The Lagos State Government has reinforced the need for strict compliance with estate rules by allottees, warning that adherence is critical to maintaining order and improving living standards in public housing schemes.
The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, gave the charge during a monthly stakeholders’ meeting and public enlightenment session with residents of state-owned housing estates in Ikorodu Division, held at Oba Adegboruwa Housing Estate, Igbogbo.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, the Commissioner said the engagement was designed to obtain feedback from residents and develop sustainable solutions to challenges affecting government-owned estates.
“There are rules and regulations when you are living anywhere in the world. We have a constitution in Nigeria, and we also have laws in the state. There are also rules and regulations within government estates to ensure that every resident operates within the ambit of the law,” he said.
He stressed that the state government is putting in place structures to guarantee the sustainability of its housing estates through improved maintenance culture and stronger collaboration among residents.
“What we are doing now is to put structures in place to ensure the sustainability of our various estates, and this revolves around maintenance, which can be achieved through a cohesive relationship among the allottees,” he said.
According to him, residents must take responsibility for addressing minor challenges within their estates before escalating major issues to the government