Tag: Lagos

  • Nigerians displaced as rents double in inflation-hit Lagos

    Nigerians displaced as rents double in inflation-hit Lagos

    Nigeria’s economic crisis is hitting renters in Lagos hard as landlords pass down the costs of spiralling inflation — pushing residents further out, upending children’s education and adding to workers’ already infamous commutes.

    With a population of more than 20 million, the country’s sprawling, ever-growing economic capital has for years struggled to keep up with housing demand, with some 3,000 people added to its population per day.

    But government-led economic reforms, including the floating of the naira currency and the removal of a fuel subsidy, have sent a shock through the economy.

    In a city that scions of oil wealth, a solid middle class and millions of informal workers all call home, rents are spiking on both Lagos’ richer islands and the cheaper — and poorer — mainland.

    “I might just have to find a way to plead with my landlord,” said Yemisi Odusanya, a 40-year-old cookbook author and food blogger.

    After giving birth to twins last year, she’s doubtful she can find a better deal elsewhere for her family of seven, even after her landlord in Lekki raised the rent 120 percent.

    “I’m planning to pack out,” Bartholomew Idowu, a transportation worker, said emphatically, though he wasn’t sure where he and his children would move.

    The mainland resident’s landlord hit him with a 28-percent rent increase, from 350,000 naira ($232) per year to 450,000 — a significant sum in a country where the GDP per capita is $835.

    – Children changing schools –

    The government recently revised its inflation data, knocking down official year-on-year inflation in January to 24.48 percent, from December’s 34.80 percent figure.

    That’s been of little consolation to ordinary Nigerians.

    “The way out at the moment is to look for a way to pay,” said Dennis Erezi, a journalist, noting that his 31-percent rent increase is still cheaper than moving.

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    Jimoh Saheed, a personal trainer, had to leave his one-room flat in a middle-class neighbourhood in Ikoyi when his landlord more than doubled his rent to 2.5 million naira a year and a half ago.

    Moving to the mainland meant he was further from his clients and his two children had to change schools and now pay for transport since they no longer live close enough to walk to class.

    Late last year, his new landlord raised his rent by 25 percent.

    “This is affecting me emotionally, it’s affecting me mentally, and in fact, physically,” said the 39-year-old, who said his earnings have not kept up with the pace of inflation despite taking on more work.

    Lawyers say that rent hikes cannot be unilaterally imposed and are supposed to be negotiated between parties.

    But laws are rarely enforced without the threat of a lawsuit, attorney Valerian Nwadike told AFP, noting an uptick in tenant-landlord disputes in the past year.

    – Luxury market –

    The government hopes its economic reforms will eventually pay dividends, but for nearly two years Nigerians have slogged through the worst economic crisis in a generation.

    There are also structural issues at play: high interest rates mean mortgages are out of reach for most, and developers face a bureaucratic regulatory environment, said housing analyst Babatunde Akinpelu.

    Lagos is also home to an outsize number of Nigeria’s jobs — leading to an unending stream of people pouring in.

    Even as cranes and construction sites whir across the city, many new developments are targeted to the high-end market — foreigners, Nigerians in the diaspora or oil sector workers, many of whom earn in dollars.

    The result is a bifurcated housing market, where increased supply in the luxury sector doesn’t trickle down to the rest of the housing stock, said economist Steve Onyeiwu.

    “Most of (Lagos’s) landlords are exposed to dollar-denominated expenses,” like loans or mortgages for properties abroad, even as the naira’s value has collapsed, said a director at Island Shoreline, a property management company, adding his own landlord recently tried to raise his rent 100 percent.

    Improved public transit, such as the new rail line connecting Lagos and Ibadan, might alleviate pressure but for now there’s a “snowball effect” of rising prices, he noted, asking that his name not be used given the sensitivity of rent hikes.

    With leases typically paid up front for anywhere between one and three years, both landlords and renters try to negotiate a good deal to hedge against inflation.

    But the current spike in rents is “alarming,” said real-estate agent Ismail Oriyomi Akinola, noting 200 percent jumps on the wealthy Victoria Island.

    “Good shelter is very key to every individual,” he said. “Not only for the rich.”

  • How 16-yr-old student ran mad after alleged sexual molestation by popular Lagos hotelier

    How 16-yr-old student ran mad after alleged sexual molestation by popular Lagos hotelier

    A 16-yr-old secondary school student in Lagos has allegedly ran mad after confessing that he was sexually molested by a popular Lagos hotelier at Bucknor, Isheri Oshun area of the state.

    The incident, which rattled his parents reportedly started before last Christmas when the student confided in his mother that he had a confession to make before the New Year.

    The mother obliged her son of confidentiality only to raise alarm after the boy told her that the owner of a popular hotel in the area lured him and four of his fellow students to his hotel and sodomised them and warned them that if they disclose it to anybody, they would die.

