Hamzat Pledges to Enforce One-Year Rent Law in Lagos

Obafemi Hamzat, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, has pledged to enforce regulations restricting landlords to collecting no more than one year’s rent in advance. This move aims to protect tenants against arbitrary increases. Hamzat made the pledge during the Lagos governorship debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium. As the incumbent deputy governor, he assured that his administration would ensure compliance with the Lagos State Real Estate Registration Agency Law.

Hamzat described the state’s drainage network as “fantastic” but stressed that regular maintenance was essential to prevent blockages and flooding. The APC candidate also highlighted the government's achievements in housing, stating that 24 housing estates had been developed over the past eight years. He promised to expand access to affordable accommodation through increased mortgage facilities. Ongoing housing projects across the state would be completed, and measures would be introduced to improve access to decent housing for residents.

To address transportation challenges, Hamzat outlined plans to strengthen the state’s rail, road and water transport systems. The goal is to ease congestion and improve mobility. He pledged to introduce 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, targeting one million passengers daily. Additionally, 77 electric ferries would be deployed to expand water transportation, as Lagos waterways remained largely underutilised.

Hamzat defended government investment in rail infrastructure, stating that private-sector financing alone had not delivered a functional rail system anywhere in Africa. He emphasized the need for government involvement in developing a reliable rail system. The APC candidate also highlighted his plans for healthcare, promising to expand medical facilities and increase the number of flagship primary healthcare centres.

The proposed primary healthcare centres would operate 24 hours a day to improve access to essential healthcare services across the state. Hamzat maintained that the proposed measures would build on existing government programmes while addressing residents’ concerns over housing, transportation, flooding and healthcare. His administration aims to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the state's challenges.

Hamzat's plans for Lagos include improving access to decent housing, transportation, and healthcare. He emphasized the importance of regular maintenance of the state's drainage network to prevent flooding. The APC candidate also highlighted the need for a reliable rail system, citing the limitations of private-sector financing.

The Lagos governorship debate, organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, provided a platform for Hamzat to outline his vision for the state. He emphasized his commitment to enforcing regulations on rent collection and protecting tenants. The proposed measures aim to improve the quality of life for Lagos residents, addressing pressing concerns in housing, transportation, and healthcare.

Key points

• Hamzat pledges to enforce one-year rent law to protect tenants.
• The APC candidate plans to introduce 4,000 CNG buses and 77 electric ferries to improve transportation.
• Hamzat aims to expand access to affordable accommodation through increased mortgage facilities.