…Calls for collaborative solutions to reimagine Lagos sustainable, investor-friendly metropolis
By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday urged stakeholders in the real estate sector to propose innovative recommendations for redesigning the state to meet the growing needs of residents and attract global investors.
Speaking at the 5th Real Estate Summit, themed “Reimagining Lagos Landscape and Ensuring Sustainable Real Estate Development Practices”, the Governor stressed the importance of creating a robust, forward-thinking urban environment that aligns with international best practices.
The summit, hosted by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, provided a platform for the Governor to outline his administration’s commitment to leveraging global trends to drive the transformation of Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu called on real estate professionals to collaborate and deliver ideas that would help reshape the city into a model of sustainability, resilience, and economic prosperity.
“We consistently draw inspiration from global trends and best practices to inform our policies and programmes. Today’s distinguished speakers, moderators, and panellists bring invaluable insights, and we are confident that their contributions will enrich our collective vision for the real estate sector,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering human capital development in the real estate sector, ensuring that skilled professionals are equipped to drive innovation and growth.
“The pace of change is accelerating, making partnerships with private sector players essential,” he added, emphasising that such collaborations would create pathways for workforce development and enhance the sector’s sustainability.
Lagos’ Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, echoed the Governor’s sentiments, describing the summit as an important platform for evaluating regulatory frameworks and ensuring that real estate development aligns with the city’s long-term goals.
Akinderu-Fatai urged stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to developing a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant city, highlighting that every actor—from architects to policymakers—has a role to play in shaping Lagos’ future.
“The theme for this year’s conference is a test for all operators and regulators to reshape and scale up roles and responsibilities where necessary,” Akinderu-Fatai remarked, emphasising the need for cohesive strategies in reimagining the Lagos landscape.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, described the summit as a vital gathering for shaping the future of Lagos’ urban environment.
She highlighted the need to align real estate development with sustainability principles, safety, innovation, and resilience. Odunuga-Bakare praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast support for the sector, noting that his leadership had positioned Lagos as a beacon of progress across Africa.
The summit’s discussions also focused on regulatory improvements, with the state’s increased attention on enhancing building codes, promoting disaster-resilient urban planning, and encouraging the use of sustainable building materials.
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged all stakeholders to embrace innovative approaches and work together to create a Lagos that reflects the aspirations of its people while meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.
