Lagos APC Governorship Candidate Outlines Housing and Infrastructure Policy

During a recent gubernatorial debate organized by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, outlined his policy priorities for the state. Central to his platform is a commitment to address housing affordability and accessibility, alongside ambitious plans for transportation and healthcare expansion.

Enforcing Rental Regulations

A significant portion of Hamzat’s housing policy focuses on the enforcement of the Lagos State Real Estate Registration Agency Law. According to the deputy governor, the administration intends to strictly regulate the rental market to curb the practice of landlords demanding multiple years of rent in advance. The law mandates that landlords collect no more than one year’s rent from tenants, a measure intended to reduce the financial burden on residents.

Beyond regulation, Hamzat noted that the state has established 24 housing estates over the past eight years. He pledged to complete ongoing projects and increase access to quality accommodation by facilitating more mortgage options for residents.

Transportation and Mobility Initiatives

Addressing the state’s persistent traffic challenges, Hamzat detailed a multi-modal transportation strategy. He stated that the government aims to facilitate the movement of one million passengers daily through a combination of road, rail, and water transport.

• Road Transport: The candidate announced plans to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to improve public transit efficiency.
• Waterways: Hamzat highlighted the potential of water transportation, proposing the introduction of 77 electric ferries to alleviate road congestion.
• Rail Systems: Defending the state’s investment in rail, he argued that public funding is essential, noting that private-sector investment alone has historically failed to deliver functional rail systems in the African context.

Regarding environmental management, Hamzat described the current drainage network as effective but emphasized that maintenance—specifically keeping drains free of blockages—is essential to prevent flooding and ensure water flow into the creeks.

Healthcare Expansion

In the healthcare sector, the APC candidate promised to increase the number of primary healthcare centers in the state. He stated that the government plans to expand the current count of 87 flagship centers to 150. These facilities are expected to provide 24-hour medical services to improve health outcomes for Lagosians.

Conclusion

Obafemi Hamzat’s policy proposals reflect a focus on strengthening existing legal frameworks and scaling current infrastructure projects. While the candidate provided a roadmap for housing, transport, and health, the effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on the successful implementation of the proposed regulations and the completion of the mentioned infrastructure projects. Information regarding specific timelines for the completion of these goals was not provided during the debate.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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