Diamond Ilori backs structured growth for FCT builders
Private developers operating in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory should embrace integrated community models and align their activities with government land regulations, according to Diamond Ilori, founder of Wardiere Oakmount Developments. Speaking at an Abuja briefing, Ilori characterized recent reforms implemented by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike as necessary corrections to prevent uncontrolled urban sprawl similar to what occurred in Lagos.
Ilori called for the establishment of a Real Estate Regulatory Authority modeled after Dubai’s system, which would certify agents and monitor developers while enforcing professional standards. He noted that many compliance violations stem from inadequate awareness rather than intentional defiance, urging authorities to increase education efforts regarding land regularization procedures.
The developer highlighted his company’s master community approach, exemplified by The Valley project in Kuje, which combines residential areas with schools, hospitals, transport systems and commercial facilities within self-contained ecosystems. Ilori emphasized that consolidated developments allow better infrastructure planning compared to fragmented small plots, while his Al Barari project dedicates 40 percent of space to green areas for environmental sustainability.
