By Meshack Idehen
By the end of 2023, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu would have delivered over 35 housing schemes to close the huge deficit in the sector in the state and Nigeria.
Of the schemes, 14 has been delivered within the first two years of the Sanwo-Olu administration, adding over 7,000 affordable housing units to the market.
Expressely said, the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Government is committed to reducing the housing deficit and providing affordable homes for the greater number of Lagosians and residents. The administration would be delivering 21 housing schemes before the end of 2023.
With the Governor set to continue with his commendable THEMES AGENDA, Lagosians are optimistic that the administration would realize its mass housing programmes, despite the prevailing economic situation in the country.
Policies initiated by the government has enhanced access for low- and high-income families.
It can also be recalled that the last three years have been eventful in the Ministry of Housing which has strengthened its efforts to realize the housing programmes of the current administration.
The Sanwo-Olu’s administration has completed and delivered various schemes across Lagos, including Lateef Jakande Gardens in Igando, Lagos State Affordable Public Housing Scheme in Idale Badagry, LagosHOMS Lekki Phase 2 and Babatunde Raji Fashola Estate, Courtland Villas, Igbokushu, among others.
Various housing schemes has also recently been completed and are due for commissioning in the coming days. They are located in Odo Onosa Ayandelu, Agbowa, Magodo/Omole, Gbagada and Ibeshe. In all, a total of 14 schemes have been completed and these added over 7,000 affordable housing units to the market.
The administration has other ongoing housing projects, totaling 21 schemes, which are being developed through budgetary allocation and joint ventures.
Furthermore, it will be recalled that these homes and housing schemes are for both low and high net worth individuals in highbrow and low-income settlements, including Igando, Igbokusu, Lekki, Badagry, Igbogbo, Odo-Onosa/Ayandelu, Agbowa, Sangotedo, Epe, Ilubirin, Epe and Egan-Igando.
A proactive governor, Sanwo-Olu has engaged astute strategies to tackle the housing deficit.
The State Government continues partnering multinational development partners for the construction of mass housing estates, which has made housing provision to be in the realm of thousands of homes to drastically reduce the burden.
In these regards, Governor Sanwo-Olu must be commended for his commitment and passion at ensuring that greater number of residents achieve their dream of becoming homeowners. The State Government , hence, would need the support of all stakeholders towards providing decent and stable shelter for residents.
The task of bridging the housing gap in Lagos is demanding and it is important for private sector participants to come in and invest in the housing sector to reduce the deficits.
It is also commendable to that the Lagos Mortgage Board under the administration of the governor has strengthened the “Rent-to-Own” policy, putting many residents on the homeownership ladder.
Targeted at first-time homeowners, the schemes has given a good opportunity to both to the low and middle-income citizens to become home owners.
The State Government has further boosted the local economy through housing development by engaging hundreds of local workers, artisans, suppliers and contractors for the scheme.
“There are intense construction activities on many housing schemes all over the State revitalising the housing delivery value chain. The fact that the construction sites are active means economic engagement for hundreds of workers, artisans, suppliers and contractors. This brings vibrancy that increases the economic resilience of our people,” , said Commissioner, Akinderu-Fatai said.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mrs. Toke Awoyinka-Benson, said the Government made efforts to make Lagos an investor-friendly State, given its housing development laws, and establishment of the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).
