In a move aimed at easing the financial strain faced by tenants across the state, the Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce monthly and quarterly rent payment systems. This was revealed by the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Ikeja to commemorate the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
According to Akinderu-Fatai, the initiative is a direct response to the growing concern over the high cost of living and the burden of yearly rent payments, especially among low- and middle-income earners in the state. He explained that the new policy is a continuation of the administration’s broader effort to make decent housing more accessible and financially manageable for residents.
The Commissioner referenced the success of the state’s earlier Rent-to-Own scheme, which allowed qualified applicants to pay just five percent of the cost of a government-built housing unit upfront, while spreading the balance over a period of ten years. That initiative, he said, received significant acceptance from the public and served as a springboard for the current monthly and quarterly rent model being proposed.
“Many Lagosians struggle to pay rent in lump sums annually. It places unnecessary pressure on families and individuals who already have to contend with daily living expenses,” Akinderu-Fatai noted. “We believe that offering alternatives such as monthly or quarterly payments will provide much-needed breathing space and help reduce the financial stress associated with housing.”
He further disclosed that consultations are already ongoing with key stakeholders including property owners, real estate developers, and financial service providers. These discussions, he noted, are critical to addressing potential implementation challenges such as landlord compliance, digital rent tracking, and enforcement mechanisms.
“There are certainly hurdles to cross,” he admitted. “Getting landlords to buy into the idea, ensuring there’s a secure and transparent payment system, and enforcing agreements are all valid concerns. But we are engaging all stakeholders meaningfully and we are optimistic.”
The Commissioner revealed that the government is working on launching a pilot phase in select areas within the state to test the feasibility of the payment structure before a wider rollout. While he did not provide a specific timeline for the pilot, he assured the public that preparations are already in advanced stages.
“This initiative is not just another policy statement; it’s a practical response to the needs of our people,” Akinderu-Fatai affirmed. “We are deeply aware of what this could mean for thousands of households in Lagos, and we are committed to seeing it through.”
If successfully implemented, Lagos would become one of the first states in Nigeria to formally introduce a structured rent payment reform aimed at improving housing affordability. The development has already sparked discussions across the real estate and tenant communities, with many hoping the initiative will bring about a more inclusive and humane housing culture in the state.
