Lagos residents struggle as house rents soar
Residents in Lagos State are raising concerns over rapidly increasing house rents, calling for urgent government intervention. Many say rent now takes up most of their income, making it difficult to save or cover basic needs. Rasaq Adebanjo, Mercy, Peter, and other residents shared personal stories of hardship, while Ayodele Adio and other stakeholders suggested legislative solutions. The Lagos State government has yet to respond to these growing demands for action.
What happened
- Many Lagos residents report that rent consumes between 50 and 70 per cent of their income, far above global recommendations.
- Mercy, a corps member, said she was asked to pay N1.5m for a mini flat in Surulere, which she could not afford even after pooling resources with colleagues.
- Damola Hafiz, a banker, experienced a rent increase from N800,000 to N900,000 for a single room in Ketu and struggled to find affordable alternatives.
- Ayodele Adio proposed tying rent increases to official inflation rates, capping agency and legal fees, and mandating a 12-month notice before rent hikes.
- Calls have been made for the government to build at least 20,000 housing units annually and reform mortgage policies to help residents access affordable long-term financing.
