…Lays foundation for Phase 2

By Maduka Nweke

Lagos State Governor, Bbajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday in Ajara, Badagry, launched the 420 modern home units that marked the opening of its 24th housing estate brought to life by his administration.

Sanwo-Olu said that his administration is dedicated to nurturing the spirit of joy through effective governance, building trust in institutions and ensuring political stability. He noted that Badagry has reaped the benefits of targeted investments in road infrastructure, public hospitals, schools, and other vital facilities adding that these initiatives have opened up the historic town to the world, positioning it as a rising hotspot for eco-tourism, culture, and commerce.

He said that this particular project has created over 1,300 jobs, both directly and indirectly, during its construction phase stressing that even more jobs would come from managing the facilities and other estate services once everything is fully occupied. “Although this initiative was started by the previous administration, we have breathed new life and purpose into it by transforming the gateway to this great city and enhancing the newly expanded Lagos–Badagry Expressway. Today, we are excited to launch Phase I, which includes 420 housing units that are now fully completed and ready for residents.

“Our dedication to thoughtful city planning, quality living, and sustainable development has also led us to kick off the groundbreaking for Phase II of this project. This new phase will dramatically change Badagry’s skyline with high-rise buildings that will be at least seven stories tall. It is a strategic move to make the most of our land resources, accommodate more families, and highlight the vast investment potential and untapped opportunities that exist in this corridor. In the past six years, we have successfully rolled out 23 housing estates, creating over 10,000 homes for people across all income levels low, middle, and high throughout the five divisions of Lagos. As we near the end of this administration, our commitment to closing the housing gap remains strong, focusing on smart infrastructure investments that push development beyond just the city center.

“We are also working to complete four additional housing schemes across the State, which are at various stages of completion; Lagos State Housing Estate, Ibeshe Phase II (192 units); Egan–Igando Mixed Housing Scheme, Clusters 2 & 3 (587 units); Epe Housing Scheme, Ita Marun (112 units) and LagosHOMS Sangotedo Phase II, Eti-Osa (524 units). Each of these developments highlights our strong belief that every Lagosian, no matter where they live or their income level, deserves a place they can truly call home. This new estate in Badagry is a testament to our dedication to creating livable communities. It comes fully equipped with modern amenities — well-paved roads, a water treatment facility with both overhead and underground storage, an efficient drainage system, secure perimeter fencing, a gatehouse, a sewage treatment plant, ample parking spaces, walkways, and a comprehensive electrification network complete with transformers.

“We take pride in aligning our efforts with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda, aiming to provide affordable and sustainable homes for our citizens. We are also in talks with financing organizations eager to partner with Lagos State to deliver mass housing and introduce innovative solutions that make home ownership more attainable and accessible. To enhance affordability, we plan to subsidize the selling prices of the housing units. Twenty percent (20%) of the homes will be set aside for members of the Medical Guild, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (Lagos State Chapter), and other public and private sector unions. Additionally, public servants will receive rebates as a token of appreciation for their dedicated service to our State. The project commenced in the year 2013 by the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) and was later transferred to the Ministry of Housing for completion in the Year 2017. The present administration under your leadership directed that the project should be resuscitated and that the Ministry must ensure its completion,” He said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai noted that the 420 Lagos State Housing Estate Ajara, was a bold testament to the vision and the expected deliverables of Sanwo-Olu administration in realization of the goals set out under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda. “This goal as encapsulated in the pillar of Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy viz-a-viz the overriding strategic resolve to improve physical infrastructure, housing and security, are all evident in this brand new estate. The Ajara housing scheme comprises phase 1 & 2 and is situated on a land area of 18.9 hectares, the phase one which will be commissioned today comprises 35 blocks of 12-1n-1 residential buildings.

“Each building contains a combination of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom semi furnished apartments with complimentary facilities such as a kitchen, kitchen cabinets, light fixtures, wardrobes. The proposed second phase is planned to consist of high-rise buildings on seven floors, with all modern amenities. This is to further maximize our very limited land resources by expanding vertically to accommodate more housing units for the people of Lagos.

Here at Ajara, the Lagos State Government did not just construct buildings, we are about incubating new communities, have boosted the local economy with direct and indirect jobs and deepened socio-economic growth in Ajara environs and beyond.