Fortren & Company is hiring a Research Analyst to join a high-performance team delivering institutional-grade market research across African real estate and construction markets. If this sounds like the role you have been looking for and the team you want to build with, we would love to hear from you.
Location: Remote (Preferrably based in Lagos)
Reporting to: Research Director
Role Overview: The Research Analyst will be responsible for executing institutional-grade market research briefs and overseeing a high-performance team of research, data and design analysts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Industry Market Reports: Lead the production of structured, data-driven market reports on African real estate, construction and infrastructure sectors.
- Insight and Thought Leadership Initiatives: Drive the firm’s thought leadership by producing regular data-driven analytical pieces, hosting webinars and other initiatives on African real estate, construction and infrastructure sectors.
- Client Research Projects: Collaborate with the Research Director in executing bespoke research projects for our institutional clients.
Must-Have Skills & Qualification:
- 3+ years of consulting or research advisory experience in real estate, construction and infrastructure sectors.
- Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Economics, Finance or related fields.
Benefits & Perks:
- Flexible work options, health insurance, learning budget, and ultimately an opportunity to do meaningful work and inform major deal decisions across Africa.
Company Culture & Mission:
Fortren & Company delivers research that enables better decisions for our clients across Africa. Our goal is to become the most trusted source of market intelligence for institutions doing real estate and construction business in Africa. The work we do and our whole essence is built on integrity, excellence, accountability, and service. We are committed to demonstrating intellectual honesty, institutional rigour, ownership and service in how we work with our clients and colleagues. We are young, but with a firm belief that Africa can build better with the right data.
If this sounds like the role you have been looking for and the team you want to build with, we would love to hear from you.
Apply here.
With just 3,577square meters in land mass, Lagos is home to over 17 million residents, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. One of the most pronounced effects of clear overpopulation in overcrowded cities like Lagos is the increase in informal settlements, land grabbing, and illegal construction. Internal data from the Lagos State government shows that more than 349 buildings have been erected illegally and do not comply with the planning laws set out by the state. In response, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development have intensified enforcement of planning laws to ensure that buildings within Lagos State are designed, constructed, and maintained to a high standard of safety. Their enforcement efforts have led to numerous building demolitions and are primarily targeted at three recurring violations across the state, which we will be discussing below.
- Lack of building development permit:
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Failure to obtain required development permits remains one of the most common triggers for demolition across Lagos. Under Section 27(1) of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, no building is allowed to be erected across the state, except when necessary permits and approvals have been duly sought and obtained. “No person shall carry out any development in Lagos State without obtaining a permit from the relevant planning authority.” Non-compliance with section 27(1) of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law authorises the state government to demolish any building that has not sought and obtained the necessary approvals. Despite this clear guideline, unauthorised construction continues to proliferate in the state. In a recent enforcement action, 13 illegal buildingswere demolished in Lagos for non-compliance, highlighting the Government’s resolve to clamp down on developments that violate planning regulations. Several factors may explain why some developers bypass the approval process, including a lack of awareness of regulatory requirements, the perceived complexity or delay in obtaining permits, and, in some cases, a calculated risk to evade official fees or oversight. While these issues don’t justify non-compliance, they underscore the need for continued public education, transparency, and reform of the permitting process.
- Encroachment on Drainage Channels and Setbacks:
Building on drainage channels and designated setbacks stands out as one of the leading causes of demolition across Lagos. This issue not only breaches planning regulations but has also contributed to environmental and public safety risks.The Lagos State Building Control Agency(LASBCA) mandates a minimum setback of nine (9) meters for residential buildings in high-density, flood-prone zonessuch as Victoria Island, Apapa, and the Lekki Peninsula Schemes I and II. Despite these regulations, many developers have reclaimed and erected structures directly on waterways, obstructing water flow and increasing the risk of flooding. Recently, the Lagos state government marked 39 buildingsfor demolition in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area (mostly along the Ikota corridor) for obstructing drainage channels and encroaching.Similar actions have been taken in other areas like Amuwo Odofin. These demolitions have left many homeowners devastated. In response, affected owners have petitioned the government through their community associations, while others seek court injunctions to challenge the demolition or delay it pending clarification of their land status. Urban experts, however, emphasise the need for property buyers to secure proper planning permits from the Lagos StatePhysical Planning Permit Authority(LASPPPA) before embarking on any building or development project within the state.In many cases, properties built on canals, drainage channels, or government-designated right-of-way have little to no legal standing, making it difficult for affected owners to obtain compensation or favourable rulings in court. This is because such developments typically contravene established planning laws and are considered public safety hazards. We love your feedback. Let us know what you think about this article or your experience renting in Africa by sending an email toadvisory@fortrenandcompany.com. You can also join the conversation here onLinkedIn.
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