Business
Real Estate Guru pulls weight behind Police Housing Plan
The Chief Executive Officer of Wardiere Oakmount, Kunle Ilori-Diamond, has thrown his weight behind the proposed low-cost housing scheme for officers of the Nigeria Police Force, describing it as a timely and strategic move capable of improving policing and strengthening national security.
He said this while speaking on the TVC flagship programme, Breakfast show recently.
Ilori-Diamond said his support for the initiative became imperative after he read in national dailies that the Police boss spoke in support of a housing plan for his officers coupled with his observation of the listening attribute of the current government.
According to him, housing projects of this nature are not new to his firm, adding that Wardiere Oakmount has executed similar schemes outside Nigeria with success.
He said, “I’m not really a television person, but when I saw the Inspector General of Police talking about it, coupled with the fact that I have come to realise that the present Federal Government is one that listens, I felt this was the best time to speak.
“This is the kind of project we have done before. And if we could do that for nations where we weren’t born, why won’t we do the same for our own country?”
While acknowledging public complaints and criticisms often directed at the police, the real estate executive urged Nigerians to adopt a more empathetic and solution-driven approach to addressing challenges within the force.
“Yes, many complain about the police and what they are not pleased with. But we must understand that these people are Nigerians too. If something is wrong, we must explore other means of helping them do better, such as creating reliefs for such as housing that we are currently talking about,” he said.
Ilori-Diamond argued that housing insecurity remains a major but often overlooked burden on police officers, especially those approaching retirement without owning a home.
“Imagine a man who knows that he will be retiring in a few years and is yet to own a house. What do you think would overshadow such a person’s reasoning? Believe me, that is what he would consider in all he is doing,” he said.
He maintained that addressing such anxieties through a sustainable housing scheme would not only improve officers’ welfare but also enhance public safety.
The Wardiere Oakmount boss also commended the IGP for championing a low-cost housing model for officers, describing it as a “cogent move” that could positively impact policing outcomes across the country.
Ilori-Diamond stated, “It is better safety for all of us if we achieve this scheme for them. A man who does not have to think about when he will be paying the next rent obviously has a lighter financial burden, and by that, he will work with his sanity intact. I want to appreciate the fact that the Inspector General of Police is talking about a low housing scheme for officers. This will better help our policing and, in turn, strengthen our security architecture.”
However, Ilori-Diamond cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach, drawing lessons from previous housing schemes undertaken by government agencies.
He explained, “We have seen housing schemes with other government parastatals, and one thing that often stops them from flying is insisting on the same size and location for everybody.
“Imagine having a housing scheme in Lekki for a constable and the same location for an Assistant Inspector General or a Commissioner. Obviously, there will be trouble getting the junior officer to pay for such property.”
He stressed that for the police housing scheme to succeed, it must be flexible, rank-sensitive and affordable, allowing officers at different levels to participate meaningfully.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Ogun State Government, Otunba OlaDapo AbdulRahman Okubadejo, has advocated for sustainable transfer to cleaner energy to maintain global economic stability
Otunba Okubadejo made the call at the 2026 Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS), held at the Mansion House, London, United Kingdom.
The Finance Commissioner who attended the Summit, and took part in a session with the topic, “Pressing Global Challenge of Balancing Energy Security and Decarbonisation,” argued that transition to cleaner energy must be managed carefully to ensure that economic stability is maintained throughout the process
He opined that it was necessary to harmonize immediate energy needs with long-term environmental stewardship, highlighting the delicate equilibrium required to achieve sustainable climate goals without compromising the energy reliability essential for industrial growth.
The Economic Adviser underscored the importance of innovative policy frameworks in navigating the complex global transition.
He reiterated Ogun State’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development through proactive approach to green initiatives, adding that the administration of governor Dapo Abiodun is working towards positioning the State as a hub for investment while also expanding towards the Commonwealth.
Otunba Okubadejo also informed of the the state’s broader economic strategy, which seeks to integrate environmental consciousness into its industrial expansion.
The Finance Commissioner concluded that fostering a green economy is not just an environmental mandate, but a viable pathway for resilient economic growth.
Abuja’s property market has kicked off 2026 with explosive momentum, delivering its strongest first-quarter performance on record and signaling renewed investor confidence despite rising economic pressures.
