Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said tackling the state’s housing crisis requires more than constructing additional homes, stressing that affordability, accessibility and basic infrastructure must form part of the solution.
Sanwo-Olu made the remarks in his keynote address delivered by the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, during the 2026 World Habitat Day celebration in Lagos. The event was held under the theme, “Adequate Housing for All.”
The governor said the mere availability of a building does not automatically make it adequate housing. According to him, homes must provide security, affordability, accessibility and access to essential services such as water, electricity, roads and drainage.
Sanwo-Olu said his administration had delivered 10,623 housing units through direct government funding and public-private partnerships since 2019, with 23 housing estates completed across Lagos’ five divisions. He acknowledged, however, that the figure represented only part of the response required to meet the state’s housing needs.
The governor said the state was also expanding opportunities for residents to own homes through initiatives such as the Rent-to-Own scheme and Lagos HOMS. Five housing projects currently under construction are expected to add another 1,584 housing units.
Sanwo-Olu further disclosed that the state was pursuing tenancy reforms aimed at protecting residents from arbitrary rent increases and illegal charges. He urged developers, financial institutions, planning professionals, traditional rulers and community leaders to contribute to the creation of safe and sustainable communities.
The issue is significant as Lagos continues to face intense pressure on housing supply and affordability. A recent report by GTI Investment Group estimated that rents had risen by as much as 120 per cent in two years, while the state faces an annual housing funding gap of about N6 trillion.
Sanwo-Olu’s comments come amid wider calls for coordinated urban planning, increased housing finance and stronger public-private partnerships. The Lagos housing challenge remains closely linked to the city’s rapid population growth, transportation demands, employment opportunities and access to essential urban services.
