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.
Udo Okonjo is a Nigerian real estate executive, lawyer, and leadership coach. She is the founder and chief executive officer of Fine & Country West Africa, a luxury real estate brokerage firm operating in Nigeria.
Okonjo began her career in law, graduating as the best graduating female student from the Nigerian Law School in 1991.
She later earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Corporate and Commercial Law from King’s College London as a Chevening Scholar and was admitted to the New York Bar.
She practiced law for nearly two decades, advising multinational corporations on cross-border transactions across Africa.
In 2008, she founded Fine & Country West Africa, introducing international standards to Nigeria’s high-end real estate market.
Under her leadership, the firm has facilitated more than $300 million in property transactions and has advised on developments including the World Trade Centre Residences in Abuja, The Civic Centre offices in Lagos, Osborne Towers, and Belmonte Residences.
Okonjo is also active in leadership development and women’s empowerment initiatives.
She founded Inspired Women of Worth (IWOW), a platform focused on leadership development for African women, and launched the Power Woman Conference, an annual gathering of female leaders across the continent. In 2024, she established Radiant Collective Capital, a women-focused co-investment network.
She is a certified executive coach through the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business and a member of the Forbes Business Council.
Okonjo has more than 30 years of leadership experience. She has stated a goal of coaching 1,000 leaders by 2030.
