Lagos Deputy Governor Advises Young Workers to Live with Parents Amid High Rental Costs
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has advised young workers in Lagos to consider living with parents, relatives, or sharing accommodation due to the high cost of rent. This recommendation comes in response to concerns about the affordability of housing for young professionals, particularly those earning modest incomes. Hamzat emphasized that individuals, especially those early in their careers, should make housing decisions that align with their financial capacity rather than striving for independent living beyond their means. He cited examples from other countries, like Turkey, where young people often live with family or share housing to manage expenses. The Deputy Governor also noted that spending more than 40% of one's income on rent is excessive, as it leaves insufficient funds for other basic necessities like food, clothing, and transportation. This guidance is part of a broader discussion on housing affordability in Lagos, where annual rents for even small apartments can be substantial.