THE Federal Government has expressed its commitment to supporting Lagos State in harnessing its potential for sustainable urban development.
Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, made this assurance while delivering a goodwill message at the fifth Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Two-Day Conference and Exhibition in Lagos
The theme of the conference is, “Reimagining Lagos Landscape Ensuring Sustainable Real Estate Development Practices”.
Ahmed, also an architect, said that the state, as the epicenter of Nigeria’s economic activities and real estate hub, holds enormous potential.
He stated this would be achieved through collaboration to harmonise regulatory alignment, streamline land administration, reduce bottlenecks, and boost investor confidence in the housing sector.
According to him, it can help in ensuring green and smart housing development, and housing value chain optimisation.
He said that the benefits of these include lands provision, empowering artisans and skill development, innovative construction and empowering local industries.
“As we reimagine Lagos’ real estate landscape, let us prioritise inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience. Together, we can create a robust housing ecosystem that delivers social and economic value to all Nigerians.
“I reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with Lagos State and all stakeholders to transform the housing and real estate sectors into engines of growth and hope for the Nigerian people,” he said.
According to him, the conference provides a platform to reflect on advancing the housing sector and real estate value chain in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister noted that housing remains a cornerstone of economic development and social stability.
Dangiwa noted that, with the World Bank projecting a 20 million housing deficit by 2030, the federal government had prioritised housing as a key driver of inclusive growth, sustainability, and improved quality of life.
He emphasised the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s commitment to achieving milestones in areas such as strengthening housing regulations, enhancing housing and financing models, and expanding the housing value chain.
This, he added includes initiatives like the Family Homes Fund (FHF), the redevelopment of Federal Housing Estates, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and Landmark Green Housing Projects.
The minister commended Lagos State for its commitment to advancing its housing and real estate sector and implementing future plans, urging other states to adopt its development model.
In her, keynote address, Dr Olubukola Abitoye, Group Managing Director, Digital Space Capital Group, said housing is more than just shelter; it is a cornerstone of human dignity and economic development.
Abitoye added that the construction industry remained a major contributor to environmental degradation, generating vast amounts of waste and consuming significant quantities of non-renewable resources.
She noted that the circular economy had gained significant traction recently, particularly among industries and organisations committed to minimising waste and optimising resource utilisation.
“Now is the time for a transformative approach that shifts our focus from the traditional linear model of “take, make, and dispose to a more regenerative cycle where materials and resources are continuously reused, recycled and reintegrated into production,”she said.
According to her, for Lagos adopting the model is not a choice but a necessity, by integrating circular economy principles into affordable housing supply chains.
