The Lagos State Government today said that the construction of the first phase of the Ilubirin Housing Scheme will be completed by end of 2018 while sales to members of the public will commence during Q1:2019.

The housing scheme will be built in 7 phases starting with the completion of the existing structure which encompasses Phase 1 of the project, while completion of other phases of the project would span over a 3-year period terminating in 2022 the government said.

In 2014, the Ilubirin Housing Scheme initiative was conceived under the Lagos Home Ownership and Mortgage Scheme (LAGOSHOMS) and marked as a purely residential project but new designs released indicate it will accommodate live, work and play activities.

According to Gbolahan Lawal, the state’s Commissioner for Housing,  the project had been on hold as a result of limited budgetary provisions but a private sector partnership reached through a joint venture agreement to see the completion of the project.

After a review of the proposals received from various companies to execute the project, the state was pleased with and awarded First Investment Property Company (FIDC) the contract to fulfil the vision of Ilubirin.

He added, the new design of the project will comprise 472 units of living space designed as studio apartments, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom flats, terraces and penthouses, while commercial units and recreational facilities, as well as child day care facilities, are also included in the plan.

The plan also includes a shopping mall, an eco-park, a waterfront with restaurants and bars.  “There would be something for everyone in Ilubirin,” Lawal said.

The commissioner stated the new plans of the project had also put into consideration the existing traffic conditions in the area because its prime location between Lagos Island and mainland hence a new flyover will be built to connect the development to the Third Mainland bridge axis to ensure seamless integration into the wider road network.

In June 2017, Profica Nigeria was appointed by FIDC to manage the construction of the state housing scheme alongside 3 other majors projects in Nigeria.  FIDC is expected to source funds for the completion of the project and also to provide the technical expertise. The equity of the State remains the land for project and sum spent on the development to date.