More than 20,000 Lagos families have benefited from government-backed mortgage and rent-to-own housing programmes since the establishment of the Lagos State Mortgage Board, according to the agency’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Bayowa Foresythe.

Foresythe said the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme, popularly known as LagosHOMS, was created to provide a more affordable pathway to homeownership for low- and middle-income residents.

The Lagos State Mortgage Board was inaugurated in 2014 following concerns over the state’s growing housing deficit and the inability of many residents to purchase homes through outright payment.

According to Foresythe, the government recognised that the conventional cash-and-carry property market excluded many working families whose incomes could support gradual repayment but not immediate property acquisition.

The state consequently introduced mortgage and rent-to-own options that allow eligible residents to make an initial equity contribution and spread the outstanding cost of their homes over 10 years.

Foresythe said LagosHOMS properties had been allocated across the state’s five administrative divisions, known collectively as IBILE: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe.

Among the locations identified under the programme are Sangotedo Phases I and II, Surulere, Igbogbo and Ibeshe in Ikorodu, Epe, Ogba, Ilupeju, Ajara in Badagry, Odonosa and Idale.

The housing portfolio includes 360 units in Igbogbo, 420 units in Ibeshe and about 360 units in Epe.

Other developments include 96 and 144 units within the Sir Anthony Enahoro Housing Scheme in Ogba, 120 units at the Oba Mufutau Olatunji Hamzat Housing Estate in Ilupeju and more than 400 units in Ajara, Badagry.

Foresythe said additional housing developments were still under construction as the state worked to expand the supply of homes.

He explained that reduced equity requirements, relatively lower interest rates and the 10-year repayment period had made the programme more accessible to participating residents.

The state government has also introduced an optional early-completion arrangement for beneficiaries with consistent payment records.

Under the arrangement, qualified beneficiaries who have maintained uninterrupted payments for six years may be permitted to settle their outstanding balances instead of waiting until the end of the original 10-year period.

Foresythe identified life insurance, fire insurance, estate-management services and continuing support for beneficiaries as important measures introduced to sustain the scheme.

Despite the reported progress, he acknowledged that Lagos continues to face a substantial housing shortage because demand is growing faster than supply.

The state attracts new residents daily, and each additional household requires accommodation, placing further pressure on the existing housing stock.

Foresythe said neither the government nor private developers could independently deliver all the homes required in Lagos. He therefore advocated stronger partnerships with private investors to accelerate housing construction.

He also urged existing beneficiaries to meet their repayment obligations promptly, explaining that recovered funds would help the government extend housing opportunities to other residents.

The LagosHOMS experience demonstrates how rent-to-own and long-term mortgage arrangements can help workers move from tenancy into homeownership without paying the full property price at once.

However, meeting Lagos’ housing demand will require significantly increased construction, serviced land, affordable development finance and sustained public-private collaboration.

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The Lagos State Government has initiated an extensive urban renewal phase by commissioning certified development experts to review, update, and manage its primary territorial layouts across the metropolis. Spearheaded by the New Towns Development Authority, the ongoing spatial interventions aim to promote organized municipal expansion, suppress unauthorized structural constructions, and secure long-term physical planning compliance. According to regulatory statements, the multi-tiered initiative will involve modifying the existing zoning blueprints for Lekki Peninsula Scheme I, executing data inventories across the Badagry developmental corridor, and drafting new master plans for emerging coastal smart towns in the Ise-Igbogun and Ode Omi axis.

Concurrently, the state administration has issued a firm directive to real estate contractors regarding construction delays on public residential assets. During a field inspection tour, the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, warned that non-performing construction partners would not be permitted to compromise the state’s affordable shelter delivery timelines. The strategic site visits focused on accelerating finishing works at the 636-unit Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme, the 128-unit Joint Venture residential complex in Ipaja, and the 176-apartment Lagos State Workers’ Village situated along Command Road.

To buffer the negative impacts of localized inflation and surging structural material costs, the Ministry of Housing has modified specific internal finishing components to keep the incoming housing stock financially accessible for low-income public earners. Utility engineers confirmed that major infrastructural bottlenecks at the Egan site have been successfully rectified, with centralized water treatment systems, municipal sewer infrastructure, and grid electrification connections fully optimized for deployment. The government emphasized that its housing delivery model intentionally combines direct public treasury funding with private developer joint ventures to systematically bridge the urban accommodation deficit below prevailing market pricing.

