The Lagos State Ministry of Housing has emphasized that ensuring the upkeep and long-term sustainability of state-owned housing estates is a central focus of the government.
The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, made this known on Monday in a statement released by the ministry’s Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Mr Ganiu Lawal.
The statement highlighted Akinderu-Fatai’s remarks during the ministry’s two-day annual management retreat held from February 12 to 13 at the Conference Hotel, Abeokuta.
He noted that the administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has invested significantly in infrastructure and has created living environments that meet international standards.
The commissioner explained that establishing an effective facility management system is part of the government’s efforts to protect public investment in real estate and ensure optimal value.
Speaking on the theme, “Enhancing Service Delivery for Sustainable Housing Development and Management,” Akinderu-Fatai emphasized that building the capacity of management staff is essential to improving operations, strengthening leadership, and ensuring performance-driven service delivery.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mrs Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, encouraged directors and senior officials to leverage the retreat to gain practical insights that could enhance their work efficiency.
In his goodwill message, the Ogun State Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Mr Tunji Odunlami, commended Lagos State for its accomplishments in the housing and built environment sectors.
Odunlami, a former Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, noted that Ogun State has benefited from Lagos’ expertise, particularly in housing development, and stressed the importance of stronger Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), knowledge exchange, and inter-state collaboration.
A session at the retreat was facilitated by Mr Sam Egube, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, who discussed “Global and National Economic Outlook: Implications for Housing Industry Development and Management.”
He underscored the private sector’s pivotal role in housing development and called for more conducive policies to encourage growth and investment.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Abdulhafis Toriola, highlighted the ministry’s key achievements and attributed its progress to the support of Gov. Sanwo-Olu.
Toriola revealed that four additional housing estates are expected to be commissioned before the end of 2026, expanding access to affordable and quality housing across the state.
He reiterated the ministry’s dedication to providing residents with accessible, high-quality housing while urging staff to embrace improved coordination, innovation, and efficiency in service delivery.
The retreat also included a comprehensive review of the ministry’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, alongside breakout sessions focusing on strategic planning, leadership, and effective execution.