    The shocked mother of the estranged teenager said few minutes after her son opened up to her, he started misbehaving by talking to himself like a mad person.

    According to father of the boy, a spare parts dealer at Ladipo auto spare parts market in Lagos, Edozie Christian, 44, “My son started behaving like a mad person after the confession.

    “We rushed him to a prayer house and after some days when he became a bit sober, we took him to Isheri Osun police station where he made statement and narrated his ugly encounter with the hotelier.

    “Shockingly, after he disclosed the names of his fellow students that took him to meet the Chief Executive Officer of the hotel, he relapsed and started behaving like a mad person. The police went to invite the students he mentioned but succeeded in getting only one of them who boldly came with a laptop and gave detailed accounts of how the hotelier sodomised them.

    “He told detectives that they went to the hotel to partake in a Tik Tok programme only for the owner of the hotel, usually addressed as CEO, to lure them inside one of the rooms and promised to pay them N5,000 after sodomising them.

    “The student said from all indications, he has been doing it to many other students who he usually pay and after using them, he will clean himself with white handkerchief and threaten them never to discuss the encounter with anybody and if they do, they will die.

    “After they made statements to the police at Isheri Osun station, the condition of my son worsened and I had to take him to Mirabel Centre at the General hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, where he was examined by doctors.

    “The doctors later told us that there were signs of sodomisation but it did not affect his brain. They advised that we take him to Psychiatric hospital for further examination, stating that he may be suffering from trauma of the abuse.

    “When we got to the Psychiatric hospital, they also examined him and advised that we should take him to another hospital meant for teenagers which we did. After that, they gave us tablets and advised that we keep close checks on him, assuring that he will be okay after some time.

    “However, we have been giving him the medications but he is getting worse daily. On the part of the police, initially, they told us that all the efforts they made to invite the owner of the hotel failed but he later sent his lawyer to talk with them.

    “Another shock that befell us was that few days later, the police invited me that the owner of the hotel had transferred the case to Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, without even reporting to their station. At this stage, they continued pressurizing me to report to their station, that they will take me to Zone 2 and all efforts I made to know the unit handling the case at the zone were rebuffed by the police.

    “I then decided to personally report myself to the AIG at Zone 2, who swiftly directed his men to arrest the owner of the hotel for explanations. Unfortunately, a team of crack and armed policemen that stormed the hotel later could not arrest him but succeeded in arresting some of his staff.”

    According to police sources, the suspected owner of the hotel was arrested and interrogated by detectives. Meanwhile, the suspect is still in detention pending when detectives will conclude investigations.

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade confirmed the incident, stating that investigation was still ongoing.

  • CSOs, concerned Lagosians oppose move to scrap LCDAs

    CSOs, concerned Lagosians oppose move to scrap LCDAs

    The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), alongside a group of concerned Lagosians, has denounced a proposed bill by the Lagos State House of Assembly to replace the state’s 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) with Area Administrative Councils. Led by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, the bill proposes that the LCDAs, established in 2003 by then-Governor Bola Tinubu, be absorbed by Local Government Areas, a shift critics argue would stifle local governance and hinder grassroots development.

    Speaking at a press conference, Comrade Sina Loremikan, representing the Lagos State Civil Society Coalition, condemned the move, calling it a “disruption” to the established governance structure that has served communities across Lagos for two decades. He noted that the LCDAs were created to decentralise power and bring governance closer to the people, thereby boosting representation and ensuring tailored services to underserved areas.

    “LCDAs have enabled Lagos communities to access services and infrastructure suited to local needs, which often go overlooked by broader local government councils,” Loremikan said. He emphasised that the Supreme Court affirmed the LCDAs’ legitimacy in 2004, making their proposed abolition both a legal and political misstep. “This bill appears to prioritise centralisation over the welfare of Lagosians, who have benefited immensely from these councils.”

    The bill, if passed, would reportedly eliminate the structures that have driven local projects, provided employment, and bolstered Lagos’s economic development at a grassroots level. Loremikan warned that this step would reverse gains made in community-focused governance, diminish citizen participation, and strain essential services in underserved areas.

    CSOs and concerned citizens argue that dismantling the LCDAs undermines former Governor Bola Tinubu’s legacy, which focused on decentralised governance to address Lagos’s rapid growth. “The creation of LCDAs was a critical response to Lagos’s expanding needs, fostering economic and social development across every community,” said Loremikan. “This is a dangerous precedent, undermining local representation and the community empowerment that has characterised Tinubu’s legacy.”

    In a call to action, the coalition urged the Assembly to withdraw the bill, appealing to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to stand by his predecessors’ legacies. They argued that the abolition would disrupt the socio-economic balance in Lagos, particularly for remote communities reliant on LCDAs for health services, education, and infrastructure.