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The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has officially dismissed viral social media claims alleging that a fresh structural disaster occurred in the Alakija area of the state. In a formal public statement issued on Thursday, the emergency agency clarified that the viral online assessments are entirely unfounded and misleading to the public.

According to the LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, emergency relief personnel were immediately deployed to investigate the precise location mentioned in the digital reports. However, a comprehensive physical sweep and technical assessment conducted by first responders at the scene revealed zero evidence to support the claims, confirming that LASEMA debunks report of another Lagos building collapse.

The emergency management boss strongly cautioned citizens against spreading unverified safety alerts, noting that manufactured distress calls severely hamper rescue operations. Such false narratives divert valuable state infrastructure and deplete operational readiness, which potentially delays critical responses to genuine life-threatening emergencies elsewhere across the metropolis.

This official clarification follows a real tragedy in the same community earlier in the week where a two-storey structure gave way, claiming nine lives and injuring dozens. While emergency services remain highly vigilant under the strategic direction of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, members of the public are urged to route all incident alerts through formal state channels to prevent unnecessary panic.

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Severe flooding swept through several communities in Lagos State on Tuesday after hours of heavy rainfall submerged homes, inundated major roads and disrupted electricity supply in parts of the state.

Residents in areas including FESTAC, Gbagada, Ajah, Ikeja, Evans, Olushi, Anikantamo and Adeniji Adele were left stranded as floodwaters overwhelmed drainage systems, forcing commuters to wade through waterlogged streets while motorists struggled to navigate submerged roads.

Videos circulating on social media showed residents moving through flooded streets, with some roads rendered impassable by rising water levels.

In Ikeja, floodwaters reportedly entered homes and business premises, prompting some residents to temporarily relocate for safety. Residents blamed the recurring flooding on blocked drainage channels, poor road design and indiscriminate refuse disposal.

A resident, Abidemi Raji, alleged that a drainage channel linking parts of the community had been obstructed following nearby construction activities, worsening the flooding situation.

The downpour also affected FESTAC in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, where roads and inner streets were submerged, disrupting movement and economic activities.

The flooding triggered electricity outages in several communities after floodwaters affected facilities at the Oworo 132/33kV Transmission Station. In a public notice, Ikeja Electric said severe flooding damaged two power transformers and several 33kV feeders, disrupting supply to areas including Bariga, Gbagada, Oworo, Pedro, Alapere, Agboyi and surrounding communities.

The company said it was working with the Transmission Company of Nigeria to restore power as soon as repairs were completed.

The impact of the heavy rainfall extended into neighbouring Ogun State, where residents of Gloryland Estate in Ibafo appealed for urgent government intervention, saying annual flooding had damaged buildings, disrupted transportation and exposed residents to health risks.

Reacting to the development, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the rainfall as an extreme weather event that temporarily overwhelmed existing drainage infrastructure.

He disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved the dredging of 28 additional primary drainage channels across the state as part of measures to improve flood control and reduce the impact of future downpours.

Wahab noted that Lagos’ coastal geography, characterised by lagoons, rivers and tidal water bodies, often slows the discharge of stormwater into the sea during high tides, making temporary flooding likely during periods of intense rainfall.

He urged residents to refrain from dumping refuse into drainage channels, avoid illegal reclamation of wetlands and comply with environmental regulations designed to reduce flooding.

The commissioner also advised motorists to stay away from flooded roads during heavy rainfall and urged residents in vulnerable communities to adhere to weather advisories and safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities.

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A severe downpour on June 28 submerged critical infrastructure, closed commercial hubs, and briefly paralyzed activities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport international terminal, creating widespread anxiety over impending Lagos flood risks. The torrential weekend rainfall severely affected notable areas including Oshodi, Mushin, Surulere, Egbeda’s Akowonjo Road, Gbagada Expressway, and Idi-Oro. This incident struck just as regulatory bodies issued warnings regarding the peak flood season expected between July and September.

At the airport, rising waters forced the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to shut down operations at its temporary international facility when water reached the main powerhouse. Consequently, officials disconnected power grid access for safety, redirecting major international carriers such as Air France-KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, and Fly Gabon to Terminal Two. Meanwhile, urban areas like Gbagada, Ipaja, and Surulere witnessed knee-deep floods that trapped residents and halted daily commuting.

