, calls for global standards in Nigeria’s housing sector appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
