When you talk about Lagos real estate today, many people immediately think of luxury estates, high-rise apartments, and waterfront mansions in Lekki or Ikoyi. But long before these areas became the face of modern Lagos property, there was an estate that quietly shaped the housing conversation for everyday Lagosians—Jakande Estate. Known for its simplicity and affordability, it remains a strong reminder that Lagos was not always about glamour, but also about giving ordinary people a chance to own a home.

In this article, we’ll explore Jakande Estate: Lagos’s Long-standing Affordable Option, its origins, what makes it special, why it’s still relevant, and the realities you should know if you’re considering it today.

The Origin Story: How Jakande Estates Came to Be

To understand the value of Jakande Estate, you need to go back to the 1980s. Lagos State was struggling with massive housing shortages as the city’s population exploded. Many people lived in overcrowded rooms and unplanned slum settlements. Then came Lateef Jakande, the governor of Lagos State between 1979 and 1983, whose vision was simple: to build low-cost housing that ordinary Nigerians could afford.

Jakande rolled out hundreds of housing units across Lagos, popularly called Jakande Estates. They were not luxurious, but they were functional. Each unit was designed to accommodate families who otherwise could never dream of owning property in Lagos. The houses were basic blocks of flats—straightforward, modest, and practical.

A story is often told of a tailor named Baba Ojo, who moved into Jakande Estate in the early 80s. He wasn’t a banker or a big businessman. Just a hardworking man with little savings. That estate gave him dignity, a roof over his head, and the pride of calling a place his own. His children grew up there, went to school, and eventually built their own lives. For many families like his, Jakande wasn’t just housing—it was a foundation.

The Structure and Lifestyle of Jakande Estate

Jakande Estate was never built to impress visitors. Its purpose was functionality, and this is still evident today. Typically, the houses are blocks of flats arranged in clusters. The design is uniform, and while some see it as outdated, others appreciate the sense of community it creates.

Walking through a Jakande Estate, you’ll notice children playing in open spaces, street vendors selling food and daily essentials, and residents sitting outside in the evening to catch some fresh air. It is the picture of an average Lagos neighborhood, with its mix of noise, movement, and warmth.

Unlike many gated estates today where privacy is the focus, Jakande offers more of a communal lifestyle. Neighbors know each other, borrow things, and sometimes quarrel openly. It is not polished, but it feels lived-in and authentic. This kind of environment appeals to people who value strong community ties.

The downside, of course, is that the structures are aging. Many of the buildings need repairs, renovations, and in some cases, complete rebuilding. Infrastructure such as drainage, roads, and water supply can be problematic in some locations. Still, families continue to live and thrive there, often improving their individual flats over time.

Affordability: Why Jakande Remains Attractive

One of the strongest reasons Jakande Estate continues to be relevant is affordability. In a city where land prices skyrocket daily, Jakande stands out as a pocket of relief.

For instance, while buying land in Lekki or Ikoyi may run into tens or even hundreds of millions, getting a flat in Jakande Estate can still be within reach for middle-income earners. Rentals are also more affordable compared to other parts of Lagos. A small family or a young professional starting life can reasonably live in a Jakande apartment without going bankrupt.

This affordability is why Jakande Estate is sometimes called “the balancing option.” It is where people go when they want to live within Lagos but cannot afford the luxury estates. For many, it is a stepping stone—an entry point into property ownership in Lagos. And even though the houses may not be glamorous, owning property there can still bring long-term financial security.

The Challenges and Realities You Should Know

To present Jakande Estate only as a success story would be unfair. The truth is that there are real challenges. Many of the estates suffer from poor maintenance. Some residents complain about water shortages, electricity issues, and flooding during heavy rains. The uniform design of the flats also limits creativity in remodeling, unless someone invests heavily in renovations.

Security is another concern. While community ties are strong, estates with open access are more vulnerable compared to modern gated communities with controlled entry points. Not every Jakande Estate has well-planned road networks or reliable waste management systems.

These realities mean that Jakande Estate may not appeal to everyone. For investors, it requires careful thought. You’re not buying into luxury; you’re buying into history, affordability, and practicality. The returns may not come from prestige, but from consistent rental income and steady demand from Lagos’s growing population.

Jakande Estate in Today’s Lagos Real Estate Conversation

Despite the challenges, Jakande Estate has earned its place in Lagos real estate history. It represents a vision that prioritized accessibility over luxury, and that vision continues to be relevant today.

As Lagos keeps expanding, the demand for affordable housing only grows. Not everyone can afford Banana Island or Victoria Garden City. But people still need decent homes, and Jakande Estate, though old, continues to fill that gap.

Real estate investors often overlook Jakande because it lacks glamour, but smart ones recognize its consistent rental demand. For families, it remains a realistic place to live. And for historians of Lagos real estate, Jakande Estate is a monument to a time when government-driven housing truly aimed at the masses.

So when we say Jakande Estate: Lagos’s Long-standing Affordable Option, it’s not just a catchy phrase—it’s the truth of a housing legacy that continues to stand, quietly serving Lagosians from one generation to the next.