Business
Where Will the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Pass? Land Speculators Alert!By Dennis Isong
Spanning approximately 700 kilometers, the road is designed to stretch from Lagos, Nigeria’s beating commercial heart, all the way to Calabar in Cross River State.
The morning sun had barely pushed through the Lagos skyline when Emeka received the phone call that shook his world.
His uncle, who owned a modest piece of land near Eleko, was practically yelling on the phone:”Emeka! They’re building a massive highway right through our area! The government men came yesterday with their measuring tapes and equipment.
This thing is real, oh!”For Emeka, and many like him, that single call wasn’t just gist—it was a wake-up call to the kind of transformation that only infrastructure of historic scale can bring.
In a country where road projects often drag or die midway, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a different beast entirely. It is not just a road. It is a symbol. A promise. And, depending on how you position yourself, it can either make or break fortunes.
This kind of scene is playing out across Nigeria’s southern coast—small landowners scrambling to understand what is happening, speculators eyeing quick gains, investors calculating their next moves, and everyday Nigerians wondering if this project will truly deliver on its promise.
So, where exactly will this superhighway pass, and what does it mean for those who own or plan to own land in its path? Let’s dive deeper.
The Grand Vision: A 700-Kilometer Journey Along Nigeria’s Coast
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway represents one of the boldest infrastructure projects Nigeria has seen in decades.
Spanning approximately 700 kilometers, the road is designed to stretch from Lagos, Nigeria’s beating commercial heart, all the way to Calabar in Cross River State, hugging the coastline and connecting seven states along its path.
This is not a mere patchwork road; it is planned as a modern superhighway with ten lanes in total—five on each side—built to international standards.Why does this matter?
Because this isn’t just transportation. This is economic transformation laid out in asphalt and concrete.
By deliberately tracing the coastline, the government has chosen a route that will connect Nigeria’s key ports, industrial zones, and tourism hubs, while simultaneously opening up communities that have long been ignored in national development.
For land speculators and investors, this positioning is everything.
Places that once looked like sleepy fishing communities will suddenly find themselves positioned as gateways to Nigeria’s next economic corridor.
Phase One: Lagos to Eleko Junction – The Reality on Ground
When it comes to massive projects like this, talk can be cheap. But the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is already moving from blueprint to bulldozers.
The first section of the highway, measuring roughly 47.47 kilometers, runs from Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island to Eleko Junction in Lagos State.
This stretch—already commissioned—provides the clearest picture of where land opportunities currently exist.
Works began in March 2024, with the government promising to complete this section by May 29, 2025. That timeline matters, because for investors and speculators, time is money.
The earlier you position yourself in areas adjacent to the development, the greater the potential upside when the project fully matures.
And let’s not miss the strategic brilliance here: this Lagos stretch links directly to the Lekki Deep Seaport, which is a multi billion-dollar game changer.
Think about it—Nigeria’s busiest commercial hub, Lagos, directly tied to a world-class seaport by a brand-new highway.
The result? A logistics, trade, and industrial hub unlike anything the country has seen before.No wonder places like Ibeju-Lekki, Eleko, and the Lekki Free Trade Zone are buzzing with activity. Property inquiries have shot up.
Land values are rising. Developers are circling. And communities that once felt like far-flung outposts now find themselves in the glare of investor attention.
Works began in March 2024, with the government promising to complete this section by May 29, 2025. That timeline matters, because for investors and speculators, time is money.
The Wider Corridor: What Each State Stands to Gain
To truly understand the impact of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, you must look beyond Lagos. The real story lies in how each state it passes through will be reshaped.
Ogun State: Sitting right next to Lagos, Ogun is already known for its industrial clusters. The highway will only accelerate this by making Ogun’s coastal communities prime for both residential and commercial expansion. Lagos is bursting at the seams; Ogun will absorb much of that overflow.
Ondo State: With rich natural resources and agricultural potential, Ondo’s coastal areas have been relatively cut off. Improved access will turn sleepy fishing villages and farmlands into investment hotspots.
