The International Real Estate Federation has called on Nigeria to adopt tested foreign construction models and regulatory standards as a sustainable measure to curb the recurring incidents of building collapse across the country.
The Chief of the Taiwan Mission at the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria, Andy Yih-Ping Liu, said Nigeria can adopt Taiwan construction models to curb building collapses and flooding issues.
He stated this at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the International Real Estate Federation, which was held recently at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos State.
This event also coincided with the induction of 20 practitioners into the International Real Estate Federation’s association.
He said, “Today, after four to five decades of consistent investment at all levels of education, our illiteracy rate is below two per cent. That means 98 per cent of our people can read, write, and work. So, every aspect of development, in real estate or otherwise, requires people to be fully engaged and the government and private sector working hand in hand. This is our experience. This is how we can provide our model for Nigeria’s development. We will never claim that Taiwan is a perfect society; there is no such thing as perfect. But at least what we have been through, and what we have suffered, can serve as lessons for Nigeria to avoid mistakes that Taiwan has made and to chart a better path for its own growth.
“Real estate must be developed the right way, and that means government regulation, construction companies, architects, and city planners working together. This guarantees a better way to develop. This is where Taiwan’s experience can contribute to Nigeria’s growth. In real estate, the opportunities lie in housing estates, commercial developments, and city planning that integrate transportation for ease of movement.
It’s all connected, not separate. Real estate is not just about shelter but also about liveable environments and infrastructure that support people’s daily lives. Taiwan’s experience particularly can help Nigeria build resilience in construction, especially in managing natural disasters.
“You don’t have earthquakes, but you face flooding. Taiwan faces both flooding and typhoons. So, our emergency response systems and Nigeria’s own agencies can learn from each other on how to design stronger houses, regulate building standards, and enforce construction codes. Good housing begins with strong government regulations, compliance from construction firms, and trained architects and builders who use quality materials. This requires strong monitoring and enforcement. We have also seen building collapses in Taiwan, just as in Nigeria and across the world. But what we learnt from those tragedies has helped us improve regulations, monitoring, and enforcement. Nigeria can adopt some of these lessons to avoid repeating the same mistakes.”
Meanwhile, the President of the International Real Estate Federation, Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, Akin Opatola, asserted that it was essential to adopt foreign models, and in doing this, public-private partnership is crucial.
“In adopting foreign models, PPP is extremely vital. So, you see here, as a third-world country, we always like to benchmark. So, for PPP, we cannot do it alone. We don’t discuss resources that the government has. So, it’s always nice when you can partner and collaborate and bring your resources. One that readily comes to mind is the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge that we’re hearing will come upstream very soon. If you Google it, you will see that the design is already mainstream and is already on the internet. I think last year, they had already brought from 19 preferred bidders.
“PPP remains the most viable model for infrastructure and housing development because it allows governments to conserve limited resources while leveraging private sector investment and expertise. In every advanced economy, this approach has proven effective, enabling governments to channel scarce funds into other critical areas such as education, healthcare, and social services. For sectors like hospitality, affordable housing, and transport, PPP offers a sustainable framework where investors can recover their costs, through mechanisms such as tolling, over a long gestation period, while citizens benefit from improved services. Ultimately, PPP ensures efficiency, accountability, and long-term development without overburdening public finances.”
The President of the FIABCI Africa & Near East Region, Adeniji Adele, said, “Today’s AGM is more than a statutory duty. It is a moment to reflect, consolidate, and chart the way forward. The visibility and credibility gained from hosting the World Congress must not end with June 2025.
“Rather, it should serve as a springboard for greater growth, stronger collaboration with government and private sector stakeholders, and deeper engagement within our region and across the FIABCI network. I urge us all to participate actively in today’s deliberations and to remain united in our purpose. Together, we can sustain this momentum and ensure that FIABCI Nigeria, and indeed Africa, continues to stand tall in the global real estate community.”
