Lagos Real Estate Summit Unveils Blueprints to Transform African Tourism

Amid the electric pulse of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial powerhouse and a city alive with ceaseless hustle, the 6th Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference and Exhibition recently unfolded like a master blueprint for Africa’s future. Held on December 17, 2025, with the theme, “Shaping the Future of Lagos Mega City: Infrastructure Investment, Innovation and Affordable Housing,” the event was far more than a corporate gathering. It was a high-stakes summit where the steel and stone of urban development met the vibrant aspirations of a global tourism destination.

The event drew over 2,000 participants from every corner of the globe. Investors from the Middle East, tech moguls from Asia, urban planners from Europe, and venture capitalists from North America converged on the city. Organised by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), the conference served as a clarion call for African leaders to forge unity, peace, and strategic collaborations. At its core, the conference spotlighted a powerful synergy: how real estate developments are not only transforming urban landscapes but are also serving as the primary catalyst for a tourism revolution.

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Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people, has long been synonymous with oil wealth and a fierce entrepreneurial spirit. Yet, as Karisa Nzai, Adviser on Political Affairs to the Kenyan President, emphasised during his keynote address, the country’s true gems, its natural resources, human capital, and scenic beauty remain vastly under-marketed on the global stage.

“The atmosphere in Nigeria is impressive. The people are welcoming, and Lagos is truly remarkable,” Nzai remarked. He painted a vivid picture of Lagos as a prime destination for global investors, urging a more aggressive projection of its strengths. With its vast oil reserves, expansive seashores, and bustling seaports, Nigeria possesses all the raw ingredients for a tourism powerhouse. Nzai’s call resonates deeply on a continent where tourism could generate billions in revenue, yet it frequently faces barriers such as fragmented markets and outdated negative perceptions.

 

Real Estate: The Foundation of the Tourist Experience

Lagos, often dubbed “Africa’s New York” for its relentless energy and rapidly evolving skyline, is at the forefront of this shift. You cannot have world-class tourism without world-class real estate. The city’s property sector is currently undergoing a boom, driven by generational projects like Eko Atlantic City.

Reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean, Eko Atlantic is a futuristic coastal development that Nzai describes as “exceptional.” By late 2025, the project will be 80% completed, positioning it as a magnet for international travellers seeking a “modern African” experience. The project is not just about luxury high-rises; it is a vision of sustainable urban living. For a tourist, the appeal is clear: imagine strolling along ocean-view boulevards that rival the French Riviera, attending international film festivals in state-of-the-art auditoriums, or staying in high-end resorts, all while overlooking the majestic Atlantic.

This development exemplifies the “Symbiotic Loop” of real estate and tourism: enhanced infrastructure (roads, bridges, and power) attracts high-spending visitors, who in turn fuel a massive demand for hotels, short-term rentals (Airbnbs), and entertainment hubs.

 

Mapping the Tourism Potential: From Beaches to History

Tourism in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, holds untapped potential that could eventually rival global hotspots like Dubai or Miami. According to recent data from the World Travel & Tourism Council, the sector contributed approximately 4.5% to Nigeria’s GDP in 2022. However, with the strategic real estate integration discussed at the conference, experts believe this figure could double within the decade.

Lagos offers a diversity of attractions that benefit directly from real estate investment:

Coastal Luxury: The pristine sands of Elegushi Royal Beach and Tarkwa Bay are being reimagined with eco-friendly beach clubs and boutique resorts.

Cultural Landmarks: The Nike Art Gallery stands as a testament to Nigerian creativity. At the same time, the Nigerian National Museum houses artefacts from ancient civilisations that require modern facility management and surrounding hospitality infrastructure to thrive.

Eco-Tourism: The Lekki Conservation Centre, featuring the longest canopy walk in Africa, offers a lush escape from the urban grind.

