By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stressed that solving the challenge of housing affordability requires collective effort, innovative financing and effective collaboration between government and the private sector.
The governor made this known on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at the 6th Lagos State Real Estate Marketplace Conference and Exhibition held in Victoria Island, Lagos, and organised by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).
Sanwo-Olu said the state government is repositioning itself to serve as a facilitator and regulator in the housing sector, rather than bearing the burden of housing provision alone. According to him, affordable housing must be approached as a structured economic venture driven by scale, smart design and sustainable partnerships.
He explained that the development of housing cannot be separated from infrastructure, noting that investments in transportation networks, power supply and urban services are being deliberately aligned with residential growth corridors across the state.
The governor further stated that regulatory reforms are being strengthened to build confidence among investors and protect homebuyers, adding that innovation in construction techniques, land administration and financing is key to reducing costs and increasing access to decent housing.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said Lagos has adopted long-term planning to manage its fast-growing population, pointing to the Lagos State Development Plan extended to 2052 as a roadmap for sustainable urban growth.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser on Housing, Barrister Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, disclosed that policy reforms are ongoing, including the review of a new tenancy law aimed at clarifying the roles of practitioners and protecting both landlords and tenants.
She said the conference was structured to encourage practical solutions and partnerships that will support the delivery of livable, secure and affordable housing, reaffirming Lagos State’s commitment to building a transparent and investor-friendly real estate environment.