Bartholomew Egbochie, the visionary leader behind Nigeria's fast-rising real estate company, ATCO Homes, has charted an extraordinary path from modest beginnings to international recognition. His recent appointment as a United Nations Ambassador and accolades at the Nigerian Business Leadership Awards (NBLA) underscore a career defined by unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity.
The Humble Beginnings of a Serial Entrepreneur
In an exclusive interview following his recognition as one of the "100 Top Strategic CEOs of Nigeria's Most Transformative and Iconic Companies In 2025", Egbochie traced his roots. His first foray into business was managing his elder brother's phone booth while an undergraduate studying Mathematics at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. He later started his own booth, selling call time and recharge cards to fellow students.
When mobile phones became more common and competition grew, he pivoted strategically. Observing a construction boom around the university town, he ventured into selling cement. This early lesson in adaptability and market sensing was crucial. "Those experiences taught me how to balance priorities, scale, diversify, and nurture a customer base by building a reputation for integrity," Egbochie explained.
Building Empires: From Dredging to Real Estate Dominance
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to partner with like-minded individuals, pooling funds to enter the dredging business. This evolved into his first formal company, Reigns Lomre Marine Limited, which expanded into construction, leasing, and heavy-duty equipment supply, establishing him as a reliable 'go-to' resource.
The pivot to real estate was sparked by two key factors: Nigeria's vast housing gap and a life-changing conversation with his wife after moving to Lagos. This discussion prompted him to leverage his construction leasing experience in a barter trade for plots of land. "That was the pivotal moment," he stated. "Seeing the housing gap and the need for private investment, I doubled down on the opportunity to help." Thus, ATCO Homes was born.
The TIGHT Framework Driving ATCO Homes' Success
ATCO Homes' growth is anchored in a core philosophy Egbochie sums up as: "I sense. I serve. I satisfy." The company operates on the TIGHT principles: Trust, Integrity, Growth, Humility, and Teamwork. This model has enabled them to create unique installment payment plans for home ownership and build a robust value delivery system.
The firm's excellence was globally recognized when it won an International Property Awards (IPA) in 2023. "Our recognition at the IPA underscores our organisational culture and business practices," Egbochie noted. Customer testimonials consistently praise the company's transparency and peace-of-mind engagements.
Strategic Focus on Ibeju-Lekki and a Bullish Outlook
ATCO Homes has strategically concentrated its portfolio in the Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos, dubbed 'the new Lagos'. The company currently manages thirteen estates in the area, including Blue Pentagon Estate, Milton Estate, and Bliss Vale Estate. Egbochie cites the area's massive infrastructure developments as the key driver, offering clients impressive 60% to 65% annual returns on investment.
The catalysts for this growth include:
- The Dangote Refinery
- The Lekki Deep Sea Port
- The proposed International Airport
- The planned 4th Mainland Bridge
On the future of Nigerian real estate, Egbochie is highly optimistic. He points to official data showing the real estate services sector grew by 46.52% in Q3 2024, contributing 5.43% to the real GDP and ranking as the third-highest contributor to the economy. Combined with urbanization and population growth, he believes the sector is poised for sustained expansion.
From a phone booth operator to a UN Ambassador and award-winning CEO, Bartholomew Egbochie's journey exemplifies how strategic vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to solving problems can build transformative enterprises and impact nations.