In a landmark surge, March 2026 alone recorded 9,465 residential transactions—an astonishing 83.4% increase compared to the same period last year. This sharp rise helped push total first-quarter transactions to an all-time high of 29,009 deals, cementing Abuja’s position as one of Africa’s fastest-growing real estate hubs.
Industry data reveals a broad-based expansion across segments. Off-plan sales soared by 94.6%, while secondary market transactions jumped 76.1%, highlighting strong appetite from both new buyers and existing property investors.
Despite escalating financing costs and tighter payment structures, market activity has shown remarkable resilience.
Kúnlé Ìlòrí-Diamond, investment banker and real estate expert, noted that the anticipated slowdown has yet to materialize.
“The total number of transactions in March reached 9,465, up significantly from 5,598 in February. This marks the strongest first quarter ever recorded in Abuja’s residential market. While property prices and rents continue to rise, we are beginning to see a moderation in growth rates, particularly within the duplex segment” he said.
Strong Rental Returns Drive Investor Interest
Abuja’s rental market is also experiencing a powerful upswing, offering increasingly attractive returns to investors.
Following a relatively quiet third quarter, average apartment rents surged by 14% in Q4
2025—the highest quarterly increase since 2017. Analysts attribute this growth to Abuja’s expanding reputation as a business and lifestyle destination, coupled with relatively competitive property pricing and improved housing options.
Notably, high returns are no longer confined to traditional premium locations. Emerging districts such as Kyami, Kuje, Karsana, and Appo-Wasa are rapidly gaining traction, providing investors with new opportunities beyond the city’s core.
Prices Climb, Duplex Segment Leads Growth
Price growth has remained robust across property types. According to market research, average property prices rose by 11.3% year-on-year as of March 2026.
Apartment prices increased by 20% while duplex prices surged by 32%, maintaining their dominance in the market
Average prices now stand at approximately ₦11,118 per square foot for apartments and ₦11,267 per square foot for duplexes.
Premium districts continue to command top rates. Abuja City Centre leads the apartment market with an average of ₦22,021 per square foot, while Maitama and Katampe Extension (Usuma) dominate the off-plan segment at ₦22,910 per square foot.
As of March 2026:
Average apartment rent stood at ₦80,000 while average duplex rent reached ₦238,441
Prime rental locations such as Jahi, Gwarimpa, Wuse, Guzape, and Apo Legislative Quarters recorded some of the highest apartment rents, while Maitama maintained its position at the top of the luxury rental market with average asking rents nearing ₦801,940.
Outlook: Momentum Expected to Continue
According to Diamond Ilori, CEO of Jacob & Co Developments, the record-breaking first quarter sets a strong tone for the rest of the year.
“After a challenging period, apartment prices have returned to double-digit growth, while duplexes continue to lead with over 20% price appreciation. The market is expected to sustain this momentum, especially as it attracts increased interest from foreign investors, particularly in the luxury housing segment.”
With rising demand, expanding suburban opportunities, and sustained investor confidence,
Abuja’s real estate market appears poised for one of its most dynamic years yet.
#AbujaRealEstate #PropertyMarket #Investment #NigeriaBusiness #RealEstateNews
Residents of Ogun State now have direct access to premium home transformations as Dulux, the global authority in luxury paints, officially launches its latest outlet at the Vista Mall on Akarigbo Road, Sagamu.
This new presence brings the brand’s hallmark of durability and high-definition color closer to local homeowners and professional developers.
Over the years, Dulux has built its reputation on superior coverage and specialized performance.
The Sagamu store features their most sought-after lines, including:
- Wash&Wear: A scrubbable, stain-resistant interior finish perfect for high-traffic areas.
- Weathershield: Advanced exterior protection designed to withstand harsh elements.
- Aquanamel: A water-based enamel specifically for trim and accents.
- Specialty Solutions: Tailored products for high-moisture environments like kitchens and bathrooms.
Beyond aesthetics, Dulux continues to lead in environmental responsibility, with products engineered with low-emission and low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) technology, ensuring that a beautiful finish doesn’t come at the cost of air quality or safety.
Dulux Paints offers aesthetics and protection for concrete, metal, and wood with curated palettes ranging from earthy neutrals to vibrant, trendy tones built to provide a hard-wearing finish that lasts for years.
For personalized consultations or to place an order, the Sagamu team can be reached at 08062199201 or 08062257639.
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