The recent directive by the Lagos State House of Assembly for the state’s Attorney General to enforce the tenancy laws marks a significant—but insufficient—response to the deepening housing crisis driven by skyrocketing rents. While the move addresses symptoms, it fails to confront the systemic issues rooted in supply shortages, ineffective policy implementation, and a growing disconnect between incomes and housing costs.

Solving Lagos’ housing challenge requires a dual approach: significantly increasing housing supply and rigorously enforcing existing laws. The private sector must be empowered to play a central role in housing development, but this should be matched by stronger government commitment—financially and structurally—toward people-centered housing schemes. The mass housing projects implemented under the Lateef Jakande administration (1979–1983) remain a benchmark, and while times have changed, replicating similar efforts with modern adaptations is both necessary and achievable.

Recently, the Assembly urged the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to enforce provisions of the Tenancy Law of Lagos State (2015), particularly Section 37, which addresses arbitrary rent increases and provides legal avenues for tenants to challenge such practices. Lawmakers noted that excessive rent hikes are worsening homelessness across the state.

Lagos is currently grappling with a severe housing shortage, with rents surging by more than 100% over the past four years while household incomes have stagnated. Young professionals and low-income earners now spend disproportionate portions of their earnings on rent, further deepening financial strain.

Several factors fuel this crisis:

• Rapid urbanization and population growth have drastically increased demand for limited housing stock.

• Inflation and rising construction costs compel landlords to raise rents, often without improving living conditions.

• Weak enforcement of tenancy laws allows exploitative practices to flourish unchecked.

Experts argue that the current legal framework—while well-intentioned—discourages investment in housing due to burdensome taxes, bureaucracy in securing titles and approvals, and ineffective rent controls that historically have failed to balance supply and demand.

The state’s affordable housing deficit, now estimated at over three million units, has seen little improvement due to underwhelming performance in delivering low- and middle-income housing. Government estates are often poorly located or lack infrastructure, pushing residents to seek better-located private rentals and driving prices even higher in central areas.

Further complicating the crisis:

• Land and building approvals are plagued by red tape or elite manipulation.

• Public housing policies disproportionately favor homeownership, overlooking over 60% of Lagosians who are renters.

• The uneven distribution of basic infrastructure forces people to concentrate in a few well-serviced neighborhoods, escalating demand—and rent—in those areas.

In response, the state has proposed a monthly rent policy to ease payment burdens and floated reforms to limit rent hikes. However, these proposals require robust enforcement mechanisms and widespread public education to be effective.

What’s needed is a coordinated, multi-sector strategy that includes:

• Scaled-up investment in affordable housing,

• Reform of land acquisition and building approval systems,

• Stronger tenant protections,

• And active collaboration among government, private developers, and civil society.

Without bold, sustained interventions, the housing crisis will continue to erode the quality of life for millions of Lagosians, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable. With political will and proper planning, Lagos can pave the way for a more equitable, inclusive, and livable city.

The Federal Government has announced a 21-day closure of the Ijora-Marine Bridge in Apapa, Lagos, beginning Sunday, May 18, 2025, to carry out critical repair works. According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Works, the closure will begin at 7:00 a.m. and will affect both full and partial sections of the bridge.

Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Engr. Olukorede Kesha, explained that the repairs are necessary to enhance road safety and improve the overall driving experience. The project will involve lifting the bridge deck to replace faulty bearings and carry out other essential maintenance.

To manage traffic disruptions, the ministry assured that comprehensive diversion routes and traffic control measures will be implemented. “Adequate signage and personnel will be deployed to guide motorists and pedestrians,” the statement read.

Residents, commuters, and business operators in the affected areas are advised to make alternative travel arrangements during the closure.

While acknowledging potential inconveniences, the ministry appealed for public patience and cooperation. “We apologise for any disruption this may cause and appreciate the understanding of all road users as we work to deliver safer, more reliable infrastructure,” Kesha stated.

The bridge is scheduled to reopen on June 8, 2025, upon completion of the repair works.

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agege and Orile-Agege Local Government Areas of Lagos State have dismissed allegations that the party’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the upcoming July 12, 2025, council elections were imposed.

Following the APC primaries held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the party’s state secretariat, concerns emerged across several LGAs and LCDAs regarding the transparency of the process. While results for 55 out of the 57 local councils were released—excluding Yaba LCDA and Mainland LCDA—some aspirants claimed the exercise was flawed and skewed in favor of predetermined candidates.

LG Polls: APC Aspirants Reject Imposition Plot, Demand Fair Play

In Agege and Orile-Agege, where Alhaji Tunde Azeez and Idowu Akinola emerged as APC chairmanship candidates respectively, similar claims of imposition surfaced. However, on Tuesday, May 13, party leaders from both councils convened at the Agege Local Government Secretariat and issued a joint communiqué rejecting the accusations.

The communiqué was signed by several high-ranking figures, including:

• Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly

• Hon. Jubril Kareem, Lagos Assembly member representing Agege 02

• Hon. Dr. Wale Ahmed, Member, House of Representatives

• Hon. Afolabi Tajudeen, Special Adviser to the Governor

• Hon. Afolabi Ayantayo, Commissioner for Establishments and Training

• Alhaji Safari Adaranijo, APC Apex Leader

• Alhaji Genius Owolabi Dada, First Executive Chairman of Agege LG

• Hon. Richard Akin Osungboye, ex-Chairman, LAHASCOM

• Alhaji Ayoni Shittu, former APC LG Chairman

• Alhaji Tunde Azeez, APC Agege LG Chairman

• Hon. Salau Olaniyi, APC Orile-Agege LG Chairman

• Hon. Rotimi Adeshina, ex-Council Chairman and former Assembly Member

• Elder Sunday Ajide, APC Leader

• Hon. Ashimiu Adebayo, former House of Assembly Member

The leaders stated that critics of the process had long distanced themselves from the party and local communities, thereby lacking credibility to challenge the outcomes.

“The APC primary elections in our councils were free, fair, and credible,” the communiqué stated. “Those crying foul are sore losers who abandoned the party and the people years ago.”

The statement singled out individuals such as Kayode Opeifa, former MD of the Nigerian Railway Corporation; Dr. Samuel Adejare, ex-House of Representatives member; and Hon. Oluyinka Ogundimu, a former three-term House of Assembly member—alleging they no longer reside in Agege or participate in party affairs.

Others mentioned include chairmanship aspirants like Biodun Ogunji and Bukola “Gidado” Sofidiya, both based overseas, and Sola Osolana, a former PDP candidate in the last council election.

According to the party leaders, the APC adopted a consensus/delegate voting model involving local government executives, most of whom were elected years ago when these individuals were inactive in party matters.

“It is only individuals with shallow understanding or unclear positions who would mistake themselves for serious contenders,” the communiqué concluded.