By George oraeki
EFAB Properties Limited has reaffirmed its position as one of Nigeria’s leading real estate developers, revealing that it has delivered more than 30,000 housing units across Abuja over the past three decades as part of its commitment to providing affordable housing for Nigerians.
The Group Property Manager of EFAB Properties Limited, Dr. Ugo Peace Udo (FMIVS), made this known during the 2026 African International Housing Show (AIHS) held in Abuja. The event, themed “Showcasing the Best of Innovative Building Technologies,” brought together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s housing and construction sectors to discuss strategies for addressing the country’s housing deficit.
According to Dr. Udo, EFAB has consistently remained at the forefront of affordable housing delivery, positively impacting thousands of families through mass housing initiatives and private housing projects implemented in collaboration with successive governments.
He recalled that one of the most successful periods for affordable housing development was during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when the Federal Government introduced the “Housing Democracy” initiative.
“Over the last 30 years, EFAB has touched countless lives through its affordable housing programmes. We have participated in mass housing schemes and private housing projects initiated by various governments, and Nigerians embraced these opportunities because they were accessible and impactful,” he said.
Dr. Udo noted that beyond constructing houses, EFAB has empowered individuals by creating opportunities for wealth creation through real estate investment.
“I have seen EFAB transform lives through different housing packages. I have seen people purchase homes and improve their economic status through real estate investments,” he stated.
He recounted the experience of one of EFAB’s clients, a retired employee of the defunct Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), who acquired a mortgage-financed property through the company. Upon retirement, the client sold the property and used the proceeds to build a comfortable home in his hometown.
“That is the kind of impact affordable housing can have. Housing is not just about providing shelter; it is also an avenue for economic empowerment and financial security,” Dr. Udo explained.
He urged the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to strengthen partnerships with private housing developers in order to sustain affordable housing programmes across the country.
According to him, government support is critical to reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit through improved access to finance, infrastructure development, and policies that encourage private sector participation.
Dr. Udo also commended the organisers of the African International Housing Show, led by Barrister Festus Adebayo, for sustaining a platform that has significantly contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s real estate industry.
He noted that the annual exhibition has evolved from a modest gathering into one of Africa’s biggest housing events, creating opportunities for developers, investors, financial institutions, and homebuyers to interact and promote innovative housing solutions.
“The organisers have demonstrated remarkable competence over the years. They started on a small scale, supporting emerging housing developers, but today the event has become a major platform for driving growth in Nigeria’s real estate sector,” he said.
Despite the progress recorded by developers, Dr. Udo identified several challenges slowing housing delivery across the country.
He listed the high cost of land acquisition, delays in the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), rising prices of construction materials such as cement, sand and stone, increasing labour costs, high diesel prices, and inadequate infrastructure as major obstacles confronting the housing sector.
He also expressed concern over the decline of indigenous quarry operators, noting that many local companies are struggling while foreign-owned quarry firms continue to dominate the market.
“The cost of production has continued to rise significantly. Land is expensive, construction materials are becoming costlier, labour costs are increasing, diesel prices remain high, and developers are also grappling with inadequate infrastructure. All these factors ultimately affect the affordability of housing,” he said.
Dr. Udo further appealed to the Federal Government to improve access to affordable financing for developers while investing in critical infrastructure such as quality road networks, electricity, water supply and telecommunications to support estate development.
Highlighting EFAB’s achievements, he disclosed that the company has successfully developed estates comprising between 1,000 and 2,000 housing units in more than 30 locations across Abuja, with over 30,000 houses delivered since its inception.
“EFAB started strongly, has remained consistent, and continues to make remarkable strides in Nigeria’s real estate industry. We remain committed to delivering quality and affordable homes to Nigerians,” he said.
He encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of EFAB’s housing and investment opportunities, describing real estate as one of the safest and most rewarding investment options available today.
Dr. Udo also called for improvements in the organisation of future editions of the African International Housing Show.
While commending the organisers for the event’s continued success and expansion, he recommended larger exhibition spaces, improved registration processes, better traffic management and increased parking facilities to accommodate the growing number of exhibitors and participants.
“As the housing show continues to grow, there is an urgent need to expand the venue. Visitors should be able to access exhibition stands more easily without spending excessive time in registration queues, and adequate parking facilities should also be provided to enhance the overall experience,”.