Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has unveiled plans to make homeownership more affordable, strengthen public transportation and improve access to healthcare if elected governor in 2027.
Hamzat made the pledges during a governorship debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium in Lekki on Sunday, November 8, ahead of the February 6, 2027 election.
The debate featured three other governorship candidates: Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Funso Doherty of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Deji Doherty of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Describing the debate as a job interview, Hamzat said his previous experience as Commissioner for Science and Technology, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, and Deputy Governor had equipped him with the requisite knowledge and administrative experience to lead Lagos.
He acknowledged that housing, transportation and food affordability remained major concerns for residents, promising targeted interventions to address the challenges.
On housing, the APC candidate proposed a 25-year mortgage arrangement that would allow eligible residents to acquire homes with an initial deposit of 10 per cent and spread repayment of the outstanding balance over 25 years.
He said the initiative would build on the achievements of the outgoing administration, which he noted had delivered 24 housing estates comprising approximately 18,000 housing units in eight years.
Hamzat also promised strict enforcement of the Lagos State Tenancy Law, particularly its provision restricting landlords from demanding more than one year’s rent in advance.
He argued that tenants should not be compelled to pay two or three years’ rent upfront when most workers do not receive their salaries in advance for such periods.
On transportation, Hamzat pledged to quadruple the state’s public bus fleet from the existing 1,000 to 4,000, with the additional buses running on compressed natural gas (CNG).
He also promised to extend the Blue Line rail service to Okokomaiko and sustain the development of the Green Line towards the Lekki Free Trade Zone as part of efforts to expand Lagos’ integrated transportation network.
In the health sector, the APC candidate said he would increase the number of flagship primary healthcare centres from 87 to 150, with the facilities operating round the clock to improve access to medical services across the state.
He further outlined plans to strengthen security through support for state policing, improve waste management and intensify efforts to tackle flooding.
Hamzat said the proposals would form part of his administration’s 100-point development agenda, known as The Lagos Promise (Ileri Eko), which covers transportation, housing, healthcare, education, security, employment and public accountability.
The debate provided the candidates with an opportunity to present their policy proposals and address critical issues affecting Lagos residents, including infrastructure, economic development, social services and governance.