The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdul-Hafis Toriola, has reaffirmed that the Lagos State Tenancy Law was enacted to protect the interests of both landlords and tenants by promoting fairness and balance in the state’s housing sector.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s programme, Dissecting the Lagos Rent Market, Toriola dismissed the widespread perception that the law favours tenants over property owners, stressing that its primary objective is to foster peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationships among all stakeholders.
He acknowledged the growing pressure on the housing market, noting that the high demand for accommodation in Lagos continues to outstrip available supply, contributing to rising rental costs across the state.
According to him, the Lagos State Government has intensified public awareness campaigns to ensure residents understand the appropriate channels for reporting unfair treatment during housing transactions.
Toriola disclosed that the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) has received 505 housing-related petitions in 2026, with 319 cases successfully resolved.
He added that the agency has facilitated the recovery of more than ₦380 million from landlords and property developers on behalf of aggrieved tenants, demonstrating the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of all parties involved.
Clarifying the provisions of the tenancy law, the Permanent Secretary explained that the legislation does not fix rental prices. Instead, landlords are expected to determine rents based on prevailing market rates within their respective locations.
He also identified the continuous influx of people into Lagos without prior accommodation arrangements as one of the factors increasing pressure on the state’s housing supply.
To address the challenge, Toriola said the Lagos State Government is implementing measures to increase housing stock and reduce the gap between housing demand and supply.
He further revealed that the Lagos State Tenancy Law is currently undergoing a review aimed at strengthening its provisions and reducing delays in resolving tenancy disputes.
Among the proposed amendments is a provision that would limit court adjournments in tenancy cases to two before judgment is delivered, ensuring faster dispute resolution.
Another proposed amendment would require tenants seeking legal action against landlords to provide evidence that they have fulfilled their contractual financial obligations.
Toriola also reiterated the importance of property agents registering with LASRERA, urging residents to engage only licensed practitioners to enable government intervention whenever disputes arise.
He assured residents that the Lagos State Government remains committed to maintaining a balanced relationship between landlords and tenants while ensuring that all stakeholders comply with the provisions of the law.
He encouraged the public to continue relying on LASRERA as a trusted platform for mediation and dispute resolution within the real estate sector.
