Nigeria’s real estate market has rapidly evolved into one of the country’s most consequential economic sectors.
Following recent national accounts rebasing, the industry’s valuation climbed to approximately N41.3 trillion in 2024, placing it as the third‑largest contributor to GDP behind trade and crop production and ahead of traditionally dominant sectors such as telecommunications and crude petroleum.
This surge reflects an expanded formal property market, rising urbanisation and increased demand for residential, commercial and infrastructure assets.
Despite its scale, the country faces a persistent housing shortfall.
The Federal Government had disclosed that approximately 15.2 million housing units across Nigeria were structurally inadequate.
The assessment applied the Household Crowding Index, Adequate Housing Index, and Composite Index Methodology, using data from the NPC, NBS, CBN, and other housing institutions, aligned with World Bank standards.
Against this backdrop, more women are founding and leading influential real estate companies, steering landmark projects, and expanding businesses across Nigeria and beyond.
These leaders are redefining industry norms, demonstrating that expertise, vision, and operational excellence are not limited by gender.
This feature is not a ranking, but a spotlight on women who have founded or helm top real estate companies with at least a decade of market presence, credible track records, and offices or projects nationally or internationally.
In honor of Women’s Month, we showcase the achievements, impact, and leadership of these women, who are shaping Nigeria’s built environment and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs in the real estate sector.
Grace Ofure is part of a growing class of African entrepreneurs redefining how wealth is created, taught, and sustained across generations.
With more than 18 years of experience spanning real estate, business development, and financial education, she has built a career at the intersection of property investment and wealth strategy.
As the founder of Lifecard International, Ofure has overseen real estate transactions exceeding $10 million, working with a client base of more than 700 individuals and investors.
Her approach goes beyond deal-making, focusing instead on positioning real estate as a long-term vehicle for financial security and legacy building.
But it is her work in education that has expanded her reach.
Through Lifecard University, a digital learning platform, she delivers real estate and financial literacy programs to a growing audience of aspiring investors and entrepreneurs.
Ofure’s influence also extends to the global stage. She has spoken at industry and leadership platforms, including the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) London Conference, where conversations around African wealth creation and female leadership continue to gain momentum.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Ambrose Alli University (1997–2001).
She further completed executive education at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, OMP24 (2015–2017), Strathmore Business School, and Harvard Business School Executive Education, International Real Estate Strategies & Deal Negotiation (issued September 2025).
