News
Why Lagos State’s Housing Deficit Persists Despite Ongoing Construction Boom

By Dennis Isong
A housing deficit refers to a situation where there is an insufficient supply of housing units to accommodate the population’s housing needs.
This shortage of housing can result in issues such as overcrowding, homelessness, rising property prices, and limited access to affordable and suitable housing for individuals and families.
The term is often used in discussions about urban planning, real estate, and housing policy to highlight the gap between housing demand and supply in a given area.
Lagos State, Nigeria’s economic and cultural powerhouse, has witnessed a surge in construction activity over the past decade. Skyscrapers and residential buildings have sprung up across the city, seemingly indicating progress and development.
However, beneath this facade of growth lies a persistent issue: the growing housing deficit. Despite the construction boom, Lagos State continues to grapple with an increasing shortage of affordable housing.
In this article, we will explore five key reasons why this housing deficit persists amid the ongoing construction activity.
1. Rapid Urbanization and Population Growth
One of the primary drivers of the housing deficit in Lagos State is the rapid urbanization and population growth. Lagos has become a magnet for people seeking economic opportunities, leading to an influx of migrants from other regions and countries.
This constant population surge far outpaces the rate at which new housing units are being built, exacerbating the gap between supply and demand.
2. High Construction Costs
While construction activity is booming in Lagos, the high cost of building materials and labor has a cascading effect on housing affordability.
Builders face escalating expenses, which are often transferred to potential homeowners through higher property prices.
As a result, many Lagosians find themselves priced out of the market, perpetuating the housing deficit.
Lagos has become a magnet for people seeking economic opportunities, leading to an influx of migrants from other regions and countries.
3. Insufficient Infrastructure Development
The rapid construction of buildings in Lagos has not been matched by an equivalent investment in infrastructure development.
Essential amenities like roads, water supply, sewage systems, and public transportation are struggling to keep up with the expanding city.
This lack of infrastructure diminishes the appeal of newly constructed areas, hindering their potential for affordable housing.
4. Land Ownership and Land Use Regulations
Lagos State’s complex land ownership and land use regulations further compound the housing deficit. Disputes over land ownership and inefficient land allocation processes can delay construction projects and deter potential investors. Moreover, unclear land tenure systems can discourage individuals from investing in real estate, leaving large swaths of land underutilized.
5. Limited Access to Financing
Access to affordable financing options remains a significant barrier to homeownership in Lagos State. High-interest rates on mortgage loans and a lack of financial instruments designed to support affordable housing contribute to the housing deficit. Many individuals and families simply cannot secure the necessary funding to purchase a home, even when properties are available on the market.
▪︎Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS.
He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to Own Property In Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE. For Questions WhatsApp/Call +2348164741041
Crime
60-year-old man arrested for raping Lagos lady

The Lagos State Police Command, Gender Unit, has arrested a 60-year-old man, Ajayi Femi, for allegedly raping a 24-year-old lady.
The command disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
The spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly spiked the survivor’s drink, rendering her unconscious, before having unlawful sexual intercourse with her.
The incident took place on August 22, 2025, and was reported by the victim’s sister to the police at the Meiran Police Station before being transferred to the Gender Unit of the command for further investigation.
“Medical examinations conducted by the Gender Unit corroborated the survivor’s account, while the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation,” the statement read.
The command revealed that the suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation and has since been remanded in prison custody until the next adjourned date.
It added, “The command remains committed to ensuring justice for survivors of sexual offences.”
This case comes weeks after operatives of the command arrested a 45-year-old man in Ikotun for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl.
The incident, which attracted widespread outrage, reignited calls from rights activists for stiffer penalties against sex offenders.
Crime
Seven Cult Suspects Arrested in Akwa Ibom with Human Skull

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested seven individuals suspected of cult-related activities in Ikot Osura, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, the suspects—allegedly members of the banned “Ku Klux Klan” confraternity—were apprehended on August 28, 2025.
The arrest followed a report by a student of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, who was attacked on August 25 after renouncing his membership in the group. The victim was left unconscious, and his phone and ₦41,000 were stolen during the assault.
Acting on the report, police operatives launched a targeted operation that led to the arrest of the suspects: Douglas Ambe Esikhene, Stephen Asukwo Effiong, Saviour Dany Akpan, Emmanuel Friday Umoh, Augustine Uduak Okon, Mary Ating Asukwo, and Itohowo Christopher Uko.
A search of their hideout led to the recovery of a locally made short gun, seven live cartridges, a fresh human skull, a bottle containing a black substance suspected to be ritual oil, and another bottle believed to contain Guyanese oil used for rituals.
DSP John confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend more members of the group and recover additional evidence.
News
Lagos Resumes Second Phase of Ogudu–Ifako Bridge Repairs

The Lagos State Government has announced the start of the second phase of repair works on the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge (inbound Island), set to begin on Wednesday.
In a statement released Tuesday, Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the repairs follow a review of the traffic management plan after challenges faced during the first phase. To minimise disruption, the Ministry of Transportation has issued a traffic advisory with alternative routes.
Motorists heading to Oshodi from the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway or Toll Gate are advised to take the Ojota Slip Road to connect to Ikorodu Road (inward Anthony, near Taxi Park). Those travelling to Victoria Island can also use the Ojota Slip Road to reach Ikorodu Road, continue through Gbagada, and access the Third Mainland Bridge.
Drivers from Ikeja and surrounding areas should proceed via Maryland to Ikorodu Road or Funsho Williams Avenue, then take Eko Bridge to Outer Marina.
Commissioner Osiyemi stressed that the partial closure of the bridge is necessary for the maintenance process and urged motorists to cooperate with traffic officers, maintain lane discipline, and use the designated alternative routes.
He also appealed to road users to plan their journeys ahead and remain patient during the period of the repairs, noting that the inconvenience is temporary and aimed at improving road infrastructure across the state.
-
News2 days ago
IGP Egbetokun Pays Condolence Visit to Arase’s Family
-
Crime1 day ago
BREAKING: Finnish court sentences Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism
-
Politics1 day ago
El-Rufai: One-term presidency Not Enough
-
News1 day ago
FCT Head Of Service Grace Adayilo is Dead
-
Crime1 day ago
Lagos Cracks Down on Waste Violators Following Residents’ Complaints
-
News2 days ago
BREAKING: Former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase is Dead
-
Health24 hours ago
Why Do People Collapse And Die?
-
Crime4 hours ago
Seven Cult Suspects Arrested in Akwa Ibom with Human Skull