Governor Siminalayi Fubara has described the housing sector as a critical driver of economic growth, urging stronger innovation and collaboration to bridge the state’s housing deficit.

Mr Fubara made the remark during the BusinessDay South-South Real Estate Exhibition and Investment Summit 2026, held in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.

He said his administration was ready to partner with stakeholders and innovators in the housing and urban development ecosystem to address housing shortages, create jobs, and improve residents’ living standards.

The governor said that real estate remained a major catalyst for economic expansion, urban transformation and wealth creation globally. He said the state recognised the sector’s potential as both an investment hub and a tool for addressing housing needs.

“Our administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for investors and stakeholders in the real estate ecosystem through policy reforms, infrastructure development, and stronger public-private partnerships,” he said.

Mr Fubara urged participants at the summit to utilise the platform to share ideas, build networks and develop innovative solutions that would shape the future of real estate development in the state and country.

Housing and urban development minister Ahmed Dangiwa said the ministry was working to create a more enabling environment to support housing development across Nigeria.

(NAN)