Today’s Headlines: Lagos to enforce one-year rent rule — Hamzat; Nigeria needs complete reset, not reforms — Makinde

Lagos to enforce one-year rent rule — Hamzat

Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, has announced plans to enforce the one-year rent payment provision in the state’s real estate law. Speaking during a governorship debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium in Lagos on Sunday, Hamzat said the government would ensure landlords stopped demanding two or three years’ rent in advance from tenants. He explained that the provision was contained in the Lagos State Real Estate Registration Agency law passed in 2025, adding that enforcement would be the government’s next priority.

Hamzat also said real estate agents would be required to register with the state and appear on an official database. He encouraged residents to use the agency’s online platform to report complaints and help monitor activities in the property sector. On affordable housing, he promised to complete ongoing projects, reduce delays in processing property documents and encourage private developers to invest in less affluent communities. He added that the government intended to ensure housing development catered to both wealthy and low-income residents.

Nigeria needs complete reset, not reforms — Makinde

Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement, Seyi Makinde, has said Nigeria requires a complete reset rather than conventional reforms to address its challenges. Speaking on a live political programme on Jay FM Radio in Jos, Plateau State, on Sunday, Makinde argued that the country’s existing system required fundamental changes rather than adjustments. He identified the economy as his foremost priority, insisting that economic performance should be measured by the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians rather than figures such as foreign reserves and inflation statistics. He also called for greater investment in education, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and production to create employment opportunities.

On security, Makinde renewed his support for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralising the country’s security structure would allow governors to respond more effectively to challenges within their states. He acknowledged concerns that state police could be abused by governors but maintained that appropriate safeguards could prevent such occurrences. He cited the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, as an example of regional security collaboration. The governor also stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young Nigerians, warning that unemployment and limited economic prospects could worsen insecurity and other social challenges.

Nigeria faces 2.2 million-tonne annual fish deficit — FG

The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria faces an annual fish supply deficit exceeding 2.2 million tonnes, as domestic production remains significantly below national demand. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, revealed that the country requires approximately 3.6 million tonnes of fish annually but currently produces only 1.4 million tonnes. The shortfall is largely covered through imports, which cost the country nearly $1bn annually in foreign exchange. He made the disclosure while announcing a $200m World Bank-backed initiative aimed at expanding fisheries and aquaculture production across the country.

Oyetola said the funding would support state governments through concessional loans to strengthen production capacity, attract private investment and improve food security. He explained that participating states would identify priority fisheries value chains, assess investment opportunities and develop projects with measurable production targets. The minister also disclosed that domestic fish production had increased from 1.1 million to 1.4 million tonnes, representing approximately 27.3 per cent growth. He called for stronger cooperation among federal and state governments, investors and development partners to reduce imports, create jobs and improve household incomes.

Lagos’ high IGR not benefiting residents — Rhodes-Vivour

The Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has criticised successive administrations in the state, accusing them of implementing policies that favour wealthy residents while neglecting ordinary Lagosians. He made the remarks on Sunday during a governorship debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium in Lagos. Rhodes-Vivour particularly questioned the impact of the state’s rising internally generated revenue, arguing that the figures being celebrated by the government had not translated into improved living conditions for ordinary residents. He also cited developments in communities such as Makoko, where urban renewal projects have raised concerns about displacement and residents’ rights.

Rhodes-Vivour said his manifesto would prioritise residents’ welfare through improved waste management, reduced traffic congestion, better healthcare and increased access to affordable housing. He argued that government policies should address the everyday challenges facing residents rather than concentrate on affluent neighbourhoods. The ADC candidate also pledged to deliver 100,000 housing units if elected, promising an administration focused on the needs of ordinary people. He maintained that his proposed policies would put residents’ interests first and address some of the state’s longstanding challenges.

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