Developer Advocates Public-Private Partnerships to Address Lagos Housing Deficit
A private developer, Design Union Limited, has strongly advocated for the adoption of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in housing delivery to enhance affordability, improve infrastructure provision, and reduce the cost of government land in Lagos. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Design Union Limited, Mr. Anthony Aihie, emphasized that most state government development projects are now executed through joint venture arrangements, making PPPs a critical strategy.
Government Land and Infrastructure as Key Factors
Mr. Aihie highlighted that the government's control over vast tracts of underdeveloped land and its ability to issue clean titles make it an ideal partner for private developers. He noted that even large-scale infrastructure projects, such as railways and toll roads, are being executed under PPP arrangements, underscoring their indispensability in tackling the housing deficit. "PPP is indispensable if we are to address the housing deficit," he stated.
He explained that PPPs can help lower housing costs by reducing the price of government land in joint venture agreements, rather than insisting on full commercial market value. On infrastructure provision, he urged governments to be more proactive in delivering essential services like roads, water, and electricity, as these significantly impact the overall cost of housing delivery.
Scaling Up Housing Delivery Efforts
Acknowledging that the company's Ilupeju Gardens project, comprising about 260 housing units, represents only a small contribution to Nigeria's housing deficit, Mr. Aihie described it as a step in the right direction. "With more affordable mortgage financing now available, we aim to deliver about 1,000 housing units annually and gradually scale up to 5,000 units per year, which will contribute more meaningfully to reducing the deficit," he said.
He disclosed that the firm is partnering with the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSPDC) to deliver the second phase of the development. Construction is progressing steadily, with several building carcasses nearing completion ahead of the planned delivery in the second quarter of 2027.
Project Details and Benefits for Homebuyers
The Ilupeju Gardens estate offers a practical housing option for families and professionals seeking to live within the city in a more serene environment. The development consists of 17 residential blocks designed across three categories to meet varying housing needs:
- Type A: Features four-bedroom maisonettes with one-bedroom penthouses on selected top floors.
- Type B: Includes one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as three-bedroom units.
Mr. Aihie added that the mix of unit types provides options for individuals, young couples, and larger families. Pricing reflects the size and layout of each unit, allowing buyers to choose based on their budget and long-term plans. One of the project's key strengths is its secure title structure, with a letter of allocation issued directly by LSPDC, ensuring clarity of ownership and proper documentation, which is an important consideration for homebuyers and investors.
