May 13, 2025
The Lagos State Government says it is finalising plans to introduce monthly and quarterly rent payment system aimed at easing financial burden on residents, especially low-income earners.
The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year in office on Tuesday.
He said the initiative was part of broader efforts to make housing accessible and affordable for residents.
He recalled that the state had earlier launched a rent-to-own housing scheme which allows tenants to make an initial five per cent down payment and spread the balance over a 10-year period.
“That initiative was well-received, and its success encouraged us to explore new ways to reduce the pressure of yearly rent payment,” he said.
According to him, many tenants, particularly those with modest incomes, find it difficult to pay rent annually.
Akinderu-Fatai added that “we believe that monthly or quarterly payment options will give people more breathing space and reduce the stress associated with sourcing lump sums.”
He noted that the government was currently engaging landlords, property developers and other key players in the real estate sector to understand the challenges and fine-tune the policy before rolling it out.
He said “of course, there are issues to resolve — things like landlord cooperation, payment tracking and enforcement. But discussions are ongoing and we are listening to all sides.”
The commissioner added that the government was fully committed to the plan, working diligently to implement a pilot phase in selected areas of the state.
“This is not just policy on paper. We are making real progress. We know what this means for many families, and we are determined to make it happen,” he stressed.
Other areas of the ministry’s report include:
REVERSION TO ORIGINAL MASTER PLAN OF ESTATES:
It was discovered that many allotees in our estates have contravened the original Master plans of the Estates through various alterations, modifications and adjustments.
The Ministry is in the process of reverting to the original Master plan.
Steps have been taken to notify and seal the properties affected. On the long run, the State Government may retrieve any contravening property in accordance with the agreement signed with allotees.
INTRODUCTION OF SINKING FUND
The Ministry introduced a Sinking Fund system to sustain the external outlook of our estate. The fund is mainly design to be used for the external painting of the housing units in all new estates at (3) three to (5) five years’ interval.
PROCESSING OF DEEDS OF SUBLEASE /PROCUREMENT OF CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY FOR ESTATES (OLD & NEW):
The Ministry has succeeded in producing over 50 sun-print electronic survey plans for some of our new estates with the aim of preparing Deed of Subleases for the homeowners.
INTRODUCTION OF MONTHLY STAKEHOLDERS MEETING IN ESTATES WITHIN ALL DIVISIONS OF THE STATE:
The Ministry hold monthly stakeholders meeting to engage allotees on issues that are germane to the well-being and of joint interest to the residents and State Government.
ENFORCEMENT OF ESTATES RULES AND GUIDELINES
These include non-payment of Service charges, bypass of electric meters, cult activities amongst others.
Some residents are also involved in criminal activities that we may not want to mention here. We must let you know that the Ministry has resolved to act resolutely by revoking the allocations of allotees who do not comply with agreements signed at the point of release of homes.
DIGITALISATION OF THE WORK PROCESSES OF THE ESTATE & PHYSICAL PLANNING AND SURVEY DEPARTMENTS
The Ministry engaged an I.T Consultant (Chams PLC) for the digitalisation of the work processes of the Estate and Physical Planning and Survey Departments. The Consultant has procured and supplied the specified RACK MOUNTABLE SERVER WITH DUAL POWER MODULE as recommended and signed off by the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
Over 90% of documents have been scanned and uploaded to the server. The importance of the digital conversion of hardcopy files to soft copies among others will include; protecting the integrity of the files documents; backup references in case of unforeseen incidents of fire.
REBATE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS
The Ministry was able to implement the grant of 40% rebate once in service life time to 770 Civil Servants in the State to enable them have easy access to homes ownership.
The Governor also approved that public school teachers and health personnel in remote areas within the State be considered for allocation of home units constructed within those localities.
A total of 120 home units has so far been allocated to these essential service personnel.