    “We call on Governor Sanwo-Olu to reject this bill and reaffirm his commitment to decentralised governance,” Loremikan urged. He also appealed to Lagosians, traditional leaders, and civil society groups to rally in defence of LCDAs, which he called “the lifeblood of our communities.”

    Emphasising the coalition’s stance, Loremikan vowed continued resistance to what they see as an erosion of Lagos’s democratic principles, stating, “The fight for our LCDAs is a fight for the future of Lagos.”

  • Fire outbreak at Cement bus stop in Ikeja

    Fire outbreak at Cement bus stop in Ikeja

    A fire outbreak occurred at the Cement bus stop in the Ikeja area of Lagos State on Saturday morning.

    The fire reportedly started at about 04:35 am at a Cement bus stop, opposite AP filling station, Ikeja.

    According to an eyewitness, the fire was due to a high-tension upsurge.

    Our correspondent gathered that firefighters had put out the fire as of the time of filing this report.

    No causality was recorded in the incident.

  • Why Bobrisky was re-arrested in Lagos – EFCC

    Why Bobrisky was re-arrested in Lagos – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has given reasons for re-arresting controversial crossdresser Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye known as Bobrisky.

    Speaking in a telephone conversation on Friday morning, the EFCC spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, said the self-styled ‘Mummy of Lagos’ was arrested because he refused to honour several invitations sent to him.

    Oyewale noted that the crossdresser was arrested in connection with the allegation of bribery against him.

    “We arrested him last night and we took him to Abuja because our team investigators are in Abuja,” the EFCC spokesman said.

    He continued: “He was trying to run away from mentioning those he said collected bribes from him. We sent him an invitation, but he refused to honour our invitation, and he was trying to leave the country.

    “This was why we arrested him. We want him to come and mention the names of the officials involved in the bribery, but he has not shown up.”

    The Guardian gathered Friday afternoon that Bobrisky has been flown to Abuja to answer questions relating to allegations of bribery and corruption.

    Bobrisky was stopped and removed from an Amsterdam-bound KLM flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and detained by immigration officers late Thursday night while attempting to leave the country for London, the United Kingdom.

    The popular crossdresser posted on his Instagram page to alert followers about the arrest, stating that he had sustained injuries during an altercation with the immigration officers.

    Bobrisky alleged that the EFCC was responsible for his detention.

    He wrote, “Nigerians help me, EFCC just arrested me. I’m badly injured.”

    Bobrisky had, in a voice note shared by a controversial social critic, Martins Otse (aka VeryDarkMan) allegedly said he bribed EFCC officers with N15 million to drop money laundering charges against him.

    Although the EFCC denied the allegations, it set up a committee to investigate the matter.

    At a press briefing on Thursday, the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwajaren, had hinted that Bobrisky could face a fresh charge from the commission if the allegations against the EFCC were false.

    Uwujaren stated that one could be charged for giving false information to the EFCC, let alone making false allegations against the commission.

  • Lagos trade fair testament to power of partnerships – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos trade fair testament to power of partnerships – Sanwo-Olu

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said that the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) is a testament to the power of partnerships in advancing economic prospects of large corporations and small businesses.

    The governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said this at the opening of the 38th LITF by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Friday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the yearly event with the theme: “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value” is a 10-day event.

    It is taking place at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    According to Sanwo-Olu, in today’s world where connectivity is the backbone of growth, the fair is an opportunity for collaborations that will fuel innovations.

    He added that such innovations would have value for businesses.

    He said that Lagos, as the economic nerve centre of Nigeria and West Africa, was committed to playing a unique role in fostering connections among businesses of all sizes.

    According to him, all businesses whether homegrown startups, established multinationals or local artisans working to scale their enterprises, are welcome to the state.

    “Our mission is to position Lagos as a regional hub and a thriving global marketplace – one that harnesses the energy, resilience and ingenuity of its people to drive forward economic prosperity and sustainable development.

    “Our vision is to elevate Lagos as a global economic hub, where businesses from every corner of the world feel welcome and empowered as we believe that an interconnected Lagos is a prosperous Lagos.

    “This goal is why we are committed to enhancing our infrastructure, improving our business environment and ensuring that Lagos remains a safe, welcoming and efficient place to do business,” he said.

    The governor noted that the state in recent years embarked on projects aimed at improving infrastructure, transport systems and digital connectivity.

    Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos had made significant strides through digital transformation, simplification of regulatory processes, and various incentives for entrepreneurs in improving ease of doing business.

    He said that Lagos was also determined to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and tech-driven growth by supporting incubators, accelerators and tech hubs to equip the state’s youths.

