Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said addressing the state’s housing deficit requires more than constructing additional homes, stressing the importance of affordability, accessibility and essential services.
Sanwo-Olu stated this in a keynote address delivered by the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, at the 2026 World Habitat Day celebration in Lagos on Monday.
The event was held under the theme, “Adequate Housing for All.”
The governor said the existence of a building alone does not necessarily amount to adequate housing, noting that proper accommodation must provide security, affordability, accessibility and basic services.
Lagos Delivers 10,623 Housing Units
Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos State Government had provided 10,623 housing units through direct budgetary allocations and public-private partnerships since 2019.
According to him, 23 housing estates have been completed across the five divisions of the state.
He, however, acknowledged that the figure represents only part of the broader response required to address Lagos’ housing needs.
The governor said the government was also expanding opportunities for home ownership through initiatives such as the Rent-to-Own scheme and Lagos HOMS.
He added that five housing projects currently under construction would provide an additional 1,584 homes.
Governor Links Housing To Roads, Water, Drainage
Sanwo-Olu stressed that infrastructure surrounding residential communities is an essential component of adequate housing.
He listed roads, drainage, electricity and water supply among the services required to support functional residential communities.
The governor also said the state was pursuing tenancy reforms aimed at protecting residents from arbitrary rent increases and unlawful charges.
He urged developers, financial institutions, planning professionals, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to contribute to the development of safe and sustainable communities.
Sanwo-Olu also advised residents to comply with physical planning regulations, warning that buildings constructed without the required approvals could pose risks to occupants and neighbouring communities.
Lagos Population Growth Puts Pressure On Housing
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, said adequate housing was closely connected to transportation, employment, security, healthcare, education, water supply, sanitation and effective urban planning.
Olumide said Lagos’ rapid population growth had increased pressure on land, housing and other urban services.
He called for stronger coordination among government agencies, private developers, financial institutions, professional organisations, communities and other stakeholders.
Festus Adebayo Calls For Affordable Housing
The Founder and Convener of the Africa International Housing Show, Festus Adebayo, described the high cost of housing as both an economic and social challenge.
Adebayo said many young graduates and working families were spending significant portions of their incomes on rent and transportation, limiting their ability to save, invest or purchase homes.
He argued that the housing debate should consider not only the number of available houses but also whether residents could afford and access them.
Adebayo also noted that some residential properties across Nigeria remained vacant while many families continued to struggle to secure decent accommodation.
He advocated improved access to land and housing finance, alongside stronger cooperation between government and private-sector stakeholders.
Town Planners Seek Stronger Collaboration
In a goodwill message, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, David Olawale, said sustainable housing depended on effective urban planning and collaboration between government and professional bodies.
Olawale referenced Sustainable Development Goal 11, which promotes inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements.
The General Manager of the Lagos Informal Space Management Authority, Daisi Oso, said World Habitat Day should be viewed beyond the construction of houses.
She stressed the need to develop communities that are safe, peaceful, accessible and sustainable.
