Kotun Oluwadamilola Taps into Nigeria’s Growing Shortlet Industry

By Tosin Clegg

Nigeria’s shortlet market has experienced significant growth in recent years, particularly in cities like Lagos, where business travel, tourism, remote work, and visits from Nigerians in the diaspora have increased demand for flexible accommodation.

Alongside that growth has come a greater need for professional property management, as property owners seek reliable ways to protect their investments while meeting guests’ expectations.

For Kotun Oluwadamilola, founder of Sisi Oni Dukia and Oni Dukia Limited, the growing demand for professionally managed shortlets presented an opportunity to expand her services beyond property sales.

Speaking to reporters in Lagos, the real estate entrepreneur said her decision to venture into shortlet rentals and management was driven by a desire to continue serving clients even after they acquired their properties.

“Buying a property is only one part of the journey,” she said. “Many property owners want to earn income from their investments, but they don’t always have the time or expertise to manage guests, maintain the apartments, or handle the day-to-day operations. That’s where professional management becomes important.”

Popularly known as “Your Next Door Realtor,” Oluwadamilola officially began her real estate career in 2021 after closing her first property sale. Since then, she has steadily expanded her portfolio to include property sales, land transactions, facility management, real estate consultancy, and shortlet rentals and management.

According to industry reports, Lagos remains one of Nigeria’s most active markets for shortlet apartments, driven by corporate travellers, event attendees, expatriates, and families seeking alternatives to traditional hotels. As competition increases, operators are placing greater emphasis on hospitality, maintenance, and customer experience.

Oluwadamilola believes successful shortlet management requires more than simply making an apartment available for booking.
“A shortlet is not just about handing over keys,” she said. “Every guest expects a clean space, quick communication, security, and a comfortable experience from check-in to check-out. Property owners also want peace of mind knowing their investment is being properly managed. You have to be able to deliver both.”

Her approach includes routine property inspections, prompt maintenance, and clear communication with both guests and property owners. She says these practices help preserve the value of the properties under her management while encouraging repeat bookings and referrals.

“Hospitality has become an important part of real estate,” she explained. “People remember how you make them feel. When guests have a great experience, they come back, they recommend the apartment to others, and the property owner benefits in the long run.”

While her business continues to grow, Oluwadamilola says education remains an important part of her work. Through her personal brand, Sisi Oni Dukia, she regularly shares information about the property market. She encourages prospective investors to understand the responsibilities that come with owning and managing real estate.

“I want people to see real estate as more than buying and selling,” she said. “Whether you’re purchasing your first home or investing in a shortlet apartment, every property deserves proper care. That’s what creates long-term value, and that’s the standard I want my clients to experience.”

As Nigeria’s hospitality and property sectors continue to evolve, Oluwadamilola says she remains committed to helping both investors and guests enjoy the benefits of professionally managed real estate, one property and one experience at a time.