Governance, Sustainable Development Goals and the LagosHomeownership Mortgage Scheme

Abstract

Housing adequacy is critical to basic human survival, but its deficit remains a major challenge in many 
cities in Africa. The current global development framework 
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 
refocused on the importance of adequate housing to urban sustainability. The SDGs advocate for 
effective governance framework to develop inclusive solutions to adequate housing. Within the contexts 
of SDGs 11 and 16, this study explores the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS) 
initiative through the lens of governance. Designed to intervene in vital aspects of the local housing 
market, the Lagos HOMS initiative targets Lagos residents' first-time homebuyers. Relying on mixed 
methods data sources, this study benefits from a Partnership for African Social and Governance Research 
(PASGR) funded research on the role of urban governance in transforming African cities, with Lagos as a 
case study. We analysed housing governance in Lagos focusing on the concepts of capacity, inclusiveness, 
accountability and contestation of the Lagos HOMS initiative within the context of sustainable 
development. Evidence suggests that the initiative ensured transparency and accountability but there was 
contestation around affordability. The study concludes that these observed policy inconsistencies led to 
the adoption of “rent-to-own” scheme considered to be 'affordable' and politically relevant but 
significantly eroded progress made by a hitherto transparent but generally criticised 'unaffordable' 
mortgage option. With these, we offer some policy recommendations towards achieving inclusive and 
sustainable housing outcomes in Lagos.