Experts Propose Development of Low-Income Housing Fund
Housing experts have proposed the establisment of a low-income housing fund, financed through a tax on luxury properties, to address the issue of land accessibility for marginalized communities.
They also proposed a land titling system that enables low-income groups to obtain community titles for their land, thereby promoting stability and ownership within these communities.
Experts such as Housing justice advocates, civil society members, and urban planners convened for a webinar titled “Housing Culture and Socio-Spatial Justice in Urban Africa” to discuss solutions to the escalating urban crisis. The event was organized by the African Urbanism + Justice Initiative, Lincoln Architecture, the Heritage and Urbanism of the West African Centre, the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, and the University of Lagos.
According to World Bank Report, Lagos is a megacity with an estimated population of around 21 million, faces challenges as approximately 60% of its residents live in slums which are marked by inadequate living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and a lack of formal recognition.
Dej Akinpelu, co-founder of Rethinking Cities, explained that slums and informal settlements in Lagos are often marked by poor living conditions, limited access to essential resources and services, and a lack of formal recognition or support from institutional systems.
He continued, “this means that they may not have legal rights to the land they live on, which makes them vulnerable to eviction. It also makes it dificult for them to access governement services and benefits”
Dej Akinpelu emphasized that Lagos has a long history of evictions, particularly targeting informal settlements since the 1970s for urban renewal projects.These evictions often result in hardships, 
including the loss of property, livelihoods, and, in the worst cases, lives.
He further noted that the government justifies these evictions as necessary for development, but they often serve as a means to conceal the poor. Akinpelu cited the Third Mainland Bridge as a prime example, illustrating how settlements have been removed from view along major roads to improve the city’s image.
Bimbo Osobe, president of the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, echoed concerns about the severe consequences of unjust evictions.
She stated that when individuals are forcibly removed from their homes, it leads to significant health issues, including increased risks of rape, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and heightened vulnerability to various health problems.