    “As we work toward building a sustainable future, Lagos is even more committed to promoting green business practices and renewable energy.

    “Lagos is open for businesses, and we invite our partners from across the world to seize the tremendous opportunities available in Nigeria’s largest market,” he said.

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said that the trade fair showed the nation’s vibrant economic landscape and its unwavering commitment to fostering global trade partnerships.

    Oduwole, represented by Mrs Lucia Shittu, Chief Executive Officer, TBS Management Board, said that the fair was a reminder of immense potential in connecting businesses from around the world.

    She said that LITF offered a unique platform for entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to network, collaborate and explore new avenues for growth.

    The minister said that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was dedicated to creating an enabling environment which would support businesses and drive economic development.

    She said that the administration had achieved significant milestones in promoting trade and investment, including trade policy reforms and investment promotion.

    “We understand the challenges that our nation has faced in recent times, and we are working tirelessly to implement policies that promote investment, enhance competitiveness and create jobs.

    “By connecting businesses, we are building bridges that foster understanding and cooperation.

    “By creating value, we are contributing to the overall prosperity of our nation and the well-being of our citizens,” she said.

    The President of LCCI, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, said that the trade fair was a means to foster economic cooperation, strengthen industry networks and enhance business connectivity within Nigeria and beyond.

    Idahosa said that governments’ participation in the fair demonstrated commitment to empowering the private sector to produce for local consumption and export.

    He added that the fair had become a veritable platform where state governments and federal parastatals showcased investment opportunities in states and programmes of impact.

    “This year’s fair holds special significance as Nigeria navigates an era of economic adjustment marked by challenges and opportunities.

    “We urge Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity to network with international exhibitors, initiate distributorship deals, and foster trade agreements that will enhance their business value chains and diversify their product offerings.

    “I see this year’s trade fair igniting new ideas, creating lasting partnerships, and being a testament to the power of unity in pursuing economic transformation,” he said

  • Lagos Speaker presents official vehicles to senior legislative workers

    Lagos Speaker presents official vehicles to senior legislative workers

    The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has presented official vehicles to legislative staff in the directorate cadre.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Eromosele Ebhomele, in Lagos on Friday.

    According to the statement, the presentation of the cars to the staff was the second in a row ,coming a few weeks after some senior legislative workers were given official cars.

    Obasa said the presentation was part of efforts of the House leadership to bolster productivity and service delivery to the legislative arm and the state.

    The Speaker said the beneficiaries include directors and deputy directors across the various departments and units that make up the Assembly.

    He said the occasion marked an important landmark in the determination to ensure effectiveness, encourage productivity and hardwork and ensure a conducive work environment for legislative staff.

    The Speaker noted that the House of Assembly had become a yardstick for measuring legislative prowess and excellence ,ensured by the result-oriented focus of the staff and management.

    “As a result of this, it is just necessary to boost this efficiency and keep the Assembly up there as the perfect example of legislative effectiveness that it has become in our democratic Nigeria.

    “We cannot falter or step down from the successes we have achieved so far. The Lagos Assembly has created that pathway in this democracy for the smooth running of the society.

    “We want to continue to have a House of Assembly that does not only have a conducive environment, but with staff who are always eager to meet the needs of the people of Lagos through inputs in pro-people legislation for which the House is poised.

    “It is pleasing to say that the vehicles would help the beneficiaries meet official needs and tasks and enhance our collective goals of making Lagos better each day,” he said .

    Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Clerk of the House, Mr Olalekan Onafeko, commended the positive outlook and welfare-oriented posture of the leadership of the assembly, headed by Obasa.

    Onafeko, who doubles as Head of Service of the Assembly, said the vehicles would enhance productivity and encourage passion and commitment among staff.

  • Emirates Resumes Operations in Nigeria, Lands in Lagos After Two-Year Suspension

    Emirates Resumes Operations in Nigeria, Lands in Lagos After Two-Year Suspension

    Emirates Airlines has officially resumed flight operations in Nigeria after a two-year suspension, with the airline’s flight EK 783landing at Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Tuesday at 3:32 pm, Okay.ng reports.

    The flight’s arrival at the old terminal of the MMIA marks the Middle East airline’s return to Nigeria, following a suspension of services in November 2022 due to the airline’s inability to repatriate $85 million in revenue trapped in the country.

    This was the second time Emirates halted operations in Nigeria, with the first suspension occurring in August 2022.

    Prior to the flight, Moha Madugu, a Senior First Officer at Emirates, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his excitement at operating the airline’s inaugural return flight to Nigeria.

    “A very special day for me today, I have the honour of operating our inaugural return flight to Lagos, Nigeria. Today I will be flying both the Emirates and Nigerian flag very high. Thank you, Emirates. A flight time of slightly over eight hours today. #EkoOniBaje,” Madugu posted.