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.

The Ogun State waste management sector has been plunged into renewed turmoil as members of the Association of Waste Management Vendors and Recyclers staged a protest at the State House of Assembly on Thursday.

The demonstrators are demanding the immediate removal of the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, and the Special Adviser, Ogun State Waste Management Agency (OGWAMA), Farouk Akintunde citing administrative recklessness and contempt of court.

Led by the Association’s Chairman, Kunle Adesanya, the protesters accused the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya of orchestrating a systemic dismantling of the agency’s leadership.

The grievances center on three major pillars of illegal deregistration, judicial defiance and shadow leadership.

The vendors claimed that valid licenses and certificates issued under the embattled Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Abayomi Hunye, have been summarily canceled, forcing vendors into a dark era of multiple registrations and fresh fees.

“Now, it is clear that they have started multiple registration again. They have been exposed because we have sighted receipts of someone who has paid four times. The evidence is available. That person paid for all four licenses on the same day”

Brandishing placards with slogans such as ‘Ola Oresanya Must Go’, ‘Gov Dapo Abiodun, Save Our Soul’, ‘Multiple Registration of Vendors Must Stop’, ‘Farouk Must Not Cancel our Registration’, ‘Ola Oresanya is Not Competent to be in charge of Ogun State Environmental Issues’, Farouq is Ola Oresanya Puppet. Save Our Soul’, the vendors appealed to the Governor to intervene speedily.

“Our demand is that the Governor should save us. Our Association is not limited to Ogun State and our members in other states are not facing these kind of hardship. The government should do a thorough investigation, establish the truth and punish accordingly”

The group also alleged that the Commissioner is recognizing and providing backing to a splinter faction of the association in direct violation of a High Court interlocutory injunction, branding the Special Adviser, Farouk Akintunde as a puppet used by the Commissioner to bypass established protocols.

“Ola Oresanya is instigating a group of suspended members to parade themselves. Since the matter is in court, they are not supposed to be recognized. It is uncalled for,” stated Adesanya.

Reacting to the allegations, Oresanya denied the allegations, stating that he neither relates with any Association nor has any business with OGWAMA’s affairs.

He challenged the association to provide proof of his involvement.

“Apart from the fact that I don’t deal with Associations, I don’t know any Association. I don’t deal with them and I’m not working in OGWAMA. Do they have any proof? That is a fragment of somebody’s imagination.”

Amidst the chaos, the embattled Managing Director of OGWAMA, Abayomi Hunye, has broke his silence to address rumors regarding his employment status.

Speaking to journalists following his appearance at the Ogun State House of Assembly Complex on Thursday, Hunye clarified that while he is currently on

compulsory leave pending an investigation, he remains the MD/CEO of the Agency

While slamming some media reports on the matter over willful misrepresentation, Hunye insisted that the letter he received was a compulsory leave notification, rather than a termination letter.

“I was not sacked. I was directed to proceed on leave to allow for an investigation into allegations leveled against me. The letter is clear on this; any claim to the contrary is a distortion of the facts” Hunye remarked.