Sanwo-Olu: Lagos Delivers 3,000+ Homes in Under 5 Years

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has revealed a significant milestone in his administration’s commitment to addressing the housing deficit in the state. Speaking at the Conference of Directors of Lands in the Federal and State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, themed “Improving Land-Based Revenue of the Federating Units in Nigeria through Efficient and Effective Land Administration,” Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted that over the past five years, his administration has successfully provided more than 3,000 homes for the residents of Lagos.

The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Housing, Barrister Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, explained that these housing projects were accomplished through a combination of Direct Budgetary Allocation and Joint Venture Partnership. This revelation underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of housing deficit in Nigeria, which currently stands at an alarming 28 million in 2023.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the urgent need to bridge the housing gap, particularly in Lagos, where the deficit is estimated at 17 million. He highlighted the continuous influx of people into the state, with an estimated 500,000 individuals migrating to Lagos annually. The governor stressed that the state’s housing initiatives are not only crucial for addressing local concerns but also align with broader national issues.

“The growing housing deficit in Nigeria has risen from seven million in 1991 to an estimated 28 million in 2023,” she stated, emphasizing the significance of targeted efforts to provide affordable housing solutions. The governor also disclosed ongoing mass housing projects in various areas of the state, including Obese Phase II, Egan, Sangotedo, Epe, and Badagry.

In addition to the state government’s efforts, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, shared important developments at the event. He revealed that four states, namely Lagos, Kaduna, Ekiti, and Nasarawa, had adopted the Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law. This initiative, driven by housing industry stakeholders, aims to safeguard investments in the housing and mortgage sector.

“As of today, the Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law has been passed in four states, including Lagos, Kaduna, Ekiti, and Nasarawa States. We aim to drive its passage in all the states of the federation as part of our efforts to ensure that investments in the housing and mortgage sector are protected,” Minister Dangiwa declared. This legislative advancement is a significant step towards creating a conducive legal framework for housing investments, contributing to the overall growth of the housing sector.

In urging for innovative approaches, Minister Dangiwa emphasized the importance of thinking “out of the box” to drive progress and change the narrative in the housing sector. The government’s commitment to adopting such legal frameworks and encouraging innovative solutions demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the complex challenges associated with housing deficit.

The Conference of Directors of Lands, where these crucial announcements were made, serves as an annual gathering for directors from the 36 states of the Federation, Federal Capital Territory, and key stakeholders in the public and private sectors. The event provides a platform for sharing ideas, experiences, and formulating policies for effective and efficient land administration that benefits Nigeria and its citizens.

In conclusion, the Lagos State government’s revelation of providing over 3,000 homes within five years reflects a tangible commitment to alleviating the housing deficit in the state. The ongoing mass housing projects and adoption of the Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law in collaboration with other states signal a collaborative effort to create a conducive environment for housing investments. As Nigeria grapples with a growing housing deficit, these initiatives and legislative strides are crucial steps towards building a sustainable and affordable housing sector.