Lagos races to deliver 2,000 housing units before Sanwo-Olu leaves office

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering more than 2,000 housing units currently under construction in Abraham Adesanya and Sangotedo, in the Ibeju-Lekki axis, before the expiration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, gave the assurance during an inspection tour of ongoing housing projects, where he assessed the pace of work and directed contractors to accelerate construction to meet agreed delivery timelines.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, directors and members of the ministry’s technical team, said the inspection was part of the government’s efforts to ensure strict project monitoring, timely completion and value for public investment.

“We are here with the Permanent Secretary, directors and members of the ministry’s technical team to inspect the projects and assess the level of work done,” he said.

Akinderu-Fatai explained that the housing developments are being executed through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements designed to expand access to affordable and decent housing for Lagos residents.

He disclosed that four major housing schemes are currently under construction across the state, with a combined capacity of over 2,000 housing units.

“It is the intention of this government to ensure that these projects are completed as quickly as possible before the end of this administration,” he stated.

While expressing satisfaction with the overall progress of work, the commissioner admitted that the pace of construction at some locations fell short of the government’s expectations.

He revealed that the ministry had identified several technical issues requiring urgent attention and pledged to intensify site inspections to ensure contractors meet their contractual obligations.

“We are not completely satisfied with the current pace of work. We have noticed some technical issues which we will resolve with the contractors. We intend to intensify our inspections and push the contractors to meet the agreed timelines,” he said.

According to him, some of the housing estates could be completed and ready for allocation between October and November this year, provided contractors improve their pace of work.

Akinderu-Fatai warned that the state government would not hesitate to sanction or replace contractors that fail to deliver despite receiving the required funding.

“If the government has provided the necessary funding and a contractor is still not delivering as expected, we will take appropriate action. Contractors must cooperate with the government’s determination to complete these projects,” he warned.

The commissioner attributed previous delays to inflation and the sharp increase in the prices of construction materials, which forced contractors to seek contract reviews and extensions.

“These projects should have been completed about three years ago, but inflation and the increase in the prices of construction materials affected progress. We have addressed those challenges, and our focus now is on delivery,” he explained.

He reiterated that the Sanwo-Olu administration remains committed to expanding the state’s housing stock, bridging the housing deficit and ensuring that ongoing projects are completed to provide more Lagosians with access to quality and affordable homes.