Seasonal Surges: Events like the “Detty December” festival cycle, which generated over $80 million in revenue in 2024 through music, parties, and cultural showcases, demonstrate tourism’s economic punch. These festivals rely on a robust real estate network of event centres, short-let apartments, and secure gated communities.

 

Digital Trust and the International Investor

International speakers at the conference echoed a sense of optimism, specifically regarding how technology is making the real estate market, and by extension, the tourism market, safer for foreigners. Carlos Souza, a real estate finance expert, advocated for the integration of blockchain in land registries. By ensuring transparency and eliminating the risk of fraud, Lagos can boost investor confidence in tourism-related properties like vacation rentals and timeshares.

Thomas Nivert, visiting Nigeria for the first time, expressed surprise at the quality of the hospitality. “I am impressed by the hospitality and quality of accommodation,” he noted. He views Lagos as Africa’s “Gateway City”, praising LASRERA’s regulatory reforms for creating a more predictable environment for French and European joint ventures in housing and tourist infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Saleh Tabakh of the UAE’s Andalusia Group called Nigeria a “hidden treasure, noting that it is far safer and more welcoming than online narratives often suggest. Drawing parallels to Dubai’s resilient property market, he stressed the importance of aligning new developments with sustainability, a key requirement for the modern “eco-tourist” who wants to visit Africa without leaving a heavy carbon footprint.

 

The Path Forward: Unity and Prosperity

Despite the optimism, the conference did not shy away from the challenges. Peace and stability remain the bedrock of growth. As Nzai stressed, fighting corruption and upholding good governance is the only way to sustain long-term investment. Tourism is sensitive; negative perceptions can deter visitors in an instant.

However, the trend toward urbanisation is an unstoppable force. By 2050, Africa’s urban population is projected to double. Projects like Eko Atlantic and the revitalisation of the Lagos Waterfront are not just housing projects; they are the stages upon which the story of the “African Renaissance” will be told. They mirror the success of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, which successfully revitalised South African tourism by creating a safe, beautiful, and commercially vibrant “city within a city.”

As the 6th Lagos Real Estate Marketplace concluded, the consensus was clear: Lagos is no longer just a place to do business; it is a place to stay, to explore, and to marvel. For tourists and investors alike, the city represents a frontier where sandy beaches meet soaring skyscrapers and where economic unity is paving the way for a shared, prosperous future.

Embark on a thrilling journey through Nigeria’s rich tourism, timeless traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. Our stories at Rex Clarke Adventures ignite wanderlust and celebrate Africa’s cultural heartbeat. Dive into our blog for unforgettable tales of discovery!

Join us in preserving Nigeria’s cultural legacy and showcasing its tourism treasures for future generations.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the main theme of the 2025 Lagos Real Estate Conference? 

The theme was “Shaping the Future of Lagos Mega City: Infrastructure Investment, Innovation and Affordable Housing.” It focused on how modern infrastructure and regulatory reforms can drive economic growth and tourism.

How does real estate development affect tourism in Lagos? 

Real estate provides the necessary infrastructure for tourism, including high-quality hotels, short-term rental apartments, secure event venues, and modern transportation hubs. Projects like Eko Atlantic City create new landmarks that attract international visitors.

What is Eko Atlantic City? 

Eko Atlantic is a massive land reclamation project off the coast of Lagos. It is designed to be a sustainable, high-tech city that serves as a financial and tourism hub, featuring residential towers, commercial spaces, and a stunning waterfront promenade.

Did the event mention some of the top tourist attractions in Lagos? 

The Nike Art Gallery, the Lekki Conservation Centre, Elegushi Royal Beach, Tarkwa Bay, and the Nigerian National Museum are some of the most popular places to visit. The “Detty December” festival period is also a major draw for international tourists.

Is Lagos safe for international real estate investors? 

Yes, especially with the regulatory oversight of LASRERA (Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority). The government is also implementing digital land registries and blockchain technology to ensure transparency and protect investors from fraud.