Dr. Oladipupo Akinkunmi advocates youth-centric housing at Africa International Housing Show

At the just-concluded Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Dr. Oladipupo Akinkunmi, MD/CEO of Nests & Nails Nigeria Limited, delivered a compelling presentation addressing the urgent need for youth-focused housing solutions in Nigeria.

Speaking during a high-level session titled “Housing the Future: Catering to Nigeria’s Young Population”, Dr. Akinkunmi joined other industry experts in dissecting the challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving real estate landscape.

His discourse centered on the widening gap between housing aspirations and the economic realities confronting Nigeria’s predominantly youthful population.

“There’s a pressing need for deliberate government intervention to bridge the housing deficit, especially for young and low-income earners,” Dr. Akinkunmi stressed. “Without accessible funding options and strong policy support, many will remain locked out of homeownership.”

Drawing from his entrepreneurial journey, he shared the strategic growth story behind Nests & Nails Properties. According to him, the company was built on a foundation of small, incremental investments in modest properties with flexible payment plans. These early ventures, guided by discipline and patience, eventually evolved into a thriving real estate brand.

“We started with modest property acquisitions on 2–3-year payment plans, which we flipped carefully over time. The secret was strategic patience and long-term vision,” he recounted.

Dr. Akinkunmi also addressed the practical dimensions of housing development, emphasizing the importance of balancing functionality, aesthetic appeal, and location — a trio he described as essential to meeting the complex needs of the Nigerian market.

The event, which drew key stakeholders from across the continent, also featured the Youth and Under 40 Real Estate CEOs Forum, where Dr. Akinkunmi extended heartfelt appreciation to the show’s convener, Barrister Festus Adebayo — whom he lauded as the “Spirit of Real Estate” — for his visionary leadership and dedication to youth empowerment in the sector.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Akinkunmi expressed optimism about the future of housing in Nigeria.

“With collaborative effort, strategic innovation, and the right policy frameworks, Nigeria can unlock its full housing potential and provide a brighter, more stable future for its youthful population,” he concluded.

The Africa International Housing Show remains a premier platform for real estate dialogue and innovation across the continent, and this year’s edition once again underscored the critical role of inclusive housing in Africa’s development trajectory.