Reported by: Ijeoma G. | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Housing, Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, has called for bold policy reforms to address Nigeria’s persistent housing deficit and bridge the chronic supply-demand gap in the sector. She made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the BRG Developers Summit 2025, 3.0, held in Morocco, emphasizing the need for government to transition from being perceived as an obstacle to becoming a true enabler of private sector-led housing delivery.
Speaking on the theme, “Government as Enabler or Obstacle? Policy Reforms Needed to Unlock Nigeria's Housing Market Potential,” Odunuga-Bakare highlighted critical reforms required in areas such as the Land Use Act, taxation policies, and incentives for affordable housing. She pointed out that the 1978 Land Use Act has created bottlenecks in land ownership, registration, and titling, increasing transaction costs and discouraging investors.
She explained that the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is tackling these challenges through digital innovations like the Lagos State Geographic Information System (LAGIS), designed to streamline land registries and accelerate approvals. On taxation, she stressed that value-added taxes and multiple levies on building materials inflate construction costs and limit affordability, noting that the Lagos Revenue Portal (LRP) is being used to harmonize fees and encourage private investment.
Odunuga-Bakare also underscored the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in addressing the housing deficit, citing initiatives like LagosHoms and Rent-to-Own schemes, and assured that the government is promoting local building materials, implementing subsidy programs, and standardizing PPP frameworks to enhance affordability.
The summit attracted developers, investors, and housing sector experts who welcomed the government’s proactive approach. Many praised the emphasis on digitalization and transparency, noting that reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and taxation hurdles could unlock Nigeria’s housing potential and attract more foreign and local investment. Some investors highlighted that Lagos’ initiatives provide a blueprint for replicating housing solutions in other Nigerian states, potentially boosting affordable housing availability nationwide.
Odunuga-Bakare concluded that the real estate sector is not merely about transactions but about creating an enabling environment, shaping lives, and building a sustainable future, reaffirming Lagos State’s commitment to fostering a housing market that benefits both investors and citizens.
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