The Kwara State government has announced the development of the Kwara Smart City project, designed to house no fewer than 540,000 residents upon completion, Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq revealed on Saturday.
Speaking at the one-day Kwara Real Estate 2025 conference held at the Banquet Hall opposite Government House, Ilorin, the governor stated that 19,000 hectares of land have been acquired for the planned city.
The development will incorporate residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational facilities, with a focus on integrating social, economic, and environmental aspects.
The conference, organised by Dr Azeez Adigun, CEO of Jibzit Properties Limited, in partnership with Kabad Nigeria Limited, was themed “Aspiring To Elevate.”
Represented by the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr Segun Ogunsola, AbdulRazaq explained that the smart city concept aims to address Nigeria’s anticipated population explosion over the next 25 years.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to urban renewal, noting significant improvements in the state’s infrastructure, particularly the road network.
“It is predicted that Nigeria will become the third most populous country globally within the next 25 years, following India and China. The question is: what preparations are we making to address this demographic reality across all sectors—economy, agriculture, environment, housing, and infrastructure?
“His Excellency’s vision for Kwara is to tackle these challenges without compromising the future. Recognising the accommodation challenges in Ilorin and other towns, the idea of Kwara Smart City was conceived—a city for tomorrow, designed to house 540,000 people with well-planned residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational zones, integrating social, economic, and environmental elements.
“This government is not only focused on the future but is also delivering tangible results today. Anyone who has not visited Ilorin in the past five or six years will witness the remarkable transformation of the urban landscape. From Ahmadu Bello Way to every corner of the city, His Excellency has worked tirelessly to ensure sustainable living,” he said.
Also addressing the event, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, acknowledged the immense challenge the government faces in meeting the accommodation needs of the population, given limited resources.
Speaking through Kehinde Eleja, SAN, Fagbemi stressed that shelter remains a global issue, underscoring the necessity for private sector collaboration with the government to address the housing deficit.
He urged the conference organisers to prioritise quality assurance and compliance with regulatory frameworks to avoid future obstacles.
Dr Azeez Adigun, convener of the event, described the conference as a pivotal step in shaping the future of real estate in Kwara and as a model for sustainable and inclusive development nationwide.
He stated, “This event aims to explore the fundamental pillars of real estate: purpose, product, people, and process. We are here to challenge the status quo, innovate, and collaborate on solutions that will shape Kwara’s urban landscape.”
Chief Kamar Abioye, Chairman of the Kwara State branch of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, praised the conference as evidence that Kwara is poised to become a thriving hub for real estate growth and innovation.
He affirmed his association’s commitment to empowering developers, advocating for enabling policies and fostering collaborations that have created opportunities for many members.
The conference, attended by traditional rulers, featured paper presentations, panel discussions, and awards recognising eminent Kwara industrialists.
