By Heritage Odih
No fewer than 500,000 people migrate to Lagos State annually in search of better living condition and opportunities to unlock their full potentials.
This yearly human surge is piling up pressure on the accommodation needs of the people as the State’s housing deficit hits all time high of 17million.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu – Fatai, who disclosed the figure on Sunday, called for provision of mass housing schemes to bridge the yawning gap left by the shortfall in housing in the Centre of Excellence.
Akinderu – Fatai spoke while delivering his key note address at the Billing Way area of Oregun, Ikeja during the 8th edition of the Real Estate Awards 2023, an initiative of the City People Magazine, the leading and only surviving celebrity magazine in Nigeria
The Commissioner was represented by Yeye Adejoke Ojo, an official of the ministry.
At the colourful event, the Lagos State Government, real estate players Deola Igbokwe and Arc Layi Ladipo bagged the City People Real Estate Awards ’23.
Also, Dr Babatunde Adeyemo, an ECOWAS Youth Ambassador as well as Anti – Corruption Ambassador who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, a Nigerian foremost real estate firm behind the Pelican Valley Estate, Pelican Brief Estate, Pelican’s Ecostay Apartments and Pelican’s Greenish Acres Farm Estate – all located at the Laderin – Abeokuta – Kobape – Masa corridor of Ogun State, smiled home with the prestigious City People Magazine Special Recognition Award for remarkable performance in Nigeria’s real estate industry.
Akinderu – Fatai expressed gratitude to the organiser for recognising the laudable efforts of Lagos State, revealing that the government under the leadership Governor Babajide Sanwo – Olu had delivered over 3,000 housing units in the five (5) divisions of the State through Direct Budgetary Allocation and Joint Venture Partnership even as there were on-going projects in various locations across the State, citing Ibese phase II, Egan, Sangotedo, Epe and Badagry as few examples.
He said, “It is pertinent to address the housing gap in the State with credence to the burning national issues. The growing housing deficit in Nigeria has risen from 7 million in 1991 to an estimated 28 million in 2023.
“Out of this figure, Lagos stood at 17million deficit with an estimated 500,000 people migrating into Lagos annually. This calls for the provision of mass housing schemes by the State Government as well as other supporting public infrastructure.
“In the past few years, especially with regards to the first and on-going tenure of Mr. Governor, the State Government has delivered over 3,000 housing units in the five (5) divisions of the State through Direct Budgetary Allocation and Joint Venture Partnership. Also there are on-going projects in various locations across the State which include, Ibese phase II, Egan, Sangotedo, Epe and Badagry to mention but a few,” he said.
The Commissioner also identified regulation of the real estate sector; mass building of standard and affordable homes; training of over 720 artisans in the built sector with an expansion plan to train and re-train more artisans; allocation for 75% of housing units to rent-to-own scheme as some of the laudable housing projects and programs of the ministry to drive standards, promote private sector partnership and improve the entire ecosystem of the housing sector in Lagos State.
Others, according to him, are joint ventures and corporate partnership; partnership with private sectors and relevant stakeholders for compliance to standards.
He commended the Convener for giving the State the privilege to show case her giant strides in the housing value chain, especially with regards to the success stories of THEMES+ cardinal focus, which is ‘Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Housing Agenda in Lagos State.’
Some of the dignitaries that graced the celebration include veteran actor, Mr. Kayode Sehinde popularly known as Ajirebi who also doubled as Brand Ambassador of Pelican Valley Nigeria Ltd, Television co – host and real estate player and former Brand Ambassador, Mrs Tope Odigie, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo – Olu on Housing, Barr. Barakat Odunnuga among others.
