As Nigeria’s real estate market expands, stakeholders are urging developers and policymakers to rethink cemeteries as vital urban infrastructure. Across many Nigerian cities, public burial grounds are overcrowded, poorly maintained, and difficult to access, causing distress for grieving families.
Oke Onyehara, CEO of Bloc Haus Group, said there is a growing need to treat cemeteries as key elements of city planning. “This is more than a social issue. It’s an untapped market with huge potential,” he said.
With Nigeria’s population expected to exceed 220 million by 2050, demand for burial spaces is outpacing supply. Public cemeteries are under pressure, while private plots, costing up to ₦1 million in some areas, are unaffordable for many.
This situation has led to calls for a new model—cemeteries that are professionally designed, environmentally safe, and inclusive. Bloc Haus Group is pushing for these burial spaces to be reimagined as “Resting Parks,” complete with landscaped areas, proper drainage, and digital memorial services.
“These are places that should serve both the dead and the living,” Onyehara said. “They can provide peaceful areas for families while protecting the environment.”
Poor cemetery management also raises public health concerns. In flood-prone cities, decomposing bodies in unmanaged graves may pollute groundwater, posing long-term risks. Experts say the use of eco-friendly burial methods and proper site planning can address these issues.
Bloc Haus Group believes the real estate sector can drive this change by investing in modern burial infrastructure. The company suggests developers treat cemeteries like other property assets, with plans for different income groups—similar to how housing estates offer both low-cost and premium units.
“Dignity in death should not depend on income,” Onyehara said. “We already build homes, malls, and office towers. We can also build burial grounds that meet public health standards and serve the community.”
The company plans to integrate cemetery development into its broader urban projects. It is also calling on government agencies to support the effort through regulation, land allocation, and public-private partnerships.
