Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, inaugurated the Egan-Igando Housing Estate, comprising 270 units, in Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Thursday.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to alleviate the state’s housing deficit by implementing policies that ensure the availability of decent homes for all residents.
The newly commissioned estate features 45 blocks of two-bedroom apartments, complete with essential infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted his administration’s recent efforts to finalize housing projects inherited from previous administrations. These projects have been funded through budget allocations and joint ventures with development partners. “I am delighted that we have completed this project through determination and dedication,” he said.
The governor also assured the public that the second phase, “Cluster Two,” comprising 216 units, and “Cluster Three,” the third phase with 360 units, would soon be delivered. Once all phases are completed, the estate will provide a total of 846 units, significantly easing the housing shortage in Lagos State.
“This housing project, initiated by previous administrations and completed by ours, is just the beginning. We have handed over the first phase with 270 two-bedroom units to qualified recipients,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to reducing the housing shortage by ensuring that decent homes are available to all, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations. “Our goal is to ensure no one is left behind, providing decent housing for all citizens, whether in rural or urban areas,” he added.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also called on the private sector to support the state government’s housing efforts, noting that mass housing provision is a joint endeavor. “We urge more investors to partner with us in mass housing provision, ensuring mutual benefits for investors and the economy. Providing homes creates jobs and strengthens the financial system for all stakeholders.”
He encouraged investors to explore opportunities in rural and suburban areas, where infrastructural deficits are being systematically addressed. “We welcome partnerships at all levels, including housing provision, convenient mortgage packaging, and people-oriented home-rental programs,” he said.
Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, the State Commissioner for Housing, recalled in his welcome address that the Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme began in 2001 with the goal of delivering 846 units to suburban dwellers. However, funding issues led to multiple project stalls and transfers between various agencies.
The project, initially abandoned and later taken over by the Lagos Building Investment Corporation (LBIC) in 2006, saw minimal progress despite significant interest and financial commitments from over 924 subscribers. It was then handed back to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure in 2013 and eventually to the Ministry of Housing in 2016 under former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
“In line with the 2019 T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, our Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, initiated a holistic approach to complete the Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme alongside other ongoing projects. This included dividing the project into three clusters to expedite completion and addressing structural integrity issues by replacing compromised buildings with new ones,” Akinderu-Fatai explained.
“Today, we proudly present Cluster 1, celebrating not just the completion of these units but also the resilience, dedication, and hard work that made this vision a reality,” he concluded.
