Leading the Charge for Affordable Housing in Nigeria – Terah Melford

Terah Melford, the dynamic founder and CEO of Hazibian International Limited, is making waves in Nigeria’s real estate industry with her vision for accessible housing. Born and raised in Lagos, Terah’s humble beginnings and personal struggles with housing motivated her to pursue a career in real estate. “My childhood was difficult. We never really had a place to call home, moving from one shelter to another. I joined real estate to solve that as much as I can,” she shares.

With a degree in International Studies and Diplomacy from Benson Idahosa University, Terah and her team, Hazibian, have built a career that now spans over 10 years in real estate, with her firm managing five estates across Nigeria. Hazibian International, known for its professionalism and integrity, continues to stand out under her leadership. “At Hazibian, we pride ourselves on our diverse portfolio and our commitment to excellence. We’re not just building houses; we’re creating communities,” says Terah.

Currently, Terah is focused on a new low-income housing project in Calabar, Cross River State, with plans to extend it to other regions across Nigeria. The initiative aims to provide affordable homes for Nigerians while boosting local economies through sustainable development. Terah is passionate about this mission, stating, “This project is deeply personal to me. It’s about giving back and ensuring that everyone, especially those at the grassroots level, has access to decent housing.”

In addition to her work in real estate, Terah is a strong advocate for youth empowerment. As an alumnus of LEAP Africa and a mentor through various youth programs, she’s dedicated to supporting the next generation of leaders. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning her awards from the National Association of University Students and the Congress of Nigerian Youths.

In the future, Terah has ambitious goals for both her company and the real estate sector in Nigeria. She is also involved in the Women and Men in Real Estate webinar series, aimed at creating a learning community for realtors. “I believe in consistency and passion,” she advises aspiring professionals. “Stay focused, and don’t give up.”

Through her leadership at Hazibian International and her dedication to youth and community development, Terah is shaping a better future for Nigeria’s real estate sector, one project at a time.