By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF) as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s research, science, technology and innovation sector.

The approval was granted during the council’s meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Head of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Pauline Sule, the fund will be supervised by the ministry and managed through a 17-member National Council on Research and Innovation.

The council will be chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, while the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, will serve as vice chairman.

Reacting to the development, Mr Udeh described the approval as a major step towards building an innovation-driven economy and strengthening Nigeria’s research ecosystem.

He said the initiative aligns with the federal government’s economic agenda aimed at achieving a $1 trillion economy under the Renewed Hope programme.

The Minister, however, noted that the fund would still undergo legislative, administrative and operational procedures before full implementation and disbursement begin.

According to him, the National Research and Innovation Development Fund is expected to provide strategic financial support for researchers, innovators, startups and technology developers across the country when fully operational.

He added that the initiative would help strengthen local research capacity, encourage the commercialisation of innovations and deepen collaboration between academic institutions and industry players.

The ministry also stated that the fund is expected to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness within the global technology and knowledge economy.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

One Mr Taofeek Daniel Oriola has been convicted and sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment for money laundering.

He was sentenced by Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, May 11, 2026.

His journey to the correctional centre started when he used part of the proceeds of his unlawful activity derived from fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions to acquire some properties, which have now been forfeited to the federal government.

The said properties include a 2014 Range Rover (Supercharged) with VIN Number SALGS3TF7EA180971, a five-bedroom apartment with boys’ quarters in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State, a parcel of land measuring 653.479 square metres situated at Ibeju-Agbe in Ibeju-Lekki, and one iPhone 16.

The convict, in April 2026, committed the offence contrary to Section 18(2) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

Mr Oriola was brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a three-count charge bordering on money laundering and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities.

“That you, TAOFEEK DANIEL ORIOLA (Male), adult, sometime in April 2026 in Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this court, engaged in the disguise of the true source of a 2014 Range Rover (Supercharged) with VIN No. SALGS3TF7EA180971, which you knew formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity derived from fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

 “That you, TAOFEEK DANIEL ORIOLA (Male), adult, sometime in April 2026 in Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this court, engaged in the disguise of the true source of a five-bedroom apartment with boys’ quarters situated at Ibeju-Agbe, in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State, which you knew formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity derived from fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act,” two of the three charges read.

After pleading “guilty” to the charges when read to him, Justice Osiagor sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently, with an option of a N200,000 fine on each count. The judge also ordered him to undertake seven days of community service.

Nigeria’s real estate industry has experienced significant growth over the years, with developers now moving beyond basic land sales to building smart cities, luxury apartments, lifestyle estates, and integrated residential communities.

At the same time, concerns around fraud and failed projects have made trust, transparency, and delivery capacity more important than ever, especially for diaspora investors looking to own property back home.

From Lagos to Abuja and other emerging cities, several companies have distinguished themselves through innovation, infrastructure, quality developments, and customer confidence. Here are some of the top real estate companies in Nigeria in 2026.

1. LandWey Investment Limited

LandWey remains one of the most influential names in Nigeria’s modern real estate sector. Headquartered in Lagos, the company has built a strong reputation around smart infrastructure, lifestyle communities, and futuristic urban development.

Their flagship project, Isimi Lagos, is one of the most talked-about developments in the country. The project combines residential living with wellness infrastructure, recreation, technology hubs, and eco-friendly concepts.

LandWey’s developments are largely concentrated along the Lekki-Epe corridor, where they continue to shape conversations around premium residential investment.

2. Palton Morgan Holdings

Palton Morgan Holdings has established itself as one of Nigeria’s leading luxury real estate developers, particularly within the high-end Lagos and Abuja property markets.

The company is known for premium residential developments that combine smart living, luxury architecture, and modern urban design. Their projects are recognised for sophistication, premium finishing, and strong lifestyle appeal.

Some of their major developments include Paramount Twin Towers, L5 Banana, Rockhampton, The Meadows, and Kadars Gate.

