How Mainland Landlords Are Chasing Tenants to Their ‘Villages’: A Look at Lagos’ Rising Rental Crisis

By: Nelly Iwuoha

The Lagos Mainland, once a prime area for middle-class living, is now facing a housing crisis that is pushing tenants out of urban areas and back to their “villages”—a colloquial term for rural communities. This phenomenon is not just a story about rent increases; it’s about the very survival of the Lagos workforce. As rents skyrocket, living conditions deteriorate, and evictions become rampant, more tenants are forced to leave Lagos and settle far from their workplaces. For many, this results in longer commutes, poorer living conditions, and greater financial strain.

The Rising Cost of Rent:

One of the most pressing issues is the steep rise in rent prices across the Lagos Mainland. What used to be affordable housing for middle- and low-income earners has now become a financial burden. According to recent data, the cost of renting an apartment has increased by over 50% in the past five years, outpacing wage growth.

Pain Point for Tenants: Tenants who work in Lagos but can no longer afford to live there face a tough decision. Moving to more affordable housing in rural areas means adding hours to their daily commute and increasing transport costs, which further stretches already tight budgets.

Evictions and Poor Living Conditions:

Evictions have become a growing trend, as landlords are more inclined to raise rents or find new tenants willing to pay higher prices. In some cases, tenants are given very little notice before they are asked to vacate, leaving them scrambling for alternatives. Those who remain often endure poor living conditions, including overcrowded apartments, inadequate water supply, and irregular electricity, all while paying exorbitant rent.

Pain Point: Evictions and substandard housing are not just an inconvenience; they are a threat to quality of life. For many tenants, the frustration lies in paying more while receiving less in terms of basic living standards. This is pushing many to reconsider urban living altogether, with some choosing to return to their rural homes.

Impact on the Workforce:

For the Lagos workforce, the rental crisis is more than just a housing issue; it’s an economic problem. The high cost of housing means many workers have less disposable income for other necessities like transportation, healthcare, and education. This financial pressure is compounded by the long commutes from rural areas, leading to fatigue, reduced productivity, and lower overall job satisfaction.

Pain Point: Living far from the city also takes a mental toll. Daily commutes that last hours, stressful traffic conditions, and the fear of job insecurity due to lateness or absenteeism all contribute to a diminishing work-life balance. The ripple effect of these issues is felt not just by the individual, but by Lagos’ economy as a whole.

Government and Policy Gaps:

Part of the problem lies in the lack of affordable housing policies and urban development strategies that meet the needs of Lagos’ growing population. While luxury apartments and gated estates continue to spring up, there’s been little investment in housing that caters to low- and middle-income earners.

Call for Action: Without immediate intervention, the situation will continue to worsen. It’s time for government bodies and policymakers to address this imbalance by developing more inclusive housing schemes, rent control measures, and tenant protection laws.

Conclusion:

The rising rental crisis on the Lagos Mainland is forcing many tenants to make difficult choices about where and how they live. With rent hikes, poor living conditions, and frequent evictions driving people out of urban areas, the very fabric of Lagos’ workforce is under threat. Solutions need to be implemented at both the governmental and societal levels to prevent more tenants from being “chased to their villages” and to ensure that Lagos remains a livable city for all its residents.