Nigeria’s real estate sector may be entering a new phase as artificial intelligence (AI) and human-centred design begin to influence the way homes, offices, and public spaces are planned and delivered.
With Nigeria’s urban population expected to rise from 120 million today to almost 300 million by 2050, the need for functional and sustainable spaces is intensifying. According to the United Nations, cities such as Lagos and Abuja will need to expand at a scale never seen before, raising questions about how buildings are designed to respond to people’s everyday lives.
Fikemi Adesola, Founder and Chief Executive of Lagos-based FIFI ÈKÓ Design Studio, argues that combining technology with thoughtful design will be key to addressing these pressures. “AI is no longer a futuristic luxury. It is becoming a practical necessity for sustainable urban growth,” she said in an interview. “It helps us understand how spaces will actually be used, even before the foundation is laid.”
Adesola explained that AI-powered design tools can model how families use their homes, anticipate energy consumption, and recommend layouts that align with real patterns of living. This, she noted, can lower costs, reduce waste, and create environments that reflect the daily routines of residents.
However, she cautioned against relying solely on technology. “Technology can optimise a building, but only design can humanise it,” she said. “Spaces must evoke calm, identity, and belonging. They must tell our story as Nigerians.”
The property market in Nigeria, projected to be worth about $2.61 trillion in 2025, is attracting growing interest from both domestic and international investors. Yet observers say much of the current housing supply remains generic, with developments that do not reflect cultural or social identity.
Adesola sees this gap as an opportunity to introduce what she calls “emotional luxury” — spaces that extend beyond appearance to create comfort, pride, and heritage. Her studio’s work includes Lagos beach houses and curated lifestyle environments under the FIFI ÈKÓ Living brand. Each project, she explained, begins with the same question: “how will someone feel when they step inside?”
Analysts suggest that integrating innovation with cultural relevance could also unlock more diaspora investment. Remittances from Nigerians abroad reached $19.5 billion in 2023, according to Central Bank data, with real estate receiving a significant share. Properties that combine modern intelligence with cultural value may offer stronger returns in a competitive market.
“We have the craftsmanship, we have the appetite for mobile technology, and we have a diaspora eager to invest back home,” Adesola said. “If we combine these with visionary design thinking, we can set a new benchmark not just for Nigeria but for African cities as a whole.”
For Adesola, the future of housing and urban development lies in achieving a balance between efficiency, design, and identity. “That is where the chance lies for Nigeria,” she said. “Not just to catch up with the world’s finest, but to lead them.”
