General
Lagos Unveils Housing Policy For Masses
By Dipo Olowookere
In fulfilment of his campaign promise that his administration would come up with a new housing policy that will make all residents in the state have access to shelter irrespective of their social status, tribe or income, Lagos State government has unveiled affordable housing units spread across the three Senatorial Districts.
Speaking at the unveiling of the new housing policy in Epe, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode stated that the policy was in line with the set objectives of his administration to make life more comfortable and easy for all Lagosians irrespective of their status, tribe or level of income.
He said the initiative, tagged ‘Rent-To-Own and Rental Housing Policy’ represented an improvement on the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme inherited from the previous administration, under which a beneficiary was required to make an initial payment of 30% as equity contribution with monthly payment of the balance spread over a period of 10 years.
The Governor, who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule expressed happiness that the new housing policy would benefit low income earners, traders and the general masses, adding that the feedback from the general public on the previous Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme indicated that there was a need to review the former policy such that more people will have the opportunity to participate in the process.
Mr Ambode disclosed that government has put necessary measures in place to ensure total transparency in the procedure and allocation of flats to prospective owners, warning members of the public to follow the normal guideline and not pay a dime to any individual or agent as bribe, stating that the scheme is aimed at alleviating the housing problem of the masses and not a way of extorting them.
“I want to assure the people of Lagos State that the selection process will be credible, fair and transparent, you therefore don’t need to know anyone in government to apply for the home ownership programme,” he emphasised.
While explaining the various benefits of the new affordable housing policy, the Governor noted that prospective beneficiaries are free to choose between the Rent- To- Own and the Rental Housing arrangements, stressing that “Under the Rent to Own arrangement, beneficiaries are to pay only 5% of the value of the housing unit as commitment fee with the balance spread over 10 years while on the other hand, beneficiaries of the Rental Housing policy are required to be regular income earners who are to pay just an initial one month rent as deposit and move to occupy the house on lease agreement.”
He revealed that 80% of the available housing units will be operated under Rent-to- Own arrangement to enable the general masses enjoy its full benefits while the remaining 20% will be dedicated to Rental Housing, adding that, “I have directed Ministry of Housing and other relevant agencies to ensure there is full disclosure of information that will guide the general public in making their choices.”
Mr Ambode maintained that the implementation of the new housing policy will take off with the unveiling of more than 1,000 housing units in Epe, Agbowa, Ojokoro and Ikorodu.
Earlier, Commissioner for Housing, Prince Gbolahan Lawal explained that the new housing policy is in line with the desire of the present administration to provide affordable accommodation to all residents of the State.
He declared that since access to decent and affordable houses remain a very big challenge to many Lagosians especially under the current economic recession in the country, it is the policy thrust of the present administration to ensure that many public officers, employees of organised private sector, artisans and the general masses benefit from the affordable housing policy as a way of bringing dividends of democracy to their door step.
The Commissioner averred that the State Government has concluded plans to continue to engage the services of facility managers to ensure that the estates are well maintained and kept clean at all times.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The House of Representatives has called for a comprehensive investigation into the losses, casualties and properties abandoned by Nigerians following recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
This development comes after the final batch of Nigerians was evacuated from South Africa following mass protests calling for the exit of other Africans from their country, leaving many to abandon their livelihoods and businesses.
The lawmakers urged the federal government to intensify diplomatic engagements, pursue legal measures and strengthen bilateral cooperation with South Africa to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Mr Babajimi Benson, during Tuesday’s plenary session presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
The motion seeks to mandate the House Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to document the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians during the attacks, compile an inventory of abandoned properties and recommend diplomatic and legal measures to improve the protection of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
Lawmakers argued that a thorough assessment of the impact of the attacks is necessary to support affected Nigerians and strengthen the country’s response to future incidents.
Also at plenary, the House considered a motion calling for a comprehensive audit of all seized, forfeited and recovered assets since May 29, 1999.
The motion, sponsored by Ibe Osonwa, who represents Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, advocates the creation of a national digital registry of recovered assets and the establishment of an ad hoc committee to enhance transparency, accountability and legislative oversight in asset management.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The federal government has promised to collaborate with stakeholders in the real estate sector to drive affordable and inclusive housing, aligning with broader initiatives aimed at improving access to decent homes for low-income and informal-sector workers.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Muttaka Rabe Darma, made this pledge at the 2026 Abuja International Housing Show (AIHS), where industry heavyweights like Dangote Cement, HBM Nigeria and others showcased their products.
Mr Darma noted that the government was ready to partner with organisations to address Nigeria’s housing challenges, remarking that the exhibition’s theme, Housing Solutions for Low-Income and Informal Workers in Africa, aligned with government efforts to expand access to affordable and inclusive housing.
He lauded Dangote Cement and others for their significant contribution to affordable housing and infrastructure development in Nigeria, describing them as key partners in efforts to bridge the nation’s housing deficit and improve access to quality building materials.
The Minister also commended Mr Aliko Dangote for his commitment to Africa’s industrialisation and economic transformation, noting that his investments continue to drive sustainable growth across the continent.
In the same vein, the chief executive of AIHS, Mr Festus Adebayo, described Dangote Cement as a dependable partner whose consistent support has contributed to the growth and success of the annual housing exhibition.
Dangote Cement’s Regional Sales Director for North Central, Mr Bankole George, who represented the National Sales Director, Dolapo Alli, said housing remains critical to dignity, social stability, economic productivity and inclusive development.
He identified major barriers to affordable housing as high land costs, expensive building materials, limited access to mortgage financing, weak rental systems and planning regulations.
He advocated innovative housing finance models tailored to low-income earners and informal workers, including micro-mortgages, rent-to-own schemes, cooperative savings programmes, employer-assisted housing and incremental housing loans.
The exhibition attracted thousands of policymakers, investors, housing professionals, exhibitors and delegates from several countries, reinforcing its status as one of Africa’s leading platforms for housing and urban development dialogue.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Young bloggers, online content creators and digital influencers have been charged to embrace ethical journalism, responsible storytelling and fact-based reporting as they shape public opinion in the digital age.
This task was given by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, during the Niger State Bloggers, Online Publishers and Content Developers Forum on Monday in Abuja.
In a statement on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Rabiu Ibrahim, the Minister said digital platforms offer enormous opportunities for innovation and civic engagement but must be used responsibly to promote truth, national unity and constructive public discourse.
He urged bloggers and content creators to verify information before publication, reject misinformation and disinformation, avoid sensationalism, and use their platforms to educate, inspire and promote national development.
Mr Idris also encouraged young Nigerians to see digital content creation not only as a source of income but also as a tool for civic engagement and nation-building, stressing that ethical communication is essential to strengthening democracy and public trust.
He further encouraged aspiring bloggers and digital entrepreneurs to continue developing their skills and uphold professional standards that will strengthen the credibility of Nigeria’s online media ecosystem.
“There is no democracy that can thrive without a responsible media. You cannot carry freedom and abandon responsibility,” he stated, adding that the government remains committed to protecting press freedom while encouraging ethical journalism.
The Minister also highlighted the establishment of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), the world’s first UNESCO Category 2 Institute dedicated exclusively to Media and Information Literacy, describing it as a major step in promoting digital literacy and responsible online engagement.
