Amidst President Tinubu’s call for governors to allocate land for Fulani Herdsmen grazing during the launch of the agricultural mechanisation revolution in Minna, Niger State, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has underscored the significance of land in the state, equating it to “our oil” for estate development.
During a courtesy visit by the management of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) led by its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, to his office in Marina, Sanwo-Olu pledged support for collaboration between the state and FHA to provide affordable housing for Lagos residents and Nigerians in the diaspora.
Emphasizing the importance of immediate action, Sanwo-Olu urged the federal agency to swiftly commence operations upon approval. “Land in Lagos is our oil. We will support you, but you must be ready to hit the ground running,” he declared, urging coordination with the Lagos State Commissioner for Housing. Recognizing Lagos as a pivotal market, he challenged the FHA to expand its presence nationwide.
Highlighting his administration’s efforts in addressing housing deficits, Sanwo-Olu revealed that in the past four and a half years, 18 housing estate projects have been commissioned across the state. He emphasized the alignment between the FHA’s vision and Lagos’ objective to cater to diverse economic strata.
Echoing this sentiment, Ojo stressed the importance of affordable housing in President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He advocated for synergy between FHA and the Lagos State Government, lauding Lagos as a leader in housing models in West Africa. Ojo emphasized the need for confidence-building measures, particularly for overseas investors, to ensure security in property transactions.
Lagos, with an estimated population exceeding 22 million, grapples with a housing deficit of approximately 2.5 million. This underscores the urgency for collaborative efforts to address housing challenges and provide sustainable solutions for residents.
