By Seyi Odewale
The Lagos State Government has stepped up efforts to deliver more than 2,000 housing units currently under construction across the state, warning that contractors who fail to meet agreed deadlines risk sanctions or replacement.
Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, issued the warning during an inspection of ongoing housing projects at Abraham Adesanya and Sangotedo in Ibeju-Lekki, where he expressed concern over the pace of work despite progress recorded on the sites.
He said the state government was determined to complete the housing schemes before the end of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration and had intensified project monitoring to ensure value for money and timely delivery.
“If the government has provided the necessary funding and a contractor is still not delivering as expected, we will take appropriate action. Contractors must cooperate with the government’s determination to complete these projects,” Akinderu-Fatai said.
The commissioner disclosed that four major housing estates are currently under construction through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements, with a combined capacity of more than 2,000 housing units designed to expand access to affordable housing for Lagos residents.
“It is the intention of this government to ensure that these projects are completed as quickly as possible before the end of this administration,” he said.
Akinderu-Fatai, however, said the ministry was dissatisfied with the pace of work on some of the projects, revealing that technical issues identified during the inspection would be addressed immediately to prevent further delays.
“We are not completely satisfied with the current pace of work. We have noticed some technical issues which we will resolve with the contractors. We intend to intensify our inspections and push the contractors to meet the agreed timelines,” he said.
He expressed optimism that some of the housing schemes could be completed between October and November this year if contractors accelerate work and adhere strictly to project schedules.
The commissioner attributed the prolonged delays to inflation and the sharp rise in the cost of construction materials, noting that the economic challenges forced contractors to seek cost reviews and extensions.
“These projects should have been completed about three years ago, but inflation and the increase in the prices of construction materials affected progress. We have addressed those challenges, and our focus now is on delivery,” he said.
Akinderu-Fatai reaffirmed the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to expanding the state’s housing stock, stressing that completing the ongoing projects remains a priority in improving access to decent and affordable homes for Lagos residents.
