Get Guardian on Google…Women in Real Estate: Breaks Barriers in Nigeria’s Property Industry
The growing participation of women in Nigeria’s real estate industry is challenging traditional perceptions of property development as a predominantly male-dominated business, with entrepreneurs such as Dr. Mrs. Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac emerging as notable figures in the sector.
As Chief Executive Officer of Homadil Realty Limited and Summit Estate Global Limited, Godwin-Isaac has built a business presence in Abuja’s property market, combining real estate entrepreneurship with advocacy for women’s empowerment and opportunities for girls.
Her contributions to the industry recently received national recognition when she was honoured with The Sun Real Estate Icon Award 2026 at a ceremony held at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The award, presented by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, founder of The Sun Newspaper and The Sun Publishing Limited, recognised her contributions to Nigeria’s property sector.
However, beyond the glamour of the award ceremony, her professional journey draws attention to broader issues concerning women’s participation in business leadership, the challenges of housing delivery and the need for professionalism in Nigeria’s expanding real estate industry.
For many years, property development, construction and large-scale real estate investment have been perceived as areas dominated by men. Women entrepreneurs entering the sector have had to establish their credentials in an industry where access to capital, professional networks, technical expertise and investment opportunities can determine business success.
Godwin-Isaac’s experience in business development, market research and contract negotiation has informed her involvement in the property sector. Her educational background includes degrees from the University of Maiduguri, the National Open University of Nigeria and the University of South Wales, as well as Harvard Business School’s General Management Programme and a doctorate in Real Estate Economics and Finance from American Management University.
Through Homadil Realty Limited, she is involved in residential property development, construction coordination, brokerage and project management, while Summit Estate Global Limited is pursuing residential development projects in Abuja.
One of the company’s major projects is the Summit Estate residential development at Apo-Dutse, Abuja, which held its groundbreaking ceremony on February 14, 2026, at Cadastral Zone B14.
The proposed development is expected to comprise approximately 180 residential units, including detached and semi-detached houses and flats, alongside supporting facilities.
The project illustrates the potential contribution of private-sector developers to addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory, where population growth and urban expansion continue to increase demand for affordable and quality accommodation.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Compliance, Bashir Maidugu, urged estate developers to uphold professional standards, proper title documentation, construction quality and effective estate management.
These issues remain central to building confidence in Nigeria’s property market, where prospective homeowners and investors are often confronted with concerns about land ownership, documentation, construction standards and project delivery.
For developers, the challenge goes beyond acquiring land and putting structures in place. Responsible estate development requires transparent transactions, adherence to building regulations, proper project supervision and the delivery of homes that meet the expectations of purchasers.
Godwin-Isaac’s involvement in the Apo-Dutse project therefore provides an opportunity to examine the role of female entrepreneurs in an industry where business success must ultimately be measured by the quality, sustainability and reliability of completed developments.
Her husband, Engineer Isaac Ishaku Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of JI Construct Limited, also brings construction and project-management experience to the wider business environment surrounding residential development.
Beyond commercial enterprise, Godwin-Isaac has also demonstrated interest in addressing the barriers confronting women and girls through advocacy and mentorship.
She has been associated with The Girl Yesterday, The Woman Today, an initiative focused on mentoring and supporting girls and women to develop confidence, pursue education and achieve greater economic independence.
The initiative reflects the growing recognition that women’s economic empowerment requires more than access to employment. It also involves creating opportunities for women to participate in entrepreneurship, assume leadership positions and contribute to sectors traditionally dominated by men.
Her recognition by The Sun follows a formal notification of her selection by a delegation led by the newspaper’s Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Onuoha Ukeh, during a visit to Abuja.
The newspaper’s published profile highlighted her experience in business development, professional training and real estate investment, placing her among Nigerians recognised for leadership and enterprise under the theme, Nation Builders.
For Godwin-Isaac, the recognition represents an important milestone in her entrepreneurial journey. But its wider significance lies in the attention it brings to the increasing role of women in Nigeria’s property industry.
As the country confronts housing shortages, rapid urbanisation and the need for more credible private-sector investment, the participation of competent female entrepreneurs could help broaden the pool of leadership, expertise and innovation available to the industry.
Ultimately, the true measure of success in real estate development will not be awards or corporate titles, but the ability to deliver quality homes, protect investors’ interests, create sustainable communities and expand opportunities for others.
Godwin-Isaac’s journey, therefore, raises a broader question about the future of Nigeria’s property industry: whether the growing participation of women in real estate can help reshape not only who leads the sector but also how housing and investment opportunities are delivered.
