Lagos 2027 Governorship Debate: Candidates Outline Plans to Address Housing Crisis and Rising Rents
Governorship candidates in Lagos State have outlined different approaches to addressing the state’s housing crisis, rising rental costs and challenges facing tenants ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The proposals were presented during the Lagos 2027 Governorship Debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium on November 8, 2026. The debate featured candidates from four political parties, including Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Obafemi Hamzat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Funsho Doherty of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Adedeji Doherty of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Housing affordability became a major issue during the discussion, with attention focused on rising rents, excessive agency fees, limited housing supply and the financial pressure on residents.
According to the report, some Lagos residents spend between 60 and 70 per cent of their annual income on rent, significantly above the commonly recommended 30 per cent benchmark.
The candidates were asked how they would address situations where workers earning about ₦150,000 monthly struggle to afford annual rents of up to ₦1.5 million, excluding additional agency and legal charges.
Candidates Propose Different Approaches to Rent Regulation
ADC candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour called for stronger tenant protection laws to address arbitrary rent increases.
He proposed legislation requiring landlords to give tenants at least six months’ notice before increasing rent, alongside guidelines limiting increases to between 20 and 30 per cent.
He also criticised excessive agency and legal fees, arguing that tenants should have access to a system where they can report exploitative practices and receive government support.
Beyond rent regulation, Rhodes-Vivour proposed increasing housing supply by completing abandoned buildings and working with property owners to provide government-backed rental accommodation.
Meanwhile, APC candidate Obafemi Hamzat said Lagos already has laws regulating real estate activities and that stronger enforcement would help address some of the challenges facing tenants.
He referenced the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) framework, which regulates real estate practitioners and certain rental practices.
Hamzat said tenants should not be forced to pay two or three years’ rent in advance, adding that the government would continue ongoing housing projects, improve property approval processes and encourage developers to increase housing supply.
Funsho Doherty Calls for Greater Government Investment in Housing
NDC candidate Funsho Doherty argued that the private sector alone cannot provide enough affordable homes for Lagos residents, particularly those in low- and middle-income groups.
He attributed the housing shortage to the failure of supply to keep pace with population growth and called for greater government involvement in affordable and social housing development.
Doherty also proposed establishing an ombudsman office to address complaints involving estate agents, excessive charges and arbitrary rent increases.
He maintained that government should take a leading role in providing affordable housing rather than leaving the responsibility largely to private developers.
Adedeji Doherty Proposes Government-Managed Rental Housing
PDP candidate Adedeji Doherty proposed a different approach, arguing that the Lagos State Government should directly provide rental accommodation to residents.
He suggested that the government could rent properties from private landlords and sublet them to residents at more affordable rates.
According to him, relying on regulations alone would not adequately address the challenges facing tenants, making direct government participation in the rental market necessary.
He also highlighted the difficulties faced by low-income workers who cannot afford accommodation in many parts of Lagos.
Housing Affordability Remains a Major Election Issue
The debate highlighted different proposals for addressing Lagos’ housing challenges, including rent regulation, improved enforcement of existing laws, increased government housing delivery and direct intervention in the rental market.
The discussions also drew attention to the need for sustainable housing finance, stronger tenant protection and increased investment in affordable housing.
As the 2027 governorship election approaches, the implementation of these proposals will remain an important consideration in discussions about housing affordability and access to decent accommodation in Lagos State.
The challenge for the next administration will be to translate policy proposals into practical measures that expand housing supply, improve rental conditions and make decent homes more accessible to residents.