Videos circulating on social platforms depicted vehicles nearly submerged up to window levels, and commuters in Oshodi desperately seeking safety as portions of the public transit hub overflowed. The intense rainfall also breached domestic thresholds, leaving the lower levels of several residential buildings completely underwater. Although the water receded by Monday morning to allow business activities to slowly restart, traders and inhabitants lamented that the crisis highlights the state’s persistent exposure to environmental hazards despite public safety pledges.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) collectively designated the July-to-September window as the period of ultimate vulnerability. According to NiMet’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, a weak La Niña followed by a neutral ENSO phase has triggered predictions of an elongated rainy season with a delayed end. Projections show extreme annual precipitation reaching up to 2,010mm in Badagry and averaging 1,965mm across all 20 local government areas. Furthermore, NIHSA’s 2026 Annual Flood Outlook listed Lagos among 33 high-risk states, stating that a combination of rapid urbanization and overstretched drainage systems aggravates coastal and flash flood events.

To mitigate future occurrences, NEMA’s territorial arm flagged specific zones like Alimosho, Ikeja, and Epe as flash points, warning that Ikorodu and Isheri could face surges from the Oyan Dam. In response, Mahmood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary for the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, affirmed that flood mitigation is the administration’s primary directive. Adegbite revealed that a new flood insurance policy has been introduced via the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency to assist victims, while structural long-term projects—such as the 36-month System 1 drainage channel—are entering their initial phases of execution.

Reflecting on immediate causes, government officials noted that over a week of continuous rain had already fully saturated the soil and raised lagoon levels, thereby overwhelming existing networks. In reaction, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu greenlit emergency maintenance across major canals. Recent inspections also uncovered unauthorized real estate expansions on natural wetlands and waterways, prompting immediate demolition exercises. Additionally, the Ministry of Environment is contemplating future mandates requiring residential properties to allocate 40 percent of their plots to green spaces to enhance natural ground absorption.

While Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab urged the public to stay calm—characterizing the weekend crisis as transient flash flooding exacerbated by coastal topography—he admonished residents to stop dumping refuse in public drains. Having recently published an exhaustive list of endangered zones including Lekki, Apapa, and Lagos Island, authorities warn that the upcoming months represent the most challenging period of the year for communities situated near low-lying riverbanks.

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to occupants of shanties, makeshift structures and illegal trading points along the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, warning that a massive demolition exercise will commence next week.

The governor announced the directive on Saturday after leading the monthly environmental sanitation exercise alongside his wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, across communities in Surulere Local Government Area.

Speaking with journalists after the exercise, Sanwo-Olu said the state government would deploy enforcement teams to clear all illegal structures along the corridor, stretching from Orile-Iganmu to Okokomaiko.

“This is the final notice to everyone occupying the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. From next week, we are coming to clear the entire median. Everything there will go. Every illegal structure will be removed,” the governor said.

He stressed that the highway median was not designated for markets or residential structures, noting that the government would protect the corridor considering the huge public investment committed to the road project.

“It is a 10-lane highway built with taxpayers’ money. We will not allow anyone to turn an international gateway into a slum. We are deploying thousands of personnel to ensure compliance,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve waste management across the state, disclosing that the government would soon add 150 compactors to its waste collection fleet while deploying waste tricycles to underserved communities.

According to him, the state is investing in long-term waste management infrastructure, including a modern material recovery and recycling facility expected to process about 4,250 metric tonnes of waste daily.

The governor urged residents to support government initiatives by disposing of waste responsibly and paying waste collection bills promptly.

“Waste management is not the responsibility of government alone. Residents must also play their part by paying for waste collection services to enable operators provide efficient services,” he said.

He further encouraged parents to involve their children in environmental sanitation activities, describing cleanliness as essential to building a healthier and more sustainable Lagos.

Meanwhile, during an inspection of the Olusosun Landfill, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the state was transitioning from the traditional “collect-and-dump” waste disposal model to a circular system that converts waste into valuable resources.

Wahab explained that the planned material recovery facility in Ikorodu would receive waste from transfer loading stations and process thousands of tonnes daily into reusable products and energy.