Delta State: Already an oil-rich state, Delta could diversify its economy with better access. Expect agriculture, trade, and services to grow once the coastal road improves logistics.
Bayelsa State: Known for oil but underserved in infrastructure, Bayelsa’s coastal communities could finally open up to tourism and commerce.
Rivers State: With Port Harcourt already a major commercial hub, the coastal highway provides an alternative to inland congestion, positioning more coastal towns for growth.
Akwa Ibom & Cross River: Tourism and trade could boom here. Imagine smooth access to Calabar Carnival, Tinapa, or Akwa Ibom’s beaches, making these states magnets for local and foreign investors, and thus, .making these states magnets for local and foreign investors.
The Demolition Dilemma: Right-of-Way Challenges
Projects rarely happen without pain. And for many small land and property owners, the highway has already been a bulldozer nightmare.In April 2024, bulldozers rolled into Oniru waterfront in Lagos, clearing kiosks, restaurants, and beachside businesses.
By December, 750 structures across different stretches of the coastal states had been affected.
This highlights a key reality: if your land sits directly on the highway’s path, you may lose it. But if your property lies slightly off the road—still close enough to benefit from its presence—you might be sitting on a goldmine.
The government, to its credit, has announced compensation programs. For example, in Section 1 alone, the federal government paid ₦2.75 billion in compensation for affected properties within the first 3 kilometers.
That not only shows seriousness but also gives speculators a benchmark for property values in these zones.Investment Hotspots: Where Smart Money Is FlowingSo, where should the alert investor look?
Lekki Free Trade Zone: This is the no-brainer. With direct ties to the seaport and highway, it’s a magnet for industry and logistics.
Eleko: Once a quiet community, it now marks the endpoint of the first phase. Land values here are rising sharply.Ibeju-Lekki: Already touted as “the new Lagos,” the highway cements its place as a hotspot for both residential estates and industrial projects.Beyond Lagos, expect hotspots to emerge in Ogun’s border communities, Ondo’s coastal villages, and eventually in Akwa Ibom and Cross River when the highway nears completion.
Timeline & Tolling: The Next 10 Years
According to Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, the first Lagos section will be ready by May 2025. But the plan isn’t just to build and abandon—the road will be tolled for 5 to 10 years to recover costs and ensure maintenance.
This matters because tolled roads generally receive better upkeep than free ones.
For investors, this means areas along the road are less likely to fall into disrepair, protecting land and property values.Interestingly, the government isn’t just building from Lagos outward.
Construction has also begun on Sections 3 and 4 from Calabar, meaning both ends are being tackled simultaneously. This could shorten the overall timeline and bring benefits faster than expected.
Beyond Transport: The Ripple Effects
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway isn’t just a road—it’s an economic multiplier.Tourism: Beach towns, cultural centers, and resorts will become more accessible, boosting hospitality investments.Agriculture: Farmers along the coast will move goods to major markets more efficiently, making agribusiness attractive.Industry: Manufacturing and processing plants will spring up near the road, cutting transportation costs.Services: Retail, banking, telecoms, and education services will follow population growth along the corridor.In short, entire towns could spring up where there was once only bush.
Risks: What Investors Must Watch
Not every land along the road is a jackpot. Risks abound.Environmental concerns may slow or alter parts of the route.
Funding risks exist, though current progress looks promising.Land title disputes—always a Nigerian headache—could derail your investment.
Speculative oversupply may flood some markets, depressing values.Competing infrastructure projects could draw attention away from certain stretches. Due diligence is non-negotiable. Verify titles. Study local government plans.
Don’t just buy because everyone else is rushing in.
The Decade Ahead: What to Expect in Fast 10 years Ahead.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is fully operational. What will Nigeria’s coast look like?Coastal towns from Lagos to Calabar will likely become bustling hubs.
Migration patterns will shift as people move to newly accessible areas.
International investors will look more favorably at Nigeria’s coastline.
Government will likely designate new special economic zones along the route.
The highway may even link into wider West African trade routes, cementing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub.
