Building Trust and Value in Nigeria’s Real Estate Sector
With a career that spans across property development, valuation, and mentoring, Osilama’s approach has been a combination of expertise, dedication, and integrity.
A trained Estate Surveyor, Osilama has devoted more than 22 years to real estate, with a footprint extending across Nigeria’s major cities—Abuja, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Benin, and Kano—and expanding internationally. Beyond real estate, Osilama has also held prestigious roles, including Vice President of North Central for the Real Estate Developer Association of Nigeria (REDAN) and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. He is an author of professional, managerial, and spiritual books, further contributing to his field as a mentor and counselor.
Osilama recounts that some of his most rewarding transactions have been with Nigerian clients in the diaspora. These clients, he says, value efficiency and are meticulous in their due diligence through legal channels, which makes the process smooth and stress-free. “While I am not directly involved in selling,” Osilama notes, “I am the Chief Marketer and ensure our team stays on course.” His approach to leadership is one of oversight, empowering a General Manager to handle day-to-day sales coordination, while he maintains a high-level view of the firm’s operations.
For Osilama, real estate is more than a business; it’s a creative outlet. His passion lies in conceptualizing, designing, and developing properties that meet his own high standards of quality. “When you buy, build, and sell properties yourself, the profit margin can be very tempting,” he remarks. Despite rising costs of building materials in Nigeria, Osilama continues to pursue this segment of the industry, creating homes with the same dedication he would if he were to live in them himself.
Asked why prospective clients should choose Nuel Osilama Global, Osilama points to two qualities: a valid, annually renewed license and a reputation for consistency and integrity. The longevity of the business, he explains, instills confidence in clients who value trust and reliability in a sector often challenged by volatility. “Our clients know we do the right thing, and we don’t engage in swindling or dubious practices,” he shares. His firm’s track record of integrity is illustrated by the story of a client who, having bought a property in 2009, returned from Canada years later to find it in perfect condition.
This dedication to honesty has become a powerful marketing tool, leading to a steady stream of referrals. “Our key selling point is making one client give us ten others,” he says, attributing their success to the trust his company has earned over the years.
Osilama’s advice for aspiring real estate investors is clear-cut: start with a purpose and follow up with careful research. Whether one is investing for prestige or for profit, Osilama emphasizes that location, proximity to essential services, and due diligence on the property’s documents and the seller’s credentials are essential steps. “Failing to do these checks is like handing your money to a stranger on the street,” he cautions.
Running a real estate business with operations across multiple cities requires strategic delegation, a practice that Osilama has embraced wholeheartedly. By delegating to trusted managers and staff, he ensures the smooth operation of his firm while maintaining oversight. “You can’t grow if you don’t delegate functions,” he explains. “It’s essential to find skilled people who are passionate and give them the benefit of the doubt.”
Osilama Garden Estate Phase IV, Located in Airport Road, Behind FHA, Lugbe.
For those considering an investment in real estate, Osilama emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose. “Do you want to do it for prestige or for investment?” he asks, pointing out that this decision shapes the approach to selecting a property. He advises prospective investors to focus on the property’s location, proximity to essential services, and conducting thorough due diligence on both the property and the seller. Without such precautions, Osilama cautions, “It’s like giving your money to a beggar in the street.” For him, careful research and verification are essential steps for anyone serious about entering the real estate business.
Despite his busy schedule, Osilama has found ways to keep his firm organized and efficient. He credits the digital age and the power of delegation as key tools. “One of the ways we control our businesses across the globe is through the internet and by delegating functions to trusted subordinates and staff,” he explains. He points to successful entrepreneurs like Dangote as examples of how trusting capable people with responsibilities allows a business to flourish. Osilama encourages finding skilled individuals with a passion for the job and providing them with the room to learn and grow.
In the face of economic hardship affecting many Nigerians, Osilama explains how Nuel Osilama Global has managed to stay afloat. By streamlining overhead costs and making adjustments such as reducing non-essential travel, his company has kept expenses in check while maintaining its workforce. “We have made sure we are making money and paying staff,” he says, sharing that his personal travel is now limited to meetings that require his physical presence. He describes this adaptation as “doing the mathematics of how to remain in business.”
Nuel Osilama Global offers a wide range of real estate options, including luxury and affordable properties to meet diverse client needs. Osilama outlines various projects in Abuja, such as prime estates in Kukuwaba and Wassa near Apo Mechanic Village, both featuring modern amenities and outdoor spaces for relaxation and exercise. Kukuwaba, with its proximity to a golf course and residential luxuries, provides ample space for biking and other outdoor activities. These homes are designed with Osilama’s hallmark spaciousness, complete with elevators and generous room layouts.
