The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of governance on foreign direct investment in the Nigerian housing market. The paper proceeds by identifying the advantages of housing investment over other major investment vehicles. In addition, the paper reviews housing situation in the country and the effects of governance on foreign direct investment in housing market in Nigeria. Poor governance characterized by political instability, civil strife, corruption, weak microeconomic management and weak protection of property rights, continually reinforce the perception of Nigeria as a high-risk place to invest. To make the nation housing market attractive to foreign investment, the necessary requirements must be put in place. These include entrenchment of transparency and accountability into governance, pursuance of sound macroeconomic policies, and an efficient judicial system to resolve conflicts impartially, enforces contract and protect property rights.