For the alert investor, the message is clear: this road is not just geography, it is opportunity.
Final Word: Land Speculators, Be Alert!
So, wlhere will the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road pass? Through Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
But more importantly, it will pass through the heart of Nigeria’s economic future.From Lagos Island to Calabar, this project is about more than concrete—it’s about reshaping communities, economies, and lives.If you are a land speculator or investor, your success won’t just depend on knowing where the road physically runs, but on understanding how it will transform everything around it.
Some will lose their land to bulldozers. Others will turn bush plots into multimillion-naira estates.
History is being built on Nigeria’s coastline.
The question is: will you just watch, or will you position yourself to ride the wave?
Business
BREAKING: Dangote Refinery Set to Dominate Global Oil Production with Massive Capacity Boost
In a stunning development that’s sending ripples through the global energy market, the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria is dramatically expanding its production capacity.
Originally designed to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, the refinery is now slated to reach a staggering 1.4 million barrels per day, making it, by far, the largest refinery in the world.
This ambitious expansion marks a significant milestone for the African continent and promises to reshape the landscape of oil refining.
The increased capacity is expected to:
***Boost Nigeria’s Economy
***Generate substantial revenue and create numerous jobs.
***Reduce Reliance on Imports
***Significantly decrease Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products, saving billions of dollars
***Impact Global Oil Supply
***Contribute significantly to the global supply of refined products, potentially influencing prices and market dynamics
***Catalyze Industrial Growth
***Spur further industrial development and investment in related sectors.
The announcement has been met with excitement and anticipation, as the world watches the Dangote Refinery solidify its position as a key player in the global energy arena.
Dangote Group has denied owning the truck that crushed a pregnant woman, a child, and six others to death in an accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The company issued the clarification in a statement on its X account on Wednesday.
The statement followed reports that a cement-laden truck suffered brake failure and rammed into traders and other road users.
Reacting, Dangote Group said the truck involved in the tragic incident does not belong to the group or any of its subsidiaries.
It added that vehicle registration records confirm the truck is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group.
“Dangote Group has refuted reports circulating on social media and in some online platforms linking it to a truck involved in a road accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“The company wishes to make it categorically clear that the truck involved in the unfortunate incident does not belong to Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries.
“Verified vehicle registration details confirm that the truck with Plate No. JJJ 365 XB is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group,” the statement reads.
Business
How to Market and Sell Real Estate in Nigeria as a New Agent
Marketing is the heart of every real estate business. Without marketing, no one knows who you are or what you sell.
By Dennis Isong
When Tunde got his real estate license, he thought the deals would start rolling in immediately.
He imagined himself closing sales, posing for Instagram photos with happy clients, and earning commissions that would make his friends jealous. But three months later, he hadn’t sold a single plot of land.
He was frustrated, tired of hearing “I’ll get back to you,” and wondering if real estate was even for him.
If this story sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many new agents in Nigeria experience the same reality.
The truth is that learning how to market and sell real estate in Nigeria as a new agent takes patience, strategy, and the right kind of exposure.
Nigeria’s property market is dynamic, competitive, and full of opportunities, but only those who understand how to position themselves can thrive.
This article will show you practical steps to not only survive but also grow as a new real estate agent in Nigeria.
1. Understanding the Nigerian Real Estate Market
Before diving into sales and marketing strategies, every new agent must first understand the market they are operating in.
Nigeria’s real estate market is not a one-size-fits-all environment.
Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other cities all have their own rhythm and buyer behavior.
Lagos, for instance, is known for its fast-paced property transactions and high demand for both residential and commercial properties. Abuja, on the other hand, attracts more high-end and government-influenced deals.
As a new agent, your first task is to understand your local market thoroughly. Who are the people buying and selling? What kind of properties move faster? What are the trending areas?
For example, in Lagos, areas like Ibeju-Lekki, Ajah, and Epe are currently in high demand due to ongoing infrastructure development and the influx of investors.
Knowing this helps you target the right clients instead of marketing blindly.Also, familiarize yourself with property documentation, government policies, and titles like Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assignment, and Survey Plan.
