The Federal Government’s 2026 budget provides a roadmap for investors and Nigerians seeking to identify emerging economic opportunities, with major allocations in infrastructure, housing, agriculture, power and technology expected to reshape markets and create new growth corridors across the country, the Chairman of Dar Global Financials, Kunle Ilori, has said.
Ilori said the budget goes beyond government spending figures, as it provides insight into where economic activities, property values and investment opportunities are likely to expand, urging investors and Nigerians to pay closer attention to government priorities and position themselves ahead of the opportunities expected from increased public investment.
“Investors need to understand where the government is putting money because that is where opportunities will emerge. The budget is not just about expenditure; it tells investors where economic activities will happen next,” he said.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Ilori, a Nigerian in the diaspora who returned to invest in the country, announced that his group of investment bankers had launched a $25 million fund to acquire and reposition struggling mortgage finance banks and real estate companies.
He said the investment was aimed at strengthening housing finance, unlocking capital for property development and creating a more accessible mortgage system for Nigerians.
Describing the 2026 Appropriation Bill as a “goldmine hidden in plain sight”, Ilori said investors who understand the link between government spending and private sector opportunities would be better positioned to benefit from Nigeria’s economic growth.
He said the fund would focus on identifying undervalued businesses with growth potential and rebuilding them into stronger institutions.
According to him, the first phase would target microfinance banks across the unit, state and national categories, particularly those struggling to expand.
“There are a lot of microfinance banks in Nigeria right now that are not really scaling. If they are not scaling, it means there is something they are not doing well in the market. What we want to do with them is that since we are a group of investment bankers, we could revive them,” he said.
Ilori said the fund would also acquire real estate development companies facing operational challenges, disputes or succession issues.
“We are also trying to acquire real estate development firms. Real estate is a very tough terrain, especially in Nigeria. If they are tired and they want to exit, we could buy that company, settle their disputes if they have any, and scale that company,” he said.
He explained that combining mortgage finance institutions with real estate companies would create a stronger housing finance model and improve access to home ownership.
Ilori said the current mortgage system remains difficult for many Nigerians due to limited funding options and strict requirements.
“A simple civil servant cannot even afford to get a house in Nigeria, mostly a very comfortable house. What we want to do in the market now is disrupt it. Everybody can get access to a mortgage,” he said.
Linking the investment strategy to the 2026 budget, Ilori said the Federal Government’s ₦3.44 trillion allocation for capital projects under the Ministry of Works would influence property values as road infrastructure opens new economic corridors.
He cited projects such as the ₦4.2 billion Cham-Numan Road rehabilitation and ₦14 billion Bida-Lambata Road reconstruction as examples of how infrastructure spending could transform undervalued locations into commercial centres.
He also identified the Federal Capital Territory as a major investment zone, noting that the FCT Administration’s projected ₦460.7 billion allocation would accelerate development in satellite towns and emerging districts.
Beyond real estate, Ilori highlighted opportunities in agriculture, power, and technology, citing allocations of ₦1.3 trillion for agriculture, ₦1.09 trillion for power, and ₦745.2 billion for science, technology, and innovation as sectors expected to drive future growth.
He said investments in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, logistics and industrial development would also increase demand for residential and commercial properties.
On challenges affecting investors, Ilori identified corruption and delays in government approvals as major obstacles, alleging that some officials demand unofficial payments before approving legitimate projects.
He called for stronger monitoring systems and performance assessments for public officials involved in development approvals.
“I think the government should look into every office, especially the development control aspect. They should present their work. They should have scorecards,” he said.
Ilori commended the efforts of the Federal Capital Territory administration under Minister Nyesom Wike, but warned that some officials’ actions could undermine the government’s achievements.
“The Minister might not even know about what the civil servant is doing. At the end of the day, they will call his name, but he may not even know what is happening,” he said.
He said his return to Nigeria was driven by confidence in the country’s economic potential, adding that the $25 million investment reflects his commitment to supporting local economic growth.