The Lagos State Government has issued a decisive ultimatum to contractors handling its housing projects, warning of contract termination for those who fail to meet deadlines.
This stern action underscores the administration’s commitment to delivering much-needed housing to Lagos residents amid mounting concerns over delays.
Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, voiced his dissatisfaction following an inspection of key housing developments, including the Sangotedo Housing Estate, Eti Osa Phase 2. He criticized the slow progress of the projects, despite the government’s unwavering support and resources. The inspection highlighted the urgency of addressing bottlenecks in housing delivery, a critical issue in a state grappling with an ever-increasing population.
In a public statement released on the state’s official social media accounts, Akinderu-Fatai made it clear that contractors failing to meet their obligations would face contract revocation. Such projects would be reassigned to firms with the capacity to deliver within stipulated timelines. He emphasized the administration’s zero tolerance for delays, citing the pressure to fulfill campaign promises and meet the housing demands of Lagosians.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s dissatisfaction with the current pace of work was also conveyed during the inspection. The Commissioner stressed that contractors must meet their deadlines without compromising on quality. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola, echoed this sentiment, urging contractors to adhere strictly to agreed schedules and ensure the timely completion of all project phases.
Among the critical projects inspected was the Sangotedo Housing Estate Phase 2, set to deliver 43 blocks comprising over 500 housing units. This development builds on the first phase, which added 744 homes to the state’s housing stock and was commissioned in December 2021. Other key projects include developments in Ajara, Badagry, Ibeshe Scheme 2, Ita Marun, and the Egan Igando Cluster 2 and 3. These projects form part of the state’s ambitious housing agenda, which aims to complete all ongoing estates before the current administration’s tenure ends in 2027.
To tackle the housing deficit, the Lagos State Government has introduced innovative programs like the Rent-To-Own initiative and the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS). These schemes aim to make affordable housing accessible to residents. The Rent-To-Own Program allows participants to move into homes after paying a 5% down payment and complete payments as rent over ten years. This initiative targets first-time buyers who meet residency, tax compliance, and affordability requirements.
Lagos HOMS provides another pathway to homeownership, offering mortgage financing to first-time buyers. Applicants pay up to 30% of the property value upfront, with the balance spread over a decade. Both schemes prioritize transparency, equitable access, and the prohibition of subletting, ensuring the homes serve their intended purpose.
As the Lagos State Government pushes forward with its housing agenda, its clear message to contractors is that inefficiency will not be tolerated. By holding firms accountable, the administration seeks to ensure that residents benefit from timely and quality housing delivery, reinforcing Lagos’s status as a beacon of urban development in Africa.
