Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State and All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, has stated that his administration plans to deploy 34,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses alongside expanding affordable housing options through a structured mortgage system.
Hamzat disclosed this during the Lagos State governorship debate organised by TVC in partnership with Channels Television, Punch, Vanguard and TheCable newspapers.
He said the state’s response to the economic challenges facing Nigerians must include investments in housing, agriculture and transportation.
The APC candidate said Lagos needed an integrated transportation system that connects rail, road and water routes to move commuters across the state more efficiently.
He said his administration would prioritise the completion and expansion of existing rail infrastructure, including the Red Line, while developing water transportation to complement road and rail services.
Hamzat also said the APC manifesto included plans to introduce 34,000 new CNG buses to improve mass transportation.
On housing, he said the Lagos State Government had delivered 18,000 housing units over the last eight years, while several estates remained under construction.
He listed Ibeju Housing Estate, with 2,700 units, as well as projects at Ajara in Badagry and other locations, saying the priority was to complete ongoing developments and make the houses affordable.
The deputy governor proposed a mortgage arrangement that would allow residents to pay for houses over an extended period rather than having to raise the full purchase price at once.
“Our plan is to make sure that we don’t buy houses the way we buy gas and rice. That is to make sure that we have mortgages, 10% down payment, 25-year payment, and so that people can pay overtime,” he said.
Hamzat said the arrangement would make homeownership more accessible to residents who could not afford to pay for houses outright.
What You Should Know
During a recent gubernatorial debate, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat outlined major plans to transform the state’s transportation and housing sectors if elected. His proposals target two of the most pressing urban challenges faced by residents: high transportation costs and the difficulty of acquiring property.
- Positive Impact: The introduction of 34,000 CNG buses aims to significantly lower mass transit fares and reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, the proposed mortgage scheme—featuring a 10% down payment and a 25-year payment timeline—offers a realistic path to homeownership for ordinary citizens instead of requiring full upfront cash payments.
- Potential Concerns: The success of these ambitious targets relies heavily on infrastructure readiness, consistent funding, and transparent implementation to ensure that the affordable housing units and transit solutions genuinely reach low- and middle-income residents without bureaucratic delays.
