In a passionate appeal to landlords and landowners, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged them to refrain from increasing house rents and shop rents in the midst of ongoing infrastructure developments in the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the call on Monday during the inauguration of the Abiola/Ajayi/Ogba and Obawole/Iju-Ishaga road in the Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Area (LGA).
At the event, the governor emphasized that the purpose of building infrastructure was to improve the lives of residents, not to add to their hardships.
“The essence of the infrastructure we are building is to bring relief to the people, not to add to their burden,” Sanwo-Olu told the gathered crowd, making a direct appeal to landlords. “I want to make an appeal to landlords and landowners, please do not increase your rents or property prices. Let our people enjoy the benefits of these developments.”
His message was clear: the improvement of infrastructure should be for the benefit of the people who have endured years of poor conditions, not an opportunity to raise rents.
Sanwo-Olu’s comments come at a time when residents across Lagos are grappling with the high cost of living, which includes soaring rents. He urged that any increase in rent would only worsen the financial strain on the people of Lagos.
“Please, do not raise property prices,” he said. “Allow the residents to benefit from the years of hardship they have endured due to poor environmental conditions.”
The governor’s comments also highlighted the completion of a key 643-meter road project, which included the construction of a bridge with slip roads. This bridge now connects a swamp belt area, which previously had only a makeshift wooden bridge used by residents for a fee.
The road, which began construction on October 24, 2022, was designed to improve transportation and ease commuting for residents in the area. The bridge now provides a safe, durable crossing for both vehicles and pedestrians, a significant upgrade for the local community.
The Abiola/Ajayi/Ogba and Obawole/Iju-Ishaga road, along with the new bridge, has been hailed as a major milestone in the governor’s efforts to address infrastructure gaps in the state. These projects are part of a broader initiative by Sanwo-Olu’s administration to transform Lagos into a more livable city by improving the road network and public transportation options.
In addition to the road and bridge, Sanwo-Olu also inaugurated the Alapere pedestrian bridge in Kosofe LGA. This bridge, which had been destroyed by an articulated vehicle in December of the previous year, was rebuilt and is now fully operational.
“Today, we are not just unveiling a road or a bridge,” the governor remarked during the event. “We are unveiling the future of Lagos—a future where residents are able to move freely, safely, and enjoy the quality of life they deserve.”
Sanwo-Olu’s remarks underscored his administration’s commitment to addressing the long-standing challenges faced by many Lagos residents, including issues such as flooding and poor commuting conditions. He acknowledged that these were problems that had festered for years and promised that his government was working tirelessly to resolve them.
“I am committed to addressing the long-standing problems of communities, including flooding and commuting,” he stated. “We are putting in place measures that will improve the quality of life for all Lagosians.”
The inauguration of these projects is part of a larger push to improve Lagos’ infrastructure and make it a more sustainable and functional city. However, the governor’s appeal to landlords suggests that improving the physical environment should go hand-in-hand with improving the economic well-being of residents.
Lagosians have long struggled with rising rents, particularly in rapidly developing areas. As the city grows, property owners often see the value of their investments increase, leading many to raise rents and prices for commercial spaces.
Sanwo-Olu’s appeal is a reminder that while infrastructure improvements are vital, they should not come at the cost of pushing residents further into financial difficulty. The governor’s message is one of fairness, urging landlords to consider the bigger picture.
“These improvements are for you—the people of Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said. “We want you to feel the difference in your daily lives. Don’t let rent hikes erase the gains we have made together.”
The governor’s comments have sparked a conversation about the role of landlords in the city’s development. Some have expressed support for the governor’s stance, acknowledging that many Lagosians are struggling to make ends meet. Others, however, argue that rising rents reflect the increasing demand for housing in the city.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is focused on creating a Lagos that works for its residents, not just its property owners. His appeal for landlords to ease the burden of rent hikes is a step toward ensuring that the benefits of new infrastructure reach all corners of the city.
With continued infrastructure development and a focus on the welfare of Lagosians, it is hoped that the city will become a more affordable and accessible place for everyone.
