Town planners have been urged to master property market dynamics and position themselves to create cities that are not only orderly but also prosperous.
The Senior Partner at a firm of estate surveyors and valuers, Samson Agbato Consulting, Dr Samson Agbator, made this call at the 2026 Professional Development Workshop titled “Mastering Urban Property Market Dynamics” and the induction of 35 new firms. The event was organised by the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) in Ikeja, Lagos.
He argued that planning consultants must integrate property market analysis into their professional toolkit, noting that development plans, zoning reviews, and infrastructure proposals have direct market implications that should be assessed routinely, not as an afterthought.
Agbator, who was represented by Olalekan Aboderin, explained that any planner who cannot interpret market cycles or explain the value implications of zoning changes is operating below the industry’s required standard.
He further stressed that planners must engage with the informal sector, noting that the perceived divide between formal and informal land markets in Nigerian cities is misleading. According to him, both systems are deeply interconnected, and planning interventions that ignore informal market dynamics are likely to fail.
“Participatory planning approaches that engage customary rights holders, Omo-Onile communities, and informal settlers are not just ethical imperatives; they are practical necessities for viable planning outcomes,” he said. “Given the complex challenges and immense growth potential of Nigerian cities, planners must adopt smart tools such as GIS to plan effectively, invest wisely, and build resilient, liveable environments.
“Planners must also engage with the legal framework of land administration rather than defer entirely to lawyers. Understanding the Land Use Act, especially its implications for compulsory acquisition, revocation, and compensation, is fundamental to sound infrastructure planning and development advisory services.”
He identified emerging infrastructure corridors, such as the Lagos Coastal Highway, Abuja satellite town connections, and Port Harcourt industrial corridors, as the most significant growth opportunities of the next decade. According to him, planning consultants who can anticipate corridor development patterns, assess land value appreciation, and advise clients on strategic land positioning will deliver the highest level of professional value.
Agbator noted that Nigeria’s urban property market is one of the most dynamic and complex in Africa. It is driven by rapid population growth, a legal framework rooted in the 1978 Land Use Act, and large-scale infrastructure projects, all of which demand a sophisticated, interdisciplinary approach from planners.
Despite structural challenges, including a housing deficit estimated between 16 and 28 million units, limited access to mortgage financing, and high construction costs, he maintained that Nigeria’s urban property market will remain an active and attractive investment space for the foreseeable future.
The President of ATOPCON, Hakeem Badejo, said planners are uniquely positioned to advise clients on property investments with the best return on investment. He explained that while a layperson or real estate agent might focus on the affordability of land, a planner evaluates zoning regulations and development potential.
“We understand that a property zoned for high-density mixed-use development has significantly higher value and ROI potential than land restricted to low-density agricultural use, even if both are located side by side,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of due diligence, including obtaining the Certified True Copy (CTC) of surveys, Approved Building Plans, Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) or Governor’s consent, and Development Permits where necessary. “By mastering property market dynamics, we empower ourselves to create cities that are not only orderly but also prosperous,” he added.
Badejo also warned that planners have a responsibility to guide clients away from high-risk areas, including flood-prone zones and locations facing zoning downgrades or title disputes that cannot be resolved through political influence.
The President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Dr Ogbonna Chime, noted that the structure of urban centres, largely determined by planners, sets the pace for physical development.
He added that proper infrastructure provision creates competitive market conditions, supports balanced land use, and ensures compatibility of urban functions.
Speaking on “The Role of Zoning and Other Planning Instruments in Shaping the Urban Property Market,” Chief Lecturer in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Yaba College of Technology, Dr Okesoto Oyebamiji, highlighted the critical role of zoning in determining property values.
“When planning and zoning regulations are applied effectively and objectively, they create a framework that influences land use, density, and development potential,” he said. “This can generate significant economic and social value, impacting the property market both directly and indirectly.
“Effective zoning enhances neighbourhood aesthetics, functionality, safety, and efficiency, thereby increasing property values. Understanding these dynamics enables stakeholders to navigate the real estate market more effectively and make informed investment decisions.”
He called for urgent reforms to improve land governance and ensure sustainable urban development across Nigerian cities.
Earlier, the Chairman of ATOPCON Lagos Chapter, Bello Akinwale, urged professionals to continually update their knowledge, refine their skills, and embrace innovative techniques to deliver effective planning solutions in an ever-evolving environment.
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