African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour says Lagos’s high internally generated revenue (IGR) does not translate into improved living conditions for most residents. Speaking during a Lagos governorship debate organised by media organisations including TheCable, he argues that successive administrations over about 20 years have pursued policies that favour wealthier areas and residents while neglecting vulnerable communities, especially on housing.
Rhodes-Vivour points to the focus of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) on “highbrow” areas and cites the demolition of homes in Makoko, which he says followed political promises to residents. He also argues that private-sector housing replacing such communities is unaffordable for many, despite the state’s ability to generate revenue. He says he would prioritise policies aimed at improving conditions for low-income residents and proposes delivering more than 100,000 housing units allocated transparently, with measures intended to prevent individuals from owning multiple units.
