By Adenike Lawal
In what could be a game-changing shift for tenants across Lagos, the state government is gearing up to introduce monthly and quarterly rent payment options — a sharp break from the long-standing annual rent system that has burdened many households.
Unveiling the plan at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing on Tuesday, Housing Commissioner Moruf Akinderu-Fatai said the new structure aims to provide much-needed financial relief to low and middle-income earners.
“This isn’t theory; it’s a practical step towards financial relief for thousands,” he said, citing the success of the state’s rent-to-own scheme, which allows tenants to pay a five percent deposit and spread payments over ten years.
The proposed flexible payment model, according to Akinderu-Fatai, is born from a simple reality — annual rent demands often force families into debt, anxiety, or even eviction.
“Yearly rent payments are simply unrealistic for many. By introducing flexible monthly or quarterly plans, we believe people will have more breathing space and less financial anxiety,” the commissioner noted.
The government is already holding talks with landlords, property developers, and stakeholders to navigate the challenges ahead.
Key concerns include how to ensure rent compliance, track payments, and gain full landlord cooperation.
“There are real concerns on both sides, and we’re not ignoring that,” Akinderu-Fatai said. “But the conversations have started, and there’s a shared understanding of what’s at stake.”
A pilot rollout in select communities is on the horizon, though details remain under wraps. Still, the commissioner insists the wheels are in motion.
“This is about more than rent. It’s about dignity, stability, and peace of mind,” he concluded.
If implemented successfully, Lagos could set a new standard for urban housing across Nigeria, redefining how residents access and sustain shelter in one of Africa’s busiest cities.
