The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the first phase of the Ilubirin Housing Project by December 2026, with approximately 200 units slated for completion as part of efforts to redefine urban living in the state.
Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, gave this assurance during an inspection tour of the project site, where he addressed progress, resolved challenges, and emphasized the project’s alignment with Lagos’ urban development vision.
“From the expressway, it may seem like there’s no activity, but a lot is happening here. We are extracting a firm commitment from the developers to deliver this first phase by 2026,” he said, referencing the First Investment Development Company (FIDC), which is handling the construction in partnership with Ibile Holdings.
The commissioner confirmed that major bottlenecks — including drainage and site access — have been addressed. He also disclosed that approval has been granted for a new access bridge, which will further integrate the development into Lagos’ transportation network.
Envisioned as a multi-functional urban enclave, the Ilubirin project includes plans for residential units, commercial spaces, hotels, and recreational facilities — reinforcing the government’s “live, work, play, and leave” concept. Akinderu-Fatai noted that the project forms part of the state’s THEMES Plus agenda to transform Lagos into a modern 21st-century economy.
He also clarified that while Ilubirin caters to the high-end market, other government-backed housing initiatives are ongoing to meet the needs of low- and middle-income earners. “Over 2,200 housing units are currently being built for this segment in locations like Ikoyi and Victoria Island,” he added.
Also speaking, FIDC Managing Director, Adebisi Adebutu, affirmed the project timeline and explained that the full 27-hectare development — comprising 15- and 20-storey buildings — would eventually deliver nearly 3,000 homes.
He highlighted the extensive engineering work required, including the sand filling of almost one million cubic meters to elevate the site above sea level and prevent future flooding. “We built this to withstand a 100-year storm,” Adebutu said.
In response to market volatility and high import costs, Adebutu noted that most building components are now locally produced. “Our joinery, doors, windows, and aluminium fittings are made and assembled on site. We also cut our tiles from natural Nigerian stone and plan to use locally sourced granite for roads,” he explained.
He stressed that this approach not only ensures sustainability but also supports Nigeria’s drive for local content in construction.
The Ilubirin project, when completed, is expected to stand as a model for modern, resilient, and inclusive urban development in Nigeria.
