By Chinenye Anuforo
In a significant move aimed at alleviating Nigeria’s widening housing deficit, leading real estate development firm, Meritabode Nigeria Limited, has introduced its newest venture; Emerald Haven Estate. This meticulously planned smart city, situated in Lagos, is envisioned to cater to the evolving demands of contemporary homeowners while simultaneously offering viable solutions to the pressing housing crisis plaguing the nation.
During the unveiling event held in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Oludotun Oseni, addressed the media, underscoring the pivotal role of the new estate in tackling the over 20 million housing deficit that Nigeria currently faces.
“Housing is a global challenge, but here in Nigeria, the gap is more pronounced due to regulatory bottlenecks, high cost of building materials, and limited affordability,” Oseni stated. He further emphasized the need for governmental support, saying, “Our government needs to play a stronger role by easing documentation processes, relaxing import tariffs on building materials, and making housing development more accessible. At Meritabode, we aree doing our part”, he stated
Expanding on the project’s vision, he explained, “Emerald Haven Estate, located strategically in Lekki-Epe, stands as a response to the yearnings of Nigerians for affordable, secure, and sustainable communities. It features a zoned layout including residential, commercial, recreational, and green areas, offering a holistic lifestyle for residents and investors alike.”
Oseni articulated the company’s broader philosophy, stating, “We are not just building houses; we are building communities. With over 13 years of experience, we have learned that Nigerians want more than shelter. They want functionality, connectivity, and opportunity all in one place.”
The estate is designed to incorporate essential amenities, as he detailed: “The estate will host amenities such as recreational centers, religious institutions, banks, and commercial hubs ensuring residents can live, work, and play within the estate. Emphasis has been placed on sustainability, walkability, and future-ready infrastructure to create a smart, livable city.”
Highlighting the strategic timing of the development, Oseni noted, “As development expands across the southwest region, and with the coordinated efforts of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo State governments to integrate regional growth through enhanced transport systems, Meritabode believes now is the time for Nigerians to embrace building in areas within their reach.”
Offering practical advice, he urged, “Start with what you can afford. Many people spend years renting in places they can’t invest in. But as we have seen in areas like Mowe, Ofada, and now Lekki-Epe, today’s outskirts are tomorrow’s hot zones. There’s no lateness in real estate. If you didn’t buy yesterday, buy today.”
Veteran actor and Meritabode brand ambassador, Prince Jide Kosoko, commended the firm’s dedication to addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges, remarking, “Meritabode’s commitment is unmatched. They have developed over 30 estates nationwide. With Emerald Haven, they are not just offering land, they are offering trust, value, and future security.” He therefore urged Nigerians to invest in the project.
Similarly, broadcaster and brand ambassador Taiwo Akinsola underscored the importance of reliability in the real estate sector, stating, “This is one developer you can count on. Meritabode delivers and does so transparently. Emerald Haven is a smart investment for anyone whether you are a first-time homebuyer or looking to invest from the diaspora.”
Head of Operations at Meritabode Nigeria, Roseline Duruaku, emphasized the estate’s future-oriented design, noting, “We are creating a community that will grow with its residents. Every detail, from zoning to infrastructure, has been carefully planned to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities.”
Adding to this, the firm’s Sales Manager, Victor Igbenoba, highlighted the project’s appeal to Nigerians living abroad, stating, “With proximity to major infrastructure like the Dangote Refinery, the Free Trade Zone, and the proposed international airport, Emerald Haven is strategically positioned for rapid value appreciation.”
Through the development of Emerald Haven, Meritabode Nigeria Limited reaffirms its ongoing mission “to close Nigeria’s housing gap, one smart community at a time.”