by Nurat Uthman
The Lagos State Goverment has commenced process for the launch of a new digital platform for seamless monthly rent payments for tenants in the state
This is coming after the state commissioner for housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, lamented the struggles with affordable housing in Lagos amid rapid population growth and limited land space.
Akinderu-Fatai also warned homeowners against unreasonable rent increases, saying the government would take action against those who committed the act.
“There have been a lot of complaints about high rents lately, so the state is stepping in to ensure things are fair,” the commissioner said.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafeez Toriola, confirmed the development when contacted.
He explained that the project, which is ongoing when finally launched, will be a joint project with agencies like the Ministry of Housing and technical partners.
This has become necessary following a series of complaints by residents over skyrocketing rent, with prices soaring over 100 per cent in the past four years.
The platform is expected to rake in about ₦2.5 billion a year from around 100,000 users.
According to Toriola, “We are currently working on the process. Very soon, it will be launched.
“The idea behind the initiative is to tackle those issues by offering a clear and efficient way to handle rent, which could help ease the financial strain on residents.
On top of the new platform, the government’s also cracking down on landlords who are charging outrageous rents.
“Overall, this new initiative is part of Lagos’s effort to tackle the rent crisis and make it easier for residents to manage their payments.
“With the rising cost of living, this platform could offer some much-needed relief and transparency for residents.”
However, it was gathered that the state government has committed millions of naira into the project over the next four to six months for development, operations, and promotion.
