Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the proposed Lagos Tenancy Bill currently before the State House of Assembly is aimed at promoting fairness between landlords and tenants, and reducing housing-related disputes across the state.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Sunny Ajose Housing Estate in Ajara, Badagry, on Wednesday, the governor explained that the bill seeks to establish a more transparent and just rental system.
He said the legislation was developed in collaboration with the Lagos State House of Assembly to modernise outdated tenancy laws, promote stronger rental agreements, and reduce the exploitation of tenants or unlawful evictions by landlords.
“Everyone aspires to be a landlord, but tenants must also be able to live decently and pay rent without undue pressure,” Sanwo-Olu said. “The bill promotes a partnership where landlords can earn fairly, and tenants are treated justly.”
According to him, the tenancy bill is part of a broader effort by his administration to ensure a better housing experience for all residents of Lagos, whether landlords or tenants.
He noted that existing housing initiatives in the state, such as the rent-to-own and rent-to-live schemes, have already helped thousands of residents transition from renting to owning homes. The new bill, he added, would give legal backing and clarity to such programmes.
“The bill will further support our housing programmes by providing a clearer legal framework for sustainable housing delivery,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed his commitment to affordable housing for Lagosians, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He said the state would continue to partner with the private sector and local communities to deliver modern and inclusive housing projects across all divisions of the state.
“The tenancy bill represents a balanced approach—one that allows government, landlords, and tenants to thrive together,” the governor added.
Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous state and economic hub, faces ongoing housing challenges, with disputes between landlords and tenants being common. Issues such as rent increases, arbitrary evictions, and lack of clear rental agreements have often led to conflicts.
The proposed Lagos Tenancy Bill is expected to address these concerns by creating a fairer, well-regulated rental market that benefits all parties involved.
