From Housing to Transportation: Key Issues That Dominated the Lagos Governorship Debate

Lagos is a city of immense economic opportunities, but its rapid growth has also created challenges that continue to affect residents, from traffic congestion and rising house rents to recurring flooding and the increasing cost of living. These issues took centre stage during the November 8, 2026, Lagos Governorship Debate, where four candidates presented their ideas on addressing the state's development needs ahead of the 2027 election.

The debate, organised by the 2026 Debate Consortium in partnership with PUNCH, Channels Television, TVC, The Cable and Vanguard, featured Obafemi Hamzat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Funso Doherty of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Deji Doherty of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The discussion provided an opportunity to examine different approaches to managing Lagos's growing population, improving infrastructure and sustaining its position as Nigeria's commercial centre.

Transportation emerged as one of the biggest talking points, with candidates agreeing on the need for a more efficient system but differing on how to achieve it. Funso Doherty questioned the continued dependence on ageing commercial buses and argued that vested interests had slowed efforts to modernise public transportation. Rhodes-Vivour proposed expanding rail and water transportation, introducing cable car services and constructing additional bridges.

Meanwhile, Hamzat's contributions came against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by the state government to expand public transportation, including plans involving 4,000 CNG buses and 77 electric ferries. These initiatives highlight the importance of developing alternative transport options to reduce pressure on Lagos roads and improve commuters' experiences.

Flooding and environmental management also generated strong exchanges. Rhodes-Vivour criticised aspects of the state's urban planning, particularly development activities around Makoko, warning that coastal communities must be protected against future environmental risks.

Hamzat acknowledged climate change and excessive rainfall as serious threats to Lagos, pointing to the state's extensive drainage network and the importance of keeping drainage channels clear. Funso Doherty, however, argued that recurring flooding should not be attributed solely to climate change, insisting that proper planning and maintenance could prevent many of the problems residents experience during the rainy season.

Housing affordability was another major concern, particularly as rising rents continue to make securing decent accommodation increasingly difficult for many Lagos residents.

Hamzat referenced the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority law passed in 2025, explaining that effective enforcement would be important in addressing questionable rental practices.

Rhodes-Vivour proposed requiring landlords to give tenants at least six months' notice before increasing rent, while Funso Doherty argued that the state needed to increase housing supply to meet growing demand. Deji Doherty offered a different approach, suggesting that the government could rent houses directly and make them available to residents.

Beyond infrastructure, the candidates discussed the economic difficulties facing ordinary households despite Lagos's position as Nigeria's commercial hub. Rhodes-Vivour criticised what he described as policies that had disproportionately benefited wealthy residents, while Funso Doherty emphasised skills development and ensuring that children were not denied education because of their parents' financial circumstances. Hamzat acknowledged the economic pressure facing Nigerians and identified housing, agriculture and transportation as sectors where the state government could provide more direct support. His remarks also brought attention to the need for Lagos to connect its economic strength with better living conditions for its residents.

The debate demonstrated that addressing Lagos's challenges requires more than announcing new projects or introducing fresh policies. Existing infrastructure must be properly maintained, ongoing development initiatives must deliver measurable results, and new proposals must be supported by realistic funding and implementation plans.

While the opposition candidates raised questions about the state's handling of transportation, flooding and housing, the discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening existing government interventions to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding population.

As the 2027 governorship election approaches, Lagos residents have an opportunity to look beyond campaign promises and examine what each candidate is proposing for the state's future. From improving transportation networks and managing environmental risks to expanding housing opportunities and supporting households, the issues raised at the debate reflect the everyday concerns of millions of people.

Ultimately, the future of Lagos will depend on how effectively its next administration builds on existing progress, addresses persistent gaps and delivers development that reaches residents across different communities.