Lagos State Honourable Commissioner of Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai has charged real estate players in the state and beyond on partnering with the state on realising its goals of solving the housing deficits and providing affordable homes for Lagosians.
The honourable commissioner was a special guest of honour at the 8th edition of Citypeople Real Estate Award held on Sunday 12th November, 2023 at 10 Degrees Event Centre in Ikeja, Lagos. During his speech which was presented by his representative, Mrs. Adejoke Ojo, Mr. Akinderu-Fatai gave credence to Citypeople Magazine, the organiser of the award ceremony.
He reiterated Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment in the Housing value chain through his administration THEMES+ cardinal focus. He made mention of the numerous housing projects and schemes across the nooks and crannies of the state. Meanwhile, he charged real estate players on collaborating with the state government to achieve more success in the sector.
Read the full text of his speech:
KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER FOR HOUSING, HON. MORUF AKINDERU-FATAI fcis AT THE 2023 CITY PEOPLE REAL ESTATE AWARDS HELD IN LAGOS ON SUNDAY, 12TH NOVEMBER, 2023.
PROTOCOL:
- History is on course again for the organizers of this prestigious award, the 2023 City People Real Estate Awards and as a stakeholder we are here to celebrate all players and captains of the industry with particular reference to Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State who has shown excellent commitment to the growth of the real estate value chain and the convener of this event Mr. Seye Kehinde, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, City People Magazine.
On this note, I wish to on behalf of the State Government and the entire team of the Ministry of Housing welcome you all specially to this event.
- I must also commend the organizers for giving us as a Government the privilege to show case our giant strides in the Housing value chain especially with regards to the present administration THEMES+ cardinal focus. Hence, the opportunity to speak on “Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Housing Agenda in Lagos State” is timely considering the success stories I will be sharing forthwith.
- It is pertinent to address the housing gap in the State with credence to the burning national issues. The growing housing deficit in Nigeria has risen from 7 million in 1991 to an estimated 28 million in 2023. Out of this figure, Lagos stood at 17million deficit with an estimated 500,000 people migrating into Lagos annually. This calls for the provision of mass housing schemes by the State Government as well as other supporting public infrastructure.
- In the past few years, especially with regards to the first and on-going tenure of Mr. Governor, the State Government has delivered over 3,000 housing units in the five (5) divisions of the State through Direct Budgetary Allocation and Joint Venture Partnership. Also there are on-going projects in various locations across the State which include, Ibese phase II, Egan, Sangotedo, Epe and Badagry to mention but a few.
- In addition, the following are some of the laudable housing projects and programs the Ministry have initiated in a bid to drive standards, promote private sector partnership and improve the entire ecosystem of the housing sector:
- Regulation of the Real Estate Sector;
- Mass building of standard and affordable homes;
iii. Training of over 720 artisans in the built sector with an expansion plan to train and re-train more artisans;
- Allocation for 75% of housing units to rent-to-own scheme in order to balance distribution and promote alternative ownership model;
- pricing mechanism for Government own estate (outright and rent-to-own);
- Joint Ventures and corporate partnership;
vii. Partnership with private sectors and relevant stakeholders for compliance to standards.
- It is expedient to mention under the leadership of Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the present administration has produced more home owners through outright sales and Rent-to-Own Scheme. We are also committed to delivering more homes annually and providing a conductive environment for investors in the housing value chain. Hence, our on-going projects are set to achieve these objectives within record time.
- The broad aim of the present administration’s drive for housing projects and its value chain is to reaffirm the position of Lagos State as the commercial nerve Centre and Economic hub of Nigeria with an estimated population of over 24 million. We are focused on providing safe and affordable housing for Lagosians by adopting the various financing model applicable to the State such as Budgetary allocation, Joint Ventures, Institutional Financing to mention a few.
- Based on the above stated elements, let me use this opportunity to reiterate the commitment of Mr. Governor and the entire team of the Ministry of Housing to sustainable housing development. We are resolute and shall continue to advance our radar and presence to other areas of the State in a bid to promote equitable distribution of resources. On this note, we call on all key players to support us on this journey as well as complement the efforts of the Government by complying with all laid down standards in the provision of safe and sustainable housing.
- Thank you all for listening and enjoy your evening.
Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai fcis
Hon. Commissioner
Ministry of Housing
Lagos State.