4. Mshel Homes Limited

Mshel Homes Limited is a fast-growing real estate development company that is increasingly recognised as one of the top real estate companies in Nigeria, particularly in Abuja’s expanding property market. Known for its structured developments and strategic site selection, the company has earned a reputation as a trusted real estate company delivering modern residential and mixed-use projects.

Its portfolio spans over 60 estates in key locations across Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Yola. Mshel Homes outlets in Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Maiduguri.

Mshel Homes is a driver of sustainability and is known for eco-friendly, innovative projects with flexible payment options, which continue to attract both homebuyers and investors seeking long-term value in Nigeria’s evolving real estate sector.

Mshel Homes Limited has rapidly grown into one of the most respected and trusted real estate companies in Nigeria. Established in 2018 and headquartered in Abuja, the company is widely recognised for its integrity, transparency, honesty, and commitment to delivering value.

In an industry where credibility matters greatly, Mshel Homes has built a reputation around verified property documentation, quality construction, sustainable living, and affordable luxury.

One of its landmark projects is Hutu Exclusive, a luxury golf resort estate on Airport Road in Abuja. Widely regarded as Nigeria’s first golf resort estate, the development combines luxury living with wellness, recreation, and lifestyle infrastructure.

The estate gained national recognition after winning the “Best Branded Lifestyle Project of the Year, 2025” award at the Africa Housing Show.

Mshel Homes has a reputation for delivering amazing projects, as evident in Asokoro, Guzape, Gaduwa, Katampe Extension, and Airport Road in Abuja, among others.

5. Cosgrove Investment Limited

Cosgrove has earned a strong reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading smart real estate developers. Headquartered in Abuja, the company focuses heavily on technology-driven communities and energy-efficient residential developments.

Cosgrove is recognised for integrating automation, smart security systems, and modern infrastructure into its projects, making its estates particularly attractive to professionals and investors seeking contemporary urban lifestyles.

Their emphasis on innovation gives them a unique advantage in Nigeria’s evolving property market.

5. Veritasi Homes and Properties

Veritasi Homes has grown significantly through aggressive expansion and investment-focused developments. The company has become highly visible within the Lagos real estate market and is particularly known for flexible payment plans and land banking opportunities.

Their projects appeal strongly to both local and diaspora investors looking for long-term property appreciation and strategic investment locations.

Veritasi continues to strengthen its position as one of Nigeria’s fast-rising real estate brands.

6. Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited

Dantata & Sawoe remains one of the oldest and most established construction and infrastructure companies connected to Nigeria’s real estate sector.

Unlike many modern developers focused mainly on residential estates, the company’s strength lies in engineering expertise, large-scale infrastructure projects, and urban development execution.

7. Efab Properties Limited

Efab Properties has maintained relevance for years within Abuja’s real estate market. The company became known for delivering residential estates and housing projects targeted at middle and upper-middle-income buyers.

Its long-standing presence in the Federal Capital Territory continues to contribute to its recognition in Nigeria’s property industry.

8. Nest & Nails Limited

Nest & Nails has emerged as a fast-growing real estate company focused on modern residential developments and lifestyle-oriented communities.

The company has gained attention for blending luxury aesthetics with practical housing solutions while maintaining strong market visibility and branding.

Their developments continue to attract younger homeowners and upwardly mobile investors.

9. Brains & Hammers

Brains & Hammers is widely regarded as one of the most structurally ambitious real estate companies in Nigeria.

The company became prominent through large-scale residential developments, urban housing projects, and premium estates across Abuja and other cities.

Their strength lies in delivering infrastructure-heavy developments that combine affordability with modern living standards.

10. Bilaad Realty

Bilaad Realty continues to build recognition within Nigeria’s competitive property market through residential estate projects and investment-focused developments.

Although still growing compared to some industry giants, the company is steadily expanding its footprint and increasing brand awareness within key investment locations.

Final Thoughts

Nigeria’s real estate industry is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with developers now competing beyond land sales alone.

Today, the leading companies are those building smart cities, lifestyle communities, luxury developments, and infrastructure-backed estates while maintaining transparency, trust, and long-term value for investors and homeowners.