The Lagos governorship candidates have outlined their plans to address some of the state's biggest economic and social pressures at a town hall meeting organised by The Covenant Nation. The event, which was attended by young Lagosians, focused on issues such as housing costs, transport fares, jobs, and the cost of doing business. The candidates, including Funso Doherty of the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Obafemi Hamzat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Adedeji Doherty of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), provided insight into their plans to tackle these challenges.
Housing was a major concern for the candidates, with each proposing different solutions to address the issue. Funso Doherty proposed delivering 150,000 housing units in his first term, while Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour proposed 100,000 housing units within four years. Obafemi Hamzat focused on expanding mortgage access, proposing an arrangement where prospective homeowners would pay about 10 percent initially and spread the balance over as much as 20 years. The candidates also emphasized the need for a more active role of government in housing supply, which has not kept pace with demand.
Transport was another major concern, with candidates outlining different approaches to improving how residents move around Lagos. Rhodes-Vivour proposed greater private-sector participation in expanding the state's rail network, linking transport and housing development to job creation and skills training at ward and local government levels. Doherty said government should take a more active role in transportation infrastructure, arguing that Lagos needs a transport system that is safe and reliable for residents. The candidates also addressed education and access to basic public services, with Doherty pledging to make public education free, including books and examination fees.
The cost of doing business was also a major part of the candidates' responses. Hamzat promised to eliminate unauthorised and untraceable levies imposed on businesses and establish a State Economic Council to improve coordination between the state and local governments. Adedeji Doherty focused on improving electricity supply and reducing frivolous charges and levies on businesses. The candidates also emphasized the need for job creation and skills training, with Rhodes-Vivour proposing employment opportunities at ward and local government levels.
The town hall also touched on waste management, flooding, and the digital economy. Rhodes-Vivour proposed decentralising waste management and allowing local governments to develop waste-to-wealth businesses around plastics, organic waste, and other recyclable materials. Hamzat spoke about transfer loading stations and waste-processing infrastructure. The candidates also outlined plans for protecting wetlands to reduce flooding and expanding access to artificial intelligence tools across Lagos.
The candidates also addressed the issue of Lagos' identity and culture, with Rhodes-Vivour proposing the establishment of a ministry responsible for culture and examining the state's history and cultural preservation more deeply. Across the questions, young Lagosians repeatedly returned to the practical pressures of living and working in the state, finding affordable housing, getting around, accessing public services, and building sustainable livelihoods.
The town hall meeting provided a platform for the candidates to respond to the concerns of young Lagosians, with proposals ranging from increased housing supply and mortgage financing to expanded transport infrastructure, free public services, skills training, and changes to the business environment. The event highlighted the need for a more active role of government in addressing the state's economic and social pressures.
Key points
- - Funso Doherty proposed delivering 150,000 housing units in his first term - Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour proposed 100,000 housing units within four years - Obafemi Hamzat focused on expanding mortgage access
