Gaithersburg, MD — In a monumental stride toward diaspora economic empowerment, the Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee USA (NAPAC-USA), in collaboration with Efizzi Communications, successfully hosted the inaugural African Real Estate Expo (AFREEXPO 2025) on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025, at the prestigious Marriott Washingtonian Waterfront Hotel in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
The event brought together high-level stakeholders in real estate, banking, policy, and diaspora affairs to provide practical solutions and pathways for U.S.-based Nigerians to invest in homeownership and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth through real estate.
Distinguished Guests and Speakers
- Dr. Toyin Opesanmi, Chairperson, NAPAC DMV-P
- Mr. Gbenga Ogunjimi, Chair, The Nigeria Center
- Commissioner Tope Adeyanju, Diaspora Affairs Advocate
- Adeola Atekoja, Press Secretary, NAPAC USA
In his opening remarks, Prince Maduka Nkuku, President of NAPAC USA, emphasized the organization’s vision:
“It is imperative that Nigerians in the diaspora are empowered to own homes in their country of origin. Creating systems that simplify this process strengthens national development and creates wealth for our people abroad.”
AFREEXPO 2025 was inspired by the launch of the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme by Nigeria’s Minister of Housing, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, in November 2023. The initiative responds to the increasing inflow of diaspora remittances — over $20.93 billion in 2024, marking the highest level in five years, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Financial Institutions and Developers
Access Bank Plc, represented by Adaeze Umeh and Folayemi Oyebade, facilitated live BVN registration and presented negotiable diaspora mortgage plans. Prestigious Homes (CEO Aare Akintola Oladejo) and Wemabod Estates (Chairman Engr. Nureni Adisa) showcased developments designed specifically for diaspora Nigerians in cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.
The event culminated in a keynote by Ambassador Samson Itegboje, Charge D’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., who reiterated the administration’s commitment to making Nigeria a secure and welcoming hub for diaspora investors.
“This event is more than a conference — it’s a movement. We are building a bridge for diaspora Africans, especially Nigerians, to engage the continent economically and generationally through real estate.”
— Mr. Collins Akpapunam, CEO, Efizzi Communications
With momentum from this successful maiden edition, plans are already underway for AFREEXPO 2026, which promises to expand in scope, partnerships, and opportunities for diaspora engagement in African development.
About NAPAC USA
Founded in 2011 in Los Angeles, NAPAC USA is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Nigerian Americans through civic engagement, policy advocacy, economic empowerment, and social welfare initiatives. www.napacusa.org