More homes on the way as Ilubirin project gets completion deadline

Expectation is high that more homes to buy and to rent are on the way as Lagos State government has committed to delivering the first phase of the Ilubirin housing project by December 2026. The entire project promises almost 3,000 homes on completion.

Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, the state’s commissioner for housing, who disclosed the delivery deadline during an inspection of the project, noted that it is significant in projecting Lagos as a 21st-century economy.

The commissioner noted further that, looking at the project from the nearby expressway, it appears as though nothing is going on, “but a lot is going on here. We are here to extract from First Investment Development Company (FIDC) Limited a commitment to deliver this project, at least, the first part of it, which is almost 200 units by the end of 2026.”

He confirmed that previous challenges, particularly those concerning the drainage system and site access, have been largely resolved, revealing that approval for a new bridge leading into the site has been secured, which will further enhance connectivity and the overall appeal of the development.

Read also: Grenadines Homes elevates luxury living, unveils oceanfront twin towers

“This place is going to be multi-use. We’re talking about a hotel, live, work, play, and leave. It will redefine urban living and contribute significantly to Lagos’s standing on the global stage,” he assured.

The commissioner stressed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s passion for the project, adding, “We are here to push them and to give them support so that we can push this and make the vision a reality.”

Responding to questions about the message the project sends to the world, Akinderu-Fatai linked it to the state’s ‘THEMES Plus’ agenda, which is aimed at transforming Lagos into a 21st-century economy.

He differentiated the Ilubirin project, which caters to the high-end market, from other ongoing initiatives providing housing for low-income earners, noting that approximately 2,200 units are simultaneously under construction for this demographic in areas like Ikoyi and Victoria Island.

Adebisi Adebutu, the managing director of FIDC, the developer of the Ilubirin Enclave in a joint venture with Ibile Holdings (representing Lagos State), corroborated the commissioner’s timeline.

He revealed that the entire 27-hectare site, when fully developed with various densities of 15-story and 20-story buildings, is expected to yield close to 3,000 dwellings.

Read also: AyHomes Delivers Urban Court Estate: Own a Modern Duplex Today with Just ₦15M Deposit!

Adebutu detailed the significant engineering challenges encountered, including the need for extensive sand filling (close to a million cubic meters) because the site was initially below sea level. “This was crucial to provide for a 100-year storm and prevent flooding,” he said.

To mitigate the impact of fluctuating raw material prices, Adebutu explained FIDC’s strategic decision to localise most of its finishes and manufacturing processes.

“We, in particular, manufacture most of the things that we’re doing on-site. All our joinery is manufactured on-site, doors, windows, and all of the aluminium is assembled here on-site. Furthermore, FIDC owns its construction company and quarries, allowing us to supply our stone,” he said

The managing director noted that the tiles used for the flooring are cut from natural stone in Nigeria, with plans to use Nigerian-cut granite for the roadways. “There’s no state in Nigeria that doesn’t have stone. All we need to do is just cut it and use it,” he noted, highlighting a commitment to local content and sustainability.