“We can no longer sustain the waste management system we have practised for decades. Waste must become a resource for wealth creation, energy generation and environmental sustainability,” he said.

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The Lagos State Government has announced immediate plans for the enforcement of building safety laws, confirming that Lagos to Demolish Distressed Buildings in Alakija Town will commence shortly following a fatal structural collapse. The decision comes after a three-storey shopping complex situated along Old Ojo Road near Alakija Bus Stop in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area caved in, leading to the loss of nine lives and leaving dozens injured. Addressing journalists during an on-site evaluation, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, stated that the exercise will target structures already marked for evacuation to mitigate future risks to public safety.

Emergency operations, handled by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency along with multiple partner organizations, have officially concluded after successfully rescuing 27 survivors from the rubble. Officials revealed that the collapsed commercial structure had been explicitly cataloged as defective by the state’s safety controllers; however, tenants routinely ignored evacuation mandates. In response to this disregard for public safety codes, the administration has ordered the Lagos State Building Control Agency to run comprehensive structural tests on adjoining premises to enforce mandatory compliance throughout the vicinity.

The government reiterates that the effort for Lagos to Demolish Distressed Buildings in Alakija Town remains an uncompromised priority to ensure human preservation over commercial activities. Additional safety concerns were raised by officials regarding illegal developments built directly beneath high-voltage electricity lines, a situation described as highly precarious. Regulatory bodies have advised the public to actively boycott landlords who maintain compromised structures and to immediately utilize designated emergency hotlines to report failing architecture.

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The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish all buildings identified as structurally distressed around the site of the collapsed three-storey building in Alakija, Satellite Town, as part of efforts to prevent future disasters.

The government also vowed to prosecute the owners of the collapsed structure and any other individuals found to have violated building regulations or obstructed enforcement actions.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, disclosed this on Friday while inspecting the site on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to him, the governor is deeply saddened by the incident and has extended condolences to the families of the victims.

Omotoso revealed that 27 people were rescued alive from the rubble, while nine others lost their lives during the rescue operation.

Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Police, the Command and Control Centre, and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, remained at the scene to complete recovery efforts.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu is saddened by this incident. He sends his condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones,” Omotoso said.

He disclosed that the collapsed building had previously been identified as structurally distressed and marked for demolition, with occupants directed to vacate the premises.

“This tragedy should not have happened. The building had been marked as distressed and occupants were asked to move out, but the directive was ignored. Livelihoods were unfortunately prioritised over lives,” he stated.

The commissioner announced that all other buildings already marked as unsafe within the vicinity would be demolished without delay to protect lives and property.

He further stated that the owners of the collapsed structure, as well as owners of other distressed buildings found culpable, would face prosecution under Lagos State laws.

“Anyone found to have violated building regulations or frustrated enforcement efforts will be prosecuted. Owners of the collapsed and other distressed buildings will be held accountable under the law,” he said.

Omotoso also condemned the construction of buildings beneath high-tension electricity lines, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable.

“You cannot build under high-tension power lines. It is dangerous and unacceptable in any civilised society. It shows a disregard for the law, and the government will not tolerate it,” he added.

He noted that investigations into the cause of the collapse were ongoing while survivors continued to receive medical treatment at various hospitals.

The commissioner advised residents occupying buildings around the affected area to relocate immediately and comply with safety directives issued by the authorities.

He also commended emergency responders for their professionalism and dedication throughout the rescue mission.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, praised first responders and security agencies for their tireless efforts during the operation, which continued until the structure was completely brought down.

Also present during the inspection was the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, who lauded the coordinated response of emergency agencies in managing the disaster.

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The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to delivering more than 2,000 housing units currently under construction in Abraham Adesanya and Sangotedo, located in the Ibeju-Lekki axis, before the end of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, gave the assurance during an inspection tour of ongoing housing projects across the state, where he expressed satisfaction with the level of progress achieved but urged contractors to accelerate work.

Akinderu-Fatai said the government remained focused on ensuring timely completion of the projects while guaranteeing value for public funds invested in the developments.

“We are here with the Permanent Secretary, directors and members of the ministry’s technical team to inspect the projects and assess the level of work done,” he said.

According to the commissioner, the housing schemes are being executed through Public-Private Partnership arrangements designed to expand access to affordable housing for Lagos residents.

