Dead capital

Nigeria's real estate sector is paralysed by bureaucratic bottlenecks, leaving over 90% of land unregistered and trapping vast wealth.

Nigeria’s real estate sector is struggling with low property title registrations, leaving over 90% of land unregistered and locking away an estimated $300–$900 billion in “dead capital.” Despite digital reforms, title acquisition remains plagued by high costs, bureaucracy, and corruption. Property owners in states such as Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, and Kano often face delays due to the demanding documentation and inefficient processes. Title issuance timelines vary widely—Lagos (3 months to 1+ year), Ogun (3–4 years), and Osun (1–3 years). The bottlenecks limit access to credit, stall housing development, and encourage informal land ownership, deepening inequality in land use and economic opportunity.