Many new agents lose clients simply because they can’t confidently explain the meaning of these documents.
Knowledge gives you authority, and authority builds trust—a key ingredient for every real estate sale.
Understanding the Nigerian real estate market is like learning the traffic pattern of Lagos.
Once you know where the shortcuts and hold-ups are, you move faster and smarter.
2. Building Your Brand and Credibility
In real estate, people don’t just buy properties—they buy trust. And as a new agent, trust doesn’t come automatically. You have to earn it through consistency, authenticity, and visible professionalism.
Start by creating a strong personal brand.
This doesn’t mean expensive marketing campaigns or flashy suits; it means positioning yourself as reliable and knowledgeable.
Use your social media pages to educate, not just advertise.
Share tips on property buying, warn people about scams, and celebrate your clients’ successes.
Over time, your audience begins to see you as a genuine guide, not just a salesman.
Many new agents make the mistake of posting only “land for sale” flyers without building any real connection.
The Nigerian audience is more likely to buy from people they know, like, and trust.
So, while others are shouting “Buy now before the price increases,” you should focus on telling stories—stories about people who invested early, stories about community development, or even your personal journey as a realtor.
Additionally, ensure you have a clean online presence.
Create a professional WhatsApp display, have a neat profile picture, and use a consistent business name across platforms.
When someone Googles you or your business, they should see something credible.
Offline branding matters too. Attend networking events, property exhibitions, and seminars.
Hand out your business cards professionally.
Dress neatly and speak confidently. Every impression counts because in this business, one good connection can lead to multiple referrals.
Building credibility also means associating yourself with reputable real estate companies or developers.
When clients know you represent a trusted brand, it strengthens your position.
Remember, in Nigeria’s competitive market, people may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
Your professionalism, honesty, and humility are the real marketing tools that attract clients again and again.
3. Mastering Marketing: Online and Offline
Marketing is the heart of every real estate business. Without marketing, no one knows who you are or what you sell.
As a new agent, mastering both online and offline marketing strategies is what will set you apart from others.
Let’s start with online marketing. The internet has become the biggest real estate marketplace in Nigeria.
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube are no longer just for entertainment—they are where deals happen.
If you understand how to market and sell real estate in Nigeria as a new agent, you must learn to use these platforms effectively.
Create engaging content. Instead of simply posting “Land for sale at Ibeju-Lekki,” show the location in a short video.
Talk about nearby developments, show access roads, and explain why the land is a good investment.
Nigerians love visuals; when they see what you are talking about, they connect better.
Consistency is key. Post regularly, respond to messages quickly, and build conversations.
Attend local community events, visit estates under development, and meet with landowners or developers. Sometimes, the best deals come from word-of-mouth or face-to-face meetings
Don’t be afraid to go live on Instagram or Facebook to answer people’s property questions.
It might feel awkward at first, but every live session builds visibility.
You can also run paid ads on social media to reach a wider audience, especially Nigerians in the diaspora who are constantly searching for reliable property agents in Lagos, Abuja, and other cities.
Ensure your ads are well-targeted and have clear calls to action.However, online marketing alone is not enough.
The Nigerian real estate market still thrives on personal connections and trust built offline.
Attend local community events, visit estates under development, and meet with landowners or developers. Sometimes, the best deals come from word-of-mouth or face-to-face meetings.
Offline marketing could also mean printing flyers, putting up banners in strategic locations, or collaborating with local businesses.
For example, you can partner with surveyors, lawyers, or building contractors who can refer clients to you.
The more people you connect with, the wider your sales network becomes.
Ultimately, effective marketing is about visibility and communication. You must always be in front of people’s minds, both online and offline.
The day they decide to buy, you should be the first person they remember.
4. Learning the Art of Selling
Selling real estate is not just about showing land or houses—it’s about understanding human psychology.
Every buyer has a reason behind their decision, whether it’s security, investment, comfort, or prestige.