Beyond Abuja, Nuel Osilama Global’s reach extends to Lagos, with properties in Epe GRA, Ibeju Lekki, and Alaro City along the Lekki Expressway. In Benin, the company manages expansive sites along Airport Road and Ekenwa Road. They also have notable sites near Port Harcourt’s International Airport, as well as ongoing developments in Mararaba and Auta-Ba-Lefi in Nasarawa State. Osilama’s firm prides itself on “leadership by example,” offering options for every pocket, from luxury properties to more affordable housing solutions, including flexible payment options for those saving toward ownership.
The volume of property sales each year varies significantly, according to Osilama, depending on demand and the client base. While average sales are between 100 and 200 properties annually, this year’s potential transactions are nearly double, given the favorable market conditions. Corporate clients, diaspora buyers, and referrals all contribute to this robust demand.
Osilama’s business interests aren’t limited to real estate. He has ventured into the hospitality sector, with investments in hotels in Rwanda and the UK, though he keeps these projects low-profile. “We are very silent about it,” he shares, explaining that the quality of his services and established reputation enable them to operate without aggressive marketing.
As a major stakeholder and leader in Nigeria’s real estate industry, Osilama strives to set an example for others in the sector. His commitment to quality, trust, and professionalism has earned Nuel Osilama Global a reputation as a reliable and reputable player in a challenging market. “I am a major stakeholder and one of the leaders many look up to,” he says, emphasizing his dedication to leading by example in every aspect of his business.
Known as the “Lion of Real Estate in Africa,” Osilama Emmanuel Osilama has earned this title not only for his success but for his fierce resilience and unwavering principles in the face of daunting challenges. He recently shared some of his most defining moments in the real estate business, shedding light on his unique approach to handling adversity.
In the volatile real estate market, Osilama has had to navigate many complex situations, one of which involved a property transaction in the Apo area. The agreement, made with a seller who Osilama later discovered had ulterior motives, was meant to allow installment payments as he developed the property. However, the seller introduced hidden clauses, including a penalty fee if a certain building wasn’t completed and a 5% interest rate adjustment. Realizing he had unknowingly walked into a trap, Osilama chose to stand his ground rather than retreat. “When she came back and wanted to claim the property, that’s when I realized the trap had been set from the foundation of the transaction,” he recalls.
This experience taught him the often complicated and competitive nature of the real estate industry. “Some people in this industry, they tell you they’re developers, but if you look closer, they have no properties except those acquired through dubious means.” Osilama explains that joint venture deals are particularly susceptible to these tactics, where landowners may attempt to renege on agreements once the property value has increased. Despite these challenges, Osilama remains resolute. “The lion does not run away from any animal,” he says, underscoring his determination to confront and overcome obstacles without being pushed out of the industry.
Interestingly, the title “Lion of Real Estate in Africa” was not self-proclaimed. “The titles came from two different bodies,” Osilama says. Observing his ability to handle pressures that might overwhelm others, colleagues and partners began to recognize his steadfastness. “When others face challenges that could lead to despair, I sit down with them and find a way to resolve it amicably.” Osilama takes pride in his clean track record, stating that “in 22 years of real estate business, I’ve never had a police case with my clients.” His commitment to transparency and ethical dealings has earned him the trust and respect of clients across the continent.
At the core of Osilama’s success is his unyielding integrity. He prides himself on conducting “legal and clean business” and believes that fairness is the cornerstone of client relationships. For Osilama, client trust is paramount, and he strives to ensure that each transaction is beneficial for both parties. His approach has not only kept him afloat in difficult times but has cemented his reputation as a straightforward and reliable leader in real estate.
Osilama’s experiences reveal the reality of the real estate business: it’s a field filled with both promise and pitfalls. Yet, through each challenge, Osilama has demystified the complexities for his clients and partners. “No matter how difficult the challenges, I’m always able to find a way to solve it amicably,” he notes, stressing his dedication to conflict resolution and building sustainable business relationships.
Osilama Emmanuel Osilama’s journey in real estate illustrates the importance of resilience, transparency, and courage in a competitive industry. His story is a testament to the power of integrity in business, showing that success is not only measured by wealth but by the respect and trust one builds along the way. As the Lion of Real Estate in Africa, Osilama continues to lead with strength, confronting each challenge head-on and setting a powerful example for future real estate professionals across the continent.
Good work for all over world