Amid efforts to implement new insurance and tax reforms, professionals within Nigeria’s real estate ecosystem have called for strategic collaboration to ensure measurable impact on investment confidence, project delivery and housing development.

The experts underscored the critical role of the construction and real estate sector as a driver of economic expansion, employment generation and social stability. Leading the call at the Construction & Real Estate Outlook 2026 organised by the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), the Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, stressed the need for clarity, coordination and strategic partnership as the sector navigates new tax and insurance reforms scheduled for implementation in 2026.

Akinderu-Fatai noted that while the reforms are designed to strengthen fiscal sustainability and improve regulatory standards, their ultimate success would be measured by their impact on investor confidence, timely project delivery and housing supply.

According to him, transparent and predictable tax administration remains critical to sustaining capital inflows and promoting long-term growth in the sector.

The commissioner emphasised that taxation and insurance frameworks must support, rather than constrain, development across the real estate value chain. Although reforms may require short-term adjustments, he said they also present opportunities to enhance transparency, strengthen governance, deepen institutional investment and build resilience within the industry.

Akinderu-Fatai called for shared responsibility among government, private sector operators, professionals, financiers and policymakers, stressing that sustained dialogue, innovation and evidence-based policy refinements would ensure the reforms remain growth-enabling. “For us, reform is inevitable, but resilience must be intentional if we are to secure the future of Nigeria’s construction and real estate industry,” he said.

The World President of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), Antonio Campagnoli, observed that at a time of reform and transformation, platforms for deliberation are essential to help stakeholders better understand the road ahead and position themselves strategically for the coming year.

He described the federation as a truly global network grounded in strong local engagement, noting that its chapters play vital roles in their respective markets by fostering dialogue, sharing expertise and building bridges between public and private sector actors.

Campagnoli added that high-level, industry-focused deliberations provide valuable insights for developers, investors, construction professionals, policymakers, regulators and the wider property community.

Also speaking, the President of FIABCI-Nigeria, Mr Akin Opatola, described the tax reform as a game-changer that would significantly reshape the real estate and construction landscape, including service delivery and the broader value chain.

“We have seen what tax reforms have done in mature economies in Europe and the United States. They encourage citizens to be more aware, conscious and responsible about tax compliance. I believe that in the next few years, Nigerians will begin to see the long-term benefits,” he said.