He disclosed that four major housing projects are currently ongoing across the state, with a combined capacity exceeding 2,000 housing units.

“It is the intention of this government to ensure that these projects are completed as quickly as possible before the end of this administration,” he stated.

Despite acknowledging progress on the sites, Akinderu-Fatai expressed concern over the pace of work on some projects and revealed that several technical issues requiring urgent attention had been identified.

“We are not completely satisfied with the current pace of work. We have noticed some technical issues which we will resolve with the contractors. We intend to intensify our inspections and push the contractors to meet the agreed timelines,” he said.

The commissioner noted that some of the housing schemes could be ready for delivery between October and November this year if contractors improve their performance and adhere strictly to project schedules.

He warned that the government would not hesitate to sanction or replace contractors who fail to meet expected standards and timelines.

“If the government has provided the necessary funding and a contractor is still not delivering as expected, we will take appropriate action. Contractors must cooperate with the government’s determination to complete these projects,” he added.

Akinderu-Fatai explained that inflation and the rising cost of construction materials significantly delayed the projects, leading to requests for cost reviews and extensions by contractors.

“These projects should have been completed about three years ago, but inflation and the increase in the prices of construction materials affected progress. We have addressed those challenges, and our focus now is on delivery,” he said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Sanwo-Olu administration to expanding housing infrastructure and ensuring that all ongoing projects are completed to improve access to decent and affordable housing for residents across Lagos State.

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the European Investment Bank (EIB) for its support of the Omi Eko Project, describing the initiative as a transformative investment that will improve urban mobility, reduce travel time, and enhance the quality of life for Lagos residents.

Sanwo-Olu made the remarks during a courtesy visit by an EIB delegation led by the bank’s Vice President, Ambroise Fayolle, at Lagos House, Marina, over the weekend.

The governor said the Omi Eko Project aligns with his administration’s THEMES+ agenda, particularly the Transportation and Traffic Management pillar, which seeks to develop an integrated transportation network connecting road, rail, and water transport systems.

According to him, Lagos possesses vast water resources that can be harnessed to provide alternative transportation options and ease pressure on existing road infrastructure.

“The Omi Eko Project forms a critical part of Lagos State’s strategy to develop an integrated, intermodal transportation system that effectively combines road, rail, and water transport,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He explained that the project, whose name translates to “Water of Lagos,” will deliver modern and climate-resilient water transportation infrastructure, including upgraded ferry terminals, safer navigation channels, and improved commuter services.

The governor noted that the initiative is expected to significantly reduce commuting time for residents, with journeys that currently take up to two hours projected to be shortened to between 40 and 45 minutes.

Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to the EIB, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and other development partners for supporting Lagos State’s efforts to build a sustainable and efficient transportation system.

He added that expanding water transportation would provide commuters with more travel options while reducing congestion on roads and rail networks.

The governor also welcomed the EIB’s growing investment in Nigeria’s small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), describing the sector as a critical driver of economic growth and job creation.

According to him, Lagos remains committed to converting investment commitments secured during the recently concluded Lagos Investment Summit into tangible economic outcomes that benefit residents and businesses.

Earlier, EIB Vice President Ambroise Fayolle disclosed that Nigeria emerged as the bank’s largest country of operations in Africa in 2025, with total lending reaching €550 million.

He said the development reflected the strengthening partnership between Nigeria, the European Union, and the European Investment Bank.

Fayolle revealed that the EIB recently signed a €200 million financing facility with the Development Bank of Nigeria to support digital and green investments by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

He also announced a separate financing agreement with Wema Bank aimed at improving access to finance for underserved businesses while encouraging environmentally sustainable practices.

Speaking on the Omi Eko Project, Fayolle described it as one of the European Union’s flagship infrastructure initiatives in Lagos.

He explained that the project is being jointly financed by the EIB, the European Union, and the French Development Agency, and will support the construction of modern ferry terminals and the deployment of electric boats across Lagos waterways.

“The initiative is designed to reduce congestion, improve environmental sustainability, and provide Lagos residents with a more efficient means of commuting,” Fayolle said.

The EIB delegation is expected to inspect several projects in Lagos, including investments supported through partnerships with the Bank of Industry, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and explore new opportunities for sustainable development in Nigeria.

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