The celebration, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, took place at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television (LTV) Complex in Ikeja. World Habitat Day, observed globally on the first Monday of October, highlights the right to adequate housing and the state of human settlements.
Represented by Honourable Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the scale of the housing crisis, noting that approximately 2.8 billion people worldwide live in inadequate housing, including 1.1 billion in slums. Lagos faces a daunting housing gap of over 3.3 million homes.
Sanwo-Olu shared that his administration has delivered 10,623 homes over the past seven years, including 4,414 through budgetary funding and 6,209 via public-private partnerships. However, he acknowledged that these figures are just a step toward addressing the pressing housing deficit.
He underscored the importance of home ownership, showcasing schemes like Rent-to-Own, which allows first-time buyers to secure homes with a 5% deposit, and the Lagos HOMS program, which supports equity contributions of up to 30%. Over 20,000 Lagosians have benefited from these initiatives in the past 12 years.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that adequate housing must be complemented by functional communities, citing projects like the #Greater Lagos Apartments in Surulere as examples of transforming underutilized land into livable neighborhoods.
He also addressed the need for protections for renters, proposing the Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill to regulate rent increases and address disputes, with plans for more flexible payment options.
Highlighting that housing is a shared responsibility, the governor urged developers to enhance supply while maintaining quality, financial institutions to broaden access to housing finance, and communities to conform to planning regulations.
Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, echoed the governor's sentiments, linking housing to various aspects of urban life, including transportation and healthcare. He emphasized the necessity of strategic physical planning to create functional, livable environments.
The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Physical Planning, Tpl. Olayinka Adebayo Wasiu, commended the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including government officials, professional bodies, and community leaders, in addressing housing challenges.
Adebayo Wasiu also recognized the contributions of students and young people in the celebration, highlighting their role as future custodians of Lagos’ built environment.
As World Habitat Day concludes, stakeholders are encouraged to carry its message forward, committing to building a well-planned, inclusive, and sustainable Lagos for all its residents.
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