Lagos State Deputy Governor and 2027 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has advised young Nigerians to avoid spending an excessive portion of their income on rent.
Epe Insights reports that Hamzat made the recommendation during an interview on Nigerian Info, where he encouraged young workers to consider modest accommodation as they begin their careers.
Hamzat said spending more than 40 per cent of one’s income on rent could create unnecessary financial pressure.
He explained that workers have other essential expenses, including food, clothing and transportation.
According to him, young people should avoid the pressure to immediately move into expensive apartments simply because they have started earning an income.
He advised unmarried young workers to consider living with family members where possible.
Hamzat noted that staying with parents or relatives can provide an opportunity for young people to reduce their housing expenses while building their financial capacity.
The deputy governor said young Nigerians should understand that career and financial growth take time.
He encouraged them to begin with accommodation that matches their current income rather than attempting to maintain a lifestyle beyond their means.
Hamzat also suggested smaller housing options such as self-contained apartments or modest one-bedroom accommodation for young workers.
He said individuals can gradually improve their living arrangements as their earnings increase.
The APC governorship candidate stressed that financial discipline should form part of the early stages of a young person’s working life.
He noted that income should be distributed carefully among different needs rather than being consumed largely by housing costs.
According to Hamzat, excessive rent expenditure can make it difficult for young workers to meet other basic obligations.
He therefore urged youths to consider affordability when making housing decisions.
The deputy governor also pointed to the influence of culture and family structures on housing choices.
He said many Nigerians traditionally live with parents or relatives before establishing independent households.
Hamzat encouraged young people not to view such arrangements negatively when they provide an opportunity to save money and achieve greater financial stability.
He also referenced international examples to illustrate that young people in other societies may adopt shared or family-based living arrangements during the early stages of their careers.
The former approach, he suggested, can help young workers manage expenses while planning for the future.
Hamzat’s comments come amid continuing discussions about housing affordability and the cost of living in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
Rising accommodation costs have remained a concern for many young workers, particularly those at the early stages of their careers.
The deputy governor said addressing the housing challenge also requires broader economic improvements.
He stressed the need to build an economy where Nigerians can earn better incomes.
According to him, stronger earning power would make it easier for individuals and families to meet their housing needs.
Hamzat said economic growth should ultimately improve the ability of residents to afford decent accommodation.
He maintained that both individual financial discipline and broader economic reforms are important in addressing housing affordability.
The APC candidate also encouraged young Nigerians to focus on gradually improving their financial position.
He said starting modestly should not be regarded as a limitation but as a practical step towards achieving greater financial independence.
Hamzat noted that young workers can upgrade their accommodation when their financial circumstances improve.
He urged youths to avoid unnecessary financial pressure caused by trying to maintain expensive lifestyles.
The deputy governor’s advice also highlighted the importance of balancing housing costs with other everyday needs.
He said workers need sufficient disposable income to cater for transportation, food, clothing and other responsibilities.
Hamzat encouraged young people to make housing decisions based on their actual earnings rather than social expectations.
He further called for continued efforts to improve economic opportunities and household incomes.
According to him, better-paying jobs and stronger economic conditions would contribute significantly to making housing more accessible.
He said government policies should continue to support economic growth and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
The deputy governor maintained that financial prudence at the individual level must complement wider economic development efforts.
His remarks have renewed attention on the relationship between rent costs, income levels and financial planning among young Nigerians.
Hamzat concluded by encouraging young workers to start within their means and gradually improve their standard of living.
He stressed that responsible financial choices can help young people build a more stable future.