Your job as a new agent is to identify that reason and help them achieve it.When meeting a potential buyer, don’t rush to talk about price.
Start by asking questions: “What exactly are you looking for?” “Are you buying to build or for investment?” “What’s your preferred location?” These questions make clients feel understood, and when they trust that you have their interest at heart, they’re more likely to buy from you.
Follow-up is another powerful sales skill many agents ignore.
In Nigeria, clients rarely buy immediately. They often need time to think, confirm from others, or compare prices.
That’s where follow-up messages come in. Send polite reminders, share updates, or send them new listings. But avoid being pushy; people hate being pressured.Your presentation also matters.
When showing a property, be enthusiastic but realistic. Avoid overpromising. If there are challenges like poor roads or pending government approval, mention them and provide solutions.
Clients appreciate honesty, and it often leads to referrals even if they don’t buy immediately.
Negotiation is another critical part of learning how to market and sell real estate in Nigeria as a new agent. Nigerians love to negotiate, so don’t take it personally when a client offers a ridiculously low price.
Stay calm, know your facts, and explain the value behind the price. For instance, you can say, “Yes, this property costs a bit more, but it’s already fenced and close to the expressway, which increases its resale value.”
Facts always win arguments.You should also learn to close deals effectively. Many agents lose clients at the point of decision because they hesitate to ask for commitment.
Once you sense serious interest, move the conversation toward payment or documentation. Confidence and clarity are signs of professionalism.
Every successful sale, no matter how small, is a big win. Celebrate it. Share your success stories (with permission), and use them as testimonials for your next clients.
In real estate, one sale done right can open doors to ten more.
5. Growing Beyond the First Sale
Selling your first property is an exciting milestone, but it’s only the beginning.
To truly succeed in Nigerian real estate, you must learn how to grow and sustain your business.
Start by building relationships, not just making sales. Stay in touch with your clients even after they’ve bought property.
Call them occasionally, send greetings during festive seasons, and keep them updated about new opportunities.
A happy client will always refer new buyers to you.
In fact, most top realtors in Nigeria get more than half of their business from referrals.
Invest in continuous learning. Attend real estate training, webinars, and workshops.
Read books on sales, marketing, and personal development.
The more you know, the more confident you become.
Nigeria’s property market keeps evolving—new laws, new technologies, new trends—so staying updated keeps you ahead.Technology is another tool for growth.
Use CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tools to organize your contacts and follow up systematically.
Use Google Maps to understand property locations, and use WhatsApp broadcast lists to share new listings.
These small efforts make a big difference.
Another aspect of growth is specialization.
Over time, identify your niche. You can focus on residential sales, luxury homes, commercial property, or land banking.
Specializing helps you build expertise and attract the right clients.
Finally, maintain integrity. In an industry full of scams and half-truths, honesty will set you apart.
Always verify your information before marketing a property.
If you don’t know something, say so and promise to find out.
Never compromise your name for quick profit.
As your reputation grows, so will your income. You’ll start getting calls from Nigerians in the diaspora, referrals from satisfied clients, and invitations from developers who want you on their team.
That’s when you’ll realize you’ve moved from being a new agent to a trusted professional.
Conclusion
Learning how to market and sell real estate in Nigeria as a new agent is not about luck or magic. It’s about consistency, knowledge, and the willingness to grow.
Every call you make, every post you share, every deal you close—no matter how small—takes you one step closer to becoming a top realtor.
Like Tunde in our story, every beginner faces challenges, but those who keep learning, adapting, and building relationships eventually find their place in the industry.
Real estate is not just about selling land or houses; it’s about connecting people to their dreams.
And when you do that with integrity and passion, success naturally follows.
So, whether you’re just starting out or trying to revive your career, remember to stay visible, stay credible, and never stop learning.
The market is big enough for everyone—but only those who play smart and stay consistent truly thrive.
• Dennis Isong is a Top Realtor in Lagos. He helps Nigerians in the diaspora own property in Lagos, Nigeria, stress-free. For inquiries, WhatsApp/Call +2348164741041.
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