Lagos Deputy Governor Advises Young Workers to Live With Parents Amid Rent Crisis
Hamzat advised young workers struggling with Lagos rents to consider living with parents instead of pressuring themselves to rent expensive apartments immediately, suggesting they spend no more than 40% of income on housing. He gave the example of a 22-year-old earning N100,000 monthly facing N1 million annual rent for a self-contained apartment. The advice came during a Nigeria Info FM interview on August 20, 2026.
The suggestion sparked controversy as many young Lagos residents called it unrealistic and insensitive. Workers already living independently, like Daniel Okafor in Yaba who supports family members, said returning home isn't feasible when they're financially responsible for others. Chinedu Eze in Ikeja noted his parents live outside Lagos, making the advice impractical without sacrificing his job. Married workers like Michael Ogunleye in Egbeda highlighted additional pressures from family responsibilities. Yet some residents, including Tunde Balogun in Ikorodu and Aisha Mohammed, agreed the advice promotes financial prudence, arguing young people shouldn't equate independence with unaffordable rents.
The debate underscores Lagos' severe housing crisis: a N100,000 monthly earner paying N1 million annual rent spends 83% of gross income on housing alone, leaving little for food, transport, healthcare and other needs. While the government cites rising construction costs and points to initiatives like LagosHOMS and mortgage financing, workers question accessibility and whether available units match their incomes. Many face impossible choices between expensive rent near work or costly transportation from cheaper areas.
With rents continuing to outpace salary growth, will you reconsider your housing expectations, explore shared accommodation, or advocate for stronger government intervention in affordable housing?