- NSE President, Mrs Margaret Oguntala (middle) flanked by partners during the flag-off of construction of residential terrace in Lagos on Friday.
By Grace Alegba | Lagos, Dec. 19, 2025
In a significant move that blends professional expertise with national development, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), under the leadership of its President, Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, has officially flagged off the construction of an 18-unit residential terrace in the highbrow Alausa area of Lagos. This groundbreaking ceremony represents more than just a new building; it is a strategic intervention by the engineering body into one of Nigeria’s most pressing socio-economic challenges: the massive housing deficit.
Beyond Bricks and Mortar: A Partnership Model for Development
The project, located on Nurudeen Olowopopo Drive, is a tripartite partnership between the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), Messrs Locke Homes Ltd, and NSE Ventures Ltd (NSEVL)—the business and investment arm of the Society. This collaborative model is crucial. It leverages the regulatory and land resources of the state government (LSDPC), the construction and development expertise of the private sector (Locke Homes), and the technical credibility, institutional heft, and long-term vision of a professional body (NSE).
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, President Oguntala framed the project as a milestone, stating it reflects the NSE’s “collective commitment to sustainable infrastructure and housing development in Lagos State and Nigeria at large.” She emphasized that housing is a foundational pillar for national development, economic growth, and social stability, acknowledging this development as just the beginning of the NSE’s planned foray into the housing and real estate sector.
Context: The Daunting Scale of Nigeria’s Housing Crisis
To appreciate the project’s significance, one must understand the gap it aims to help bridge. Estimates by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and other institutions suggest Nigeria has a housing deficit of between 17 to 22 million units, requiring an immense annual investment to close. This shortfall contributes to overcrowding, inflated rental costs, and the proliferation of informal settlements. The NSE’s entry into this space, even with a single 18-unit project, signals a potent shift: professional bodies are moving beyond advocacy to direct, tangible action.
Project Scope and Symbolic Value
Mr. Gboyega Fatimiehin, CEO of Locke Homes Ltd, outlined the project’s specifics: a terrace of 18 residential units with a 30-month completion timeline. The facility is designed to be modern and self-sufficient, featuring a swimming pool, gym, parking, CCTV, and reliable power and water supply. While the unit count may seem modest, its location in Alausa—a government and diplomatic enclave—carries symbolic weight. It demonstrates that high-quality, professionally engineered housing can be developed within strategic urban centers, setting a standard for future projects.
Oguntala issued a firm charge to the developers, underscoring that “Quality, safety, sustainability and adherence to best engineering practices must remain our guiding principles.” This directive is central to the NSE’s value proposition: ensuring that projects are not just built, but built to last, using sound engineering principles often overlooked in a rush to address quantity over quality.
Overcoming Hurdles and Acknowledging Support
The path to the groundbreaking was not without obstacles. Mr. Olufemi Dosumu, Chairman of NSE Ventures Ltd, thanked President Oguntala for her support during the “difficult period of resolving the land title document,” a common and major impediment to development in Nigeria. He also highlighted the foresight of past NSE leaders who acquired the land approximately 30 years ago, showcasing the long-term strategic planning required for such ventures.
Dosumu commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for fostering a peaceful environment conducive to business, while appealing to all levels of government to guarantee safety—a prerequisite for large-scale investment. He positioned the project’s benefits broadly: it will break barriers, create jobs, foster skills development, and inspire young engineers, ultimately contributing to national growth.
A Call for Broader Collaboration
President Oguntala used the platform to issue a call to action, urging government at all levels, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to support similar housing initiatives. She expressed profound gratitude to the Lagos State Government for the land allocation, noting it “underscores the confidence reposed in the engineering profession and our capacity to deliver projects of enduring value.”
In essence, the flag-off of the Alausa residential terrace is a multifaceted event. It is a real estate groundbreaking, a statement of professional intent, a test case for public-private-professional partnership, and a beacon for how organized professional bodies can directly contribute to solving national problems. The NSE is not just building houses; it is attempting to build a replicable model for closing the shelter gap, one engineered stone at a time. (NAN)
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