In a landmark move to ease housing pressure, the Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to introduce monthly and quarterly rent payment options for tenants across the state. This initiative aims to make housing more accessible and affordable, especially for low- and middle-income earners who struggle with the traditional annual rent system.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held to mark Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
According to Akinderu-Fatai, the new Lagos rent payment policy is a direct response to the financial strain many residents face when required to pay rent in large yearly lump sums.
“This policy is designed to give tenants breathing space and reduce the burden of annual rent,” he stated. “By allowing monthly or quarterly rent payments, we are making housing more flexible and within reach for more Lagosians.”
The commissioner highlighted that the initiative builds on the success of the state’s previous rent-to-own housing scheme, which enabled participants to pay just five per cent upfront and spread the balance over 10 years.
To ensure the success of the flexible rent structure, the government is actively engaging landlords, property developers, and other key stakeholders. These discussions are focused on addressing possible concerns such as payment tracking, contract enforcement, and dispute resolution.
“We’re not just making an announcement—we are working closely with the market to ensure this becomes reality,” Akinderu-Fatai affirmed.
A pilot phase of the new rent model is expected to launch soon in select areas of the state, with full rollout to follow based on feedback and adjustments.
The move has been widely praised as a progressive step toward addressing housing affordability in Lagos, one of Africa’s fastest-growing urban centres.
