Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared that a powerful alliance between the government and private investors is the essential solution to the massive housing shortage facing Lagos. He stated that delivering affordable and sustainable homes cannot be achieved by the government acting alone.
Government as Enabler, Not Sole Provider
The governor shared this position at the 6th Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference, which was organized by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Agency (LASRERA). The event, held on 20 December 2025, carried the theme “Shaping the Future of Lagos Mega City: Infrastructure Investment, Innovation and Affordable Housing.”
Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration's commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable housing sector for all residents. However, he stressed that reaching this objective demands the active involvement of private developers, financial institutions, and investors.
He explained that housing is more than just physical buildings; it is fundamentally connected to human dignity, economic productivity, and social stability. The governor emphasized that the government's primary role should be that of an enabler, regulator, and partner, not the sole provider of housing. He firmly stated that no meaningful progress can be made without robust collaboration with the private sector.
Lagos Attracts Global Attention for Megacity Vision
Also addressing attendees at the conference, the State Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, noted that Lagos has drawn international focus due to its development strategies, major capital projects, and housing initiatives. These efforts are aimed at positioning Lagos as Africa's model megacity.
He highlighted the crucial function of regulatory bodies like LASRERA, pointing out that they ensure innovation in the housing and construction industry does not come at the expense of public safety, integrity, or regulatory compliance.
A Platform for Partnership and Global Best Practices
Ms. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, described the conference as a strategic forum for stakeholders from both the government and private sectors to jointly tackle the challenges confronting the housing sector in a rapidly expanding megacity like Lagos.
She revealed that the state government is actively seeking partnerships to strengthen its real estate infrastructure. These collaborations with nations such as Saudi Arabia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and other African countries demonstrate Lagos's readiness to adopt global best practices in its quest to solve the housing deficit.
