Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has advised young workers struggling with the high cost of accommodation in the state to avoid putting themselves under financial pressure by rushing to rent expensive apartments.

Hamzat made the remark during a question-and-answer session on Nigeria Info FM on Thursday, August 20, 2026, while responding to concerns over the rising cost of house rent in Lagos.

The deputy governor was asked how a 22-year-old earning about N100,000 monthly could afford a self-contained apartment or mini-flat reportedly costing around N1 million annually.

In his response, Hamzat said young people should choose accommodation based on their financial capacity rather than feeling obligated to live independently immediately after securing employment.

He noted that it was common for young Nigerians to stay with their parents or relatives while establishing themselves financially.

According to him, young workers who are unmarried can consider living with their parents, cousins or other relatives, as well as shared accommodation, instead of taking on rent they cannot comfortably afford.

Hamzat also urged young people not to feel that they must begin their working lives by renting a self-contained apartment.

He said accommodation choices should reflect a person’s income and stage of life, stressing that people should gradually improve their living conditions as their earnings increase.

The deputy governor further advised residents to be cautious about how much of their income they commit to rent.

Hamzat said spending more than 40 per cent of one’s income on accommodation was excessive because workers also have to cover other essential expenses, including food, clothing and transportation.

His comments come amid growing concerns over the increasing cost of housing in Lagos, where rents have continued to put pressure on workers and low-income earners.

The deputy governor’s remarks have generated discussions online, particularly over the affordability of housing for young Nigerians earning modest salaries in Lagos.