Bright Okereke, the co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of Flinx Realty Ltd has said that real estate success isn’t just about building houses; it’s about building the right houses.
In an interview with BusinessDay, Okereke said too many developers are focused on luxury properties while millions of Nigerians are struggling to find affordable homes. “We decided to focus on where the real demand is.”
Okereke said he is also tackling Nigeria’s housing crisis head-on, prioritising affordable, high-demand rental units over high-end properties that remain out of reach for most Nigerians.
He said his approach is simple but effective: develop properties in areas where demand already exists, ensuring steady occupancy rates and strong investor returns.
This strategy, he said, has not only made homeownership and rentals more accessible but has also positioned his company as a leader in a sector struggling to meet the needs of Nigeria’s growing middle class.
Okereke’s entry into real estate was driven by firsthand experience. While assisting students in securing housing, he noticed a widespread demand for affordable, well-managed rentals.
Read also: Bright Okereke: Building for Demand in Nigeria’s Real Estate Market
His attempts to sell luxury properties in high-end areas like Lekki only reinforced this insight—demand was strong in the lower and middle-income housing market. Instead of following the industry trend of catering to the elite, he built his business around the people who actually needed housing the most.
He said focusing on rental properties in strategic locations, Flinx Realty ensures high occupancy rates from the moment a project is completed.
“This guarantees investors steady returns while providing much-needed housing for Nigeria’s underserved population,” he added.
Beyond his success in real estate development, Okereke said he is committed to shaping the industry’s future.
He has trained over 100 realtors, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the sector. His contributions have not gone unnoticed—he has been named among the Top 100 Persons of the Year, received an Innovation Award, and earned an honorary recognition from the LASU Debate Society.
The road to success, however, has not been without challenges. Before Flinx Realty, Okereke faced 13 failed business ventures, each one testing his resilience and commitment to entrepreneurship. But rather than be discouraged, he saw each failure as a learning experience, refining his approach until he found a model that worked.
With Nigeria’s housing crisis showing no signs of slowing down, Okereke said he remains focused on being part of the solution.
As the demand for affordable housing continues to grow, his work is proving that real estate can be both profitable and impactful when developers built for the people who need it the most.
English (US) ·