Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has revealed that the state’s proposed Smart City project is strategically designed to accommodate at least 540,000 residents.
The project, he explained, is part of a broader vision to develop a well-integrated urban environment that combines residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational zones, aligning with modern sustainability principles that balance social, economic, and environmental needs.
Governor AbdulRazaq made this known at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Kwara Real Estate Conference (KWAREC) held in Ilorin, the state capital. Represented by the Commissioner for Urban and Housing Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, the governor emphasized that the Smart City initiative was conceived in response to Nigeria’s rapidly growing population and the need for proactive urban planning.
“It is projected that in the next 25 years, Nigeria will become the third most populous country in the world, following India and China,” the governor said. “This impending demographic shift necessitates strategic planning across critical sectors such as the economy, agriculture, environment, housing, and infrastructure.”
He noted that the state government has already begun laying the groundwork for this transformation through its urban renewal programme, which includes significant upgrades to road infrastructure. The Smart City project, he added, is a forward-thinking solution aimed at tackling current accommodation challenges in Ilorin and other towns across Kwara State.
“This vision is about building a city for the future – a city that addresses today’s housing deficits without compromising tomorrow’s needs. Kwara Smart City is designed to be a well-planned and livable space, integrating social wellbeing, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), represented by Barrister Kehinde Eleja (SAN), acknowledged the enormous challenge governments face in meeting housing demands due to limited resources. He stressed the importance of private sector collaboration to address the global housing crisis.
The convener of the conference, Dr. Azeez Adigun, described the event as a pivotal moment in redefining the future of real estate in Kwara State. He expressed optimism that the outcomes of the conference would serve as a blueprint for sustainable and inclusive development nationwide.
In his remarks, Chief Kamar Abioye, Chairman of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), commended the state government’s commitment, describing the conference as a clear indication that Kwara is poised to emerge as a leading hub for real estate innovation and development in Nigeria.