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M.I. Okoro & Associates and QShelter Limited have launched “Real Estate Today,” a weekly television magazine programme aimed at educating Nigerians on housing, property investment and environmental issues while promoting informed decision-making in the real estate sector.
The programme was unveiled at a recent ceremony in Lagos attended by the Founding Partner of M.I. Okoro & Associates and Executive Producer of Real Estate Today, Dr. Innocent Meckson Okoro; the Chief Marketing Officer of QShelter Limited, Oludare Makinde; the Director-General, Business Operations at M.I. Okoro & Associates, Chinedu Mbakwe; and representatives of the digital marketing teams of both organisations.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Okoro recalled that M.I. Okoro & Associates and QShelter Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding on December 30, 2025, to market major national housing projects, including the Renewed Hope Estate in Karsana, Abuja; Janguza Estate in Kano; and the 2004 Estate along the Coastal Road in Lekki, Lagos.
According to him, the organisations decided to complement their newspaper marketing efforts with a television platform to reach a wider audience and deepen public understanding of real estate issues.
“We see this selfless project as our Corporate Social Responsibility to assist the Nigerian Government to bridge the yawning gap in information as it concerns real estate and the environment in Nigeria. Real Estate Today will be a serious catalyst and platform to discuss issues relating to housing and the environment in Nigeria,” he said.
Dr. Okoro said the programme would provide viewers with reliable, practical and up-to-date information about the real estate industry while helping prospective homeowners and investors make informed decisions.
He also called for the liberalisation of Nigeria’s building materials market, arguing that monopoly in the production of cement and other construction materials has contributed significantly to the high cost of housing. According to him, greater transparency, increased participation by local investors and better access to information are critical to addressing the country’s housing deficit.
Speaking on home ownership, Dr. Okoro stressed the importance of mortgage financing, noting that affordable mortgage schemes remain the most effective way to expand access to housing.
“Today there is availability of funding from mortgage. If you want to buy into a project, you only need to pay 10 or 20 per cent equity contribution, depending on the property. The mortgage interest is six per cent at a fixed rate, making it easier for people who want to own homes,” he said. He added that many organisations have supported their employees in accessing mortgage-backed housing schemes, making home ownership more attainable.
Dr. Okoro urged Nigerians to invest in real estate while property prices remain relatively affordable, warning that housing costs, particularly in Lagos, would continue to rise.
“People should go into property business now that the prices are still relatively affordable. Within the next 10 years, property prices in Lagos may no longer be within the reach of low-income earners,” he said.
He further called on governments, particularly Lagos State, to invest more in infrastructure such as roads and transport networks to encourage housing development in emerging communities and ease commuting.
Explaining the recent surge in property prices, Dr. Okoro attributed the increase to the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate volatility and rising production costs.
He urged the Federal Government to dismantle monopolies in the production of building materials and encourage more local manufacturers to boost competition and reduce costs.
“If government breaks the monopoly, the cost of housing will drop. Government should encourage local manufacturers to produce cement, iron rods and other building materials. I am not happy that we are importing timber into this country. That does not help the growth of any economy,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the Real Estate Today television programme would become a major platform for policy discussions, public enlightenment and stakeholder engagement on housing and environmental issues in Nigeria.
