The Lagos State Government has stepped up efforts to tackle the rising housing crisis across the state, especially as many low- and middle-income earners continue to struggle with skyrocketing rents. The government says its new plan to introduce a monthly rent payment system is part of ongoing efforts to make accommodation more affordable and accessible for millions of residents.
At the moment, Lagos has a housing deficit of over 2.5 million units, and many landlords still demand rent payments in bulk—either yearly or bi-annually. This practice has left many Lagosians under financial pressure, especially with the rising cost of living and inflation. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration believes that monthly rent payment will ease the burden for tenants who find it hard to pay large amounts upfront.
The government is also working with private real estate developers to increase the number of affordable housing units across the state. This includes ongoing public-private partnerships aimed at building low-cost apartments in areas like Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, and Ibeju-Lekki. The aim is to close the housing gap and give more people a chance to own or rent decent homes.
Speaking on the matter, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, said the monthly rent policy will help ordinary Lagosians, including salary earners and small business owners. She explained that the state is currently in discussions with key stakeholders, including property developers, landlords, and tenant associations, to work out the details and ensure the system works for everyone.
Many real estate professionals have welcomed the move but insist that more needs to be done. According to Goke Omisore, a real estate developer and the CEO of Olyd Properties, the root causes of the housing crisis in Lagos go beyond payment structures. He said urban migration, limited infrastructure, and the high cost of land continue to drive up prices.
“People are moving to Lagos daily in search of better opportunities. If the government doesn’t match this growth with proper urban planning and infrastructure, we will keep having these problems,” Omisore said.
He added that the government needs to invest in basic services like roads, power, and water to make new housing projects liveable and sustainable. Without such investments, many of the affordable housing units risk becoming slums over time.
In recent years, the Lagos State Government has launched several housing schemes, including the LagosHOMS (Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme), which allows residents to buy homes and pay over several years. However, many critics argue that the homes are still priced beyond the reach of average Lagosians.
Housing rights activists are also calling for clear laws to protect tenants from illegal eviction and to regulate landlords who exploit desperate renters. Mrs. Patience Ijeoma, a member of the Lagos Tenants Association, said many tenants live in fear of being thrown out without notice. She called on the government to strengthen the Rent Control Law and ensure all landlords are registered.
As the rent reform discussions continue, experts say the key to solving the housing crisis lies in a mix of smart policies, private sector investment, and community involvement. They believe the monthly rent idea is a good step, but it must be followed up with strong implementation, monitoring, and feedback from the people it is meant to help.
The Lagos State Government has promised to carry the public along and provide updates as the new policy progresses. Many residents are hopeful that the new approach will bring relief and restore dignity to housing in one of Africa’s most populated cities.
