The state of Lagos in Nigeria has promised to deliver 20,000 housing units by 2018, in order to bridge the existing housing deficit in the state.
According to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, the state will continue the public-private partnership to provide decent and affordable housing for all. He also said that they are open to new ideas, technology and methods. This is to provide an enabling environment for investment in the housing sector.
Also read:Lagos to invest US$500m in housing
Control and preventive measures
Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey identified policy inconsistency as a major problem affecting efforts to provide affordable houses in the country. The former Commissioner for Lands in the state urged governments to consider trends in income and wealth in policy formulation to address the challenges of affordable housing. He further added that the government should put in place rent control legislation. This, according to him, will help curb landlords’ excesses and protect the rights of tenants.
Mr. Rowland Kayalga, Director, United Nations Information Centre, Lagos, commended the state government for its efforts in ensuring an inclusive, safe, resilient, sustainable, affordable and accessible housing for residents. In his remarks, Mr Abiola Anifowoshe, state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development said that making housing available and within the reach of the common man was a major priority of the government.
