Hamzat pledges affordable housing, better transport

Obafemi Hamzat, the All Progressives Congress candidate for governor in Lagos State, pledged during the Lagos Governorship Debate to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure and make housing more affordable for residents. Hamzat addressed the financial hardships faced by Nigerians, citing high prices for essential commodities like long-grain rice and petrol. He argued that the state government could intervene in key sectors such as housing, agriculture, and transportation to ease the burden.

Hamzat outlined a plan to create an integrated network of road, rail, and water transport to facilitate the movement of commuters across Lagos. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the city’s waterways, aiming to turn the lagoon into a waterway. The administration also promised to construct the Blue Line up to Agbado and link it to the Red Line, with the development of a terminal for mass transit.

Additionally, Hamzat announced the acquisition of 34,000 compressed natural gas-powered buses to enhance mass transit services.

Regarding housing, Hamzat highlighted that Lagos had already developed 24 housing estates, totaling 18,000 units in the past eight years. His administration plans to introduce mortgage arrangements requiring an initial 10 percent payment and a 25-year repayment period, making homeownership more accessible. The governor cited ongoing projects such as the Ibeshe Housing Estate, which includes 2,700 units, as part of the plan to provide more accommodation for residents.

Hamzat argued that spreading payments over a longer period would alleviate the financial strain on prospective homeowners.