…Contractors defaulting on delivery timelines risk partnership revocation, says Gov
LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, formally opened a new housing scheme in Abraham Adesanya area of Eti-Osa, raising the State’s housing stock.
The 233-unit modern home project was delivered through a Public–Private Partnership between the Lagos State Government and Urban Shelter Limited, consisting of blocks of flats and terraces.
The Governor said his administration’s housing development policy was predicated on leveraging public and private investment to deliver affordable home units for low income families, pledging that his Government would continue to pursue result-oriented housing programmes to bridge the deficit.
The 233-unit scheme, Sanwo-Olu said, reflected his administration’s determination to reduce the housing deficit, uplift communities, and improve quality of life for residents.
He said: “It is clear that Lagos, as the epicenter of Nigeria’s urbanization and a rapidly growing population, needs more private sector-led solutions in housing development. The demand keeps growing far faster than the supply, and this affects every social class.
“Our focus on increasing the stock of modern homes and apartments continues to rise. Last month, we delivered 420 units of apartments at Ajara in Badagry, and we have so far generated about 11,000 home units for low-, medium-, and high-income earners across the State in the last six years.
“One of the key strategies adopted is encouraging private-sector participation in housing delivery. The State provides land as equity, while our partners provide financing and technical expertise. To ensure high standards, all Joint Venture projects are supervised and monitored by our technical teams.”
Sanwo-Olu said the flexible approval process introduced by his administration to support developments being undertaken through Joint Venture had further enhanced investors’ confidence in Lagos housing market, pointing out that the State granted 40 per cent rebate on all permits in order to keep the price within the reach of consumers.
He added that the State Government also provided tax incentives and other support to ensure regulatory flexibility. This, the Governor said, was necessary to encourage investors in delivering more low-cost housing schemes in low and middle income areas.
He said: “We are concerned about Joint Venture partners who have not met their targets. Their delays leave the State with uncompleted housing schemes and slow down our mandate. Completing all ongoing housing schemes, a key strategy in increasing our housing stock. Projects contracted to private partners but not completed within the agreed time frame, or not compliant with required quality and standards, are undergoing review for revocation.”
The Governor urged beneficiaries of the scheme to take ownership of the project and protect the infrastructure sited in the neighbourhood.
Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said the partnership with Urban Shelter Limited was sealed in 2019 with the aim to maximise the use of land and existing infrastructure to provide more home units within Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate.
He said: “I commend the private developer on its professionalism, adherence to standards, and dedication during the execution of this project. This administration remains committed to expanding access to decent housing across all income levels.
“Through ongoing and upcoming projects, reforms, and partnerships, we will continue to unlock more opportunities, promote home ownership, and deliver developments that are safe, inclusive, and future-ready.”
