By Amebo Newspaper NG
As Lagos continues to grapple with rapid population growth, rising housing demand and environmental concerns, attention is increasingly turning to neighbouring Ogun State as a viable and sustainable solution to the state's expanding housing needs.
This position was strongly canvassed by the Principal Partner of DeeBuildRight Projects, Mawutin Imoleayo Abraham Deji, who argued that the future of housing development in the Lagos metropolitan region lies not in reclaiming more land from the Lagos Lagoon, but in expanding development into well-planned satellite communities in Ogun State.
His position follows recent comments by former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, who suggested that dredging portions of the Lagos Lagoon to create additional land for development could be considered as one of the options for addressing the state's growing housing deficit.
While acknowledging the former governor's wealth of experience and contributions to urban development, Mawutin maintained that such an approach requires extreme caution because of the ecological and engineering implications.
According to him, the Lagos Lagoon is far more than an undeveloped water body.
"It is the city's natural drainage artery through which stormwater, rainfall and drainage channels discharge into the Atlantic Ocean. Any large-scale encroachment without comprehensive environmental planning could worsen flooding and create long-term ecological challenges," he said.
He stressed that sustainable urban planning should work with nature rather than against it, noting that no engineering design can permanently overcome the consequences of obstructing natural waterways.
Instead, he advocated regional collaboration between Lagos and Ogun States, describing Ogun as the natural extension of Lagos' economic and residential expansion.
Ogun's Infrastructure-Driven Housing Strategy
Mawutin praised the administration of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for deliberately positioning Ogun State as a preferred destination for residential development through strategic investments in housing and infrastructure.
He noted that the government's housing policy focuses on developing well-planned communities supported by road networks, water supply and other essential infrastructure before occupation.
According to him, affordable housing schemes in areas such as Arepo, Mowe, Ibafo, Kobape and Kemta are gradually transforming Ogun into an attractive alternative for workers and families seeking quality housing within commuting distance of Lagos.
He also commended the Ogun State Ministry of Housing under Commissioner Jagun Akande Omoniyi, popularly known as "The Accountant-Bricklayer," for driving policies that combine prudent financial management with practical construction expertise.
Mawutin explained that the state's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model has continued to attract credible investors while ensuring quality housing delivery and reducing investment risks.
He added that the administration's housing initiatives are designed to accommodate people across different income groups, making home ownership accessible to civil servants, artisans, traders and professionals alike.
Housing as a Tool for Economic Empowerment
Beyond providing shelter, Mawutin described the Ogun housing agenda as an economic empowerment programme that creates employment opportunities for thousands of skilled workers.
He observed that state-backed housing projects have significantly increased opportunities for masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, welders, painters and other construction professionals through training, certification and direct engagement on housing projects.
According to him, prompt remuneration and continuous skills development have restored dignity to skilled labour while improving household incomes across communities.
"Housing policy should not only provide roofs over people's heads; it should also create jobs, reduce poverty and strengthen local economies. Every completed house represents livelihoods for dozens of families," he stated.
DeeBuildRight Projects Aligns with State Vision
Mawutin disclosed that DeeBuildRight Projects has aligned its operations with the Ogun State Government's development agenda by promoting environmentally responsible construction, quality building standards and community-focused projects.
He said the firm's philosophy extends beyond constructing buildings to creating sustainable communities with proper drainage systems, durable infrastructure and opportunities for local artisans.
He urged investors looking for long-term returns to take advantage of Ogun State's growing property market rather than pursuing environmentally sensitive developments within Lagos.
A Regional Solution
The construction expert concluded that solving Lagos' housing challenge requires cooperation across state boundaries rather than overburdening the city's fragile ecosystem.
He maintained that the combination of strategic planning, infrastructure development, public-private partnerships and human capital investment being implemented in Ogun State provides a practical model for sustainable urban expansion.
According to him, "The future of Lagos housing cannot be solved within Lagos alone. It will be achieved through regional collaboration, environmental responsibility and deliberate planning."
He added that by expanding development outward instead of into sensitive water bodies, governments can simultaneously protect the environment, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for millions of residents.
As pressure on Lagos continues to mount, experts believe the conversation around sustainable regional development may become increasingly central to addressing Nigeria's urban housing deficit.
