Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for deeper collaboration between the government and the private sector to address the state’s growing housing deficit.
The governor said affordable and sustainable housing delivery cannot be achieved by government efforts alone, stressing the need for partnerships with private developers, investors, and financial institutions.
Sanwo-Olu made the call on Tuesday at the Sixth Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference held on Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was organised by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Agency (LASRERA).
He said his administration remains committed to building an inclusive housing sector but noted that meaningful progress depends on leveraging private capital, innovation, and structured financing models.
According to the governor, housing plays a critical role in human dignity, economic productivity, and social stability, adding that affordability must reflect the real income levels of residents.
Sanwo-Olu said the government’s role is to serve as an enabler, regulator, and strategic partner, rather than the sole provider of housing.
He added that sustainable urban development requires coordinated planning that integrates infrastructure, housing, and access to workplaces.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said the state’s housing and infrastructure initiatives have positioned Lagos as a model megacity in Africa.
He noted that regulatory agencies play a crucial role in ensuring innovation in the real estate sector does not compromise safety, transparency, or compliance.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, said the conference provided a platform for government and private stakeholders to jointly tackle housing challenges in a rapidly growing city.
She disclosed that the state government is reviewing a new tenancy bill at the Lagos State House of Assembly to clarify the roles of real estate practitioners and improve property transaction processes.
Stakeholders at the conference discussed innovative financing options, infrastructure investment, and global best practices aimed at meeting Lagos’ housing needs.
A recent Lagos housing market report indicates that the state faces a housing deficit of over 3.3 million units, including hundreds of thousands of homes classified as unsafe or lacking basic services.
