Lagos govt seeks private sector collaboration to bridge housing deficit

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said strong collaboration between government and the private sector is critical to bridging the housing deficit in Lagos, stressing that affordable and sustainable housing cannot be delivered by government alone.

Sanwo-Olu made this known on Wednesday at the 6th Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference organised by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Agency (LASRERA), with the theme “Shaping the Future of Lagos Mega City: Infrastructure Investment, Innovation and Affordable Housing.”

The governor said his administration is committed to building an inclusive and sustainable housing sector for all residents, but noted that achieving this goal requires the active participation of private developers, financial institutions and investors.

According to him, housing goes beyond physical structures and speaks directly to human dignity, economic productivity and social stability.

“Housing is not just about buildings. It is about the kind of city we choose to become. In Lagos, affordability means homes people can actually live in, pay for and access close to where they work and raise families. This can only be achieved through partnerships, leveraging public-private partnerships, structured finance and demand-led planning,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He emphasised that government’s role is to act as an enabler, regulator and partner, rather than the sole provider of housing, adding that no meaningful progress can be made without strong collaboration with the private sector.

“A true mega city is not defined by how tall it builds, but by how well it lives. That is the Lagos we are committed to building thoughtfully, inclusively and sustainably,” he added.