Lagos housing plans dominated discussions at the 2027 governorship debate, as candidates presented different proposals to address rising rents and limited access to affordable homes.
The candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) outlined their positions on housing delivery, mortgage financing and rental reforms.
The debate took place on November 8, 2026, and was organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium. The consortium comprises Vanguard, Channels Television, TVC News, Punch and TheCable.
Their proposals highlighted different approaches to housing affordability and the government’s role in the property market. Channels Television+1
Rhodes-Vivour Targets 100,000 Housing Units
The ADC candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, promised to deliver more than 100,000 housing units within his first four years if elected governor.
His proposal focuses on low- and middle-income earners who struggle with Lagos’ expensive private property market.
He plans to use revenue from luxury property taxation to finance social housing. He also proposed decentralising housing development and exploring opportunities in the eastern foreshore and intergenerational areas.
Furthermore, Rhodes-Vivour called for transparent allocation to prevent individuals from acquiring multiple government-supported homes.
He also proposed legislation to protect tenants from arbitrary rent increases. Under his proposal, landlords would provide at least six months’ notice before increasing rent. He suggested a guided increase of between 20 and 30 per cent. Rhodes-Vivour • Channels Television+2
Hamzat Highlights Housing Delivery and Mortgage Financing
The APC candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, defended the state’s existing housing programme.
He stated that the government had delivered approximately 18,000 housing units over the preceding eight years. He also proposed expanding mortgage financing to make homeownership more accessible.
Under his proposal, prospective buyers would pay an initial deposit of between 10 and 25 per cent. They could then spread the remaining balance over an extended repayment period.
Additionally, Hamzat highlighted the importance of completing ongoing housing projects and enforcing existing rental regulations.
He also pledged to expand public transportation, including increasing the state’s bus fleet from approximately 1,000 to 4,000 buses. The target is to transport one million passengers daily. Channels Television+1
Government-Owned Rental Housing Features in Housing Debate
Another proposal focused on direct government participation in the rental housing market.
The proposal, attributed in the supplied report to the PDP candidate, Adedeji Doherty, suggests that the Lagos State Government should develop residential properties and rent them directly to residents.
Rather than control private landlords, the government would compete with them by offering more affordable accommodation.
This approach would require substantial investment in land acquisition, construction and property management. It would also require sustainable maintenance and rental management structures.
Note: The candidate is identified as Deji Doherty in other reports, while Funso Doherty represents the NDC. The rental proposal’s attribution requires confirmation. Channels Television+1
Transportation and Infrastructure Remain Key Priorities
Beyond housing, the candidates discussed transportation as an important part of Lagos’ urban development.
Hamzat proposed connecting road, rail and water transportation networks to improve mobility. He also highlighted compressed natural gas buses and dedicated BRT corridors.
These proposals have implications for real estate because better transport connections can improve access to residential communities.
For developers and investors, improved connectivity could also influence property demand and development opportunities across different parts of Lagos.
Affordable Housing Remains a Major Challenge
The debate highlighted the different approaches candidates want to pursue ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Rising rents, expensive construction materials and limited mortgage access continue to affect housing affordability in Lagos.
While Rhodes-Vivour emphasises large-scale social housing and tenant protection, Hamzat focuses on existing government programmes and improved mortgage financing.
Meanwhile, the proposed government-owned rental model introduces another approach to expanding accommodation options.
Ultimately, implementing these proposals would require adequate funding, accessible land, transparent allocation and effective project management.
For Lagos residents, property developers and investors, the candidates’ housing policies could shape the state’s real estate market and residential development priorities.
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