Lagos State Govt. Set To Launch Monthly Rent Payment Scheme

The Lagos State Government says it is finalizing plans to introduce monthly and quarterly rent payment system aimed at easing financial burden on residents, especially low-income earners.

The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, disclosed at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate Gov.

He said the initiative was part of broader efforts to make housing accessible and affordable for residents.

He recalled that the state had earlier launched a rent-to-own housing scheme which allows tenants to make an initial five per cent down payment and spread the balance over a 10-year period.

“That initiative was well-received, and its success encouraged us to explore new ways to reduce the pressure of yearly rent payment,” he said.

According to him, many tenants, particularly those with modest incomes, find it difficult to pay rent annually.

Akinderu-Fatai added that “we believe that monthly or quarterly payment options will give people more breathing space and reduce the stress associated with sourcing lump sums.”

He noted that the government was currently engaging landlords, property developers and other key players in the real estate sector to understand the challenges and fine-tune the policy before rolling it out.

He said “of course, there are issues to resolve — things like landlord cooperation, payment tracking and enforcement. But discussions are ongoing and we are listening to all sides.”

The commissioner added that the government was fully committed to the plan, working diligently to implement a pilot phase in selected areas of the state.

“This is not just policy on paper. We are making real progress. We know what this means for many families, and we are determined to make it happen,” he stressed. (NAN)

 Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), has congratulated Catholics and Christians worldwide on the election of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church.

Adegbite said this in a statement signed by Mr Celestine Toruka, the Deputy Director and Head, Media and Public Relations of NCPC on Friday in Abuja.

Toruka quoted the NCPC boss as saying “we congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the first American to ascend the seat of St.

“We urge His Holiness to use his new role as the leader of the Catholics globally to preach peace and promote dialogue in addressing the myriad of societal ills plaguing humanity.

He commended the 133 cardinals for their unanimity of purpose, resilience and forthrightness in choosing the new Bishop of Rome.

He expressed appreciation to Catholics and non-Catholics alike for their fervent prayers, which he believed contributed to the smooth election of the new Pontiff.

Adegbite noted that he was particularly touched by the new pope’s inaugural speech, in which he affirmed that the Church should serve as platform for building bridges.

He added that “this is exactly what the world needs now. We wish Pope Leo XIV good health of mind and body to carry out his apostolic duties.

“We pray that the Good Lord will grant him the grace to take the Catholic Church and all Christians to a higher pedestal of spirituality.”(NAN)

 The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has sent its congratulatory message to the Roman Catholic Church on the election of Pope Leo XIV.

CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Friday, said that this significant milestone brings joy to Catholics worldwide, and CAN joins in celebrating this momentous occasion.

”The emergence of Pope Leo XIV signifies renewal and hope for the Catholic Church,” he said, adding ”CAN is confident that the new Pontiff will advance peace, justice, and inclusiveness, continuing the legacy of his predecessors.

”CAN prays that Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate be blessed with wisdom, good health, and strength to lead God’s people on the path of righteousness.

“May God guide and strengthen him in his ministry,” the statement says.

The Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the U.S. was elected as the 267th pope, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV.

The announcement was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti declared “Habemus Papam” to the cheering crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo XIV, aged 69, is the first American pope in history and a former Superior General of the Augustinians.

He succeeds Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Catholic Church and the first from Latin America who died on April 21, at the age of 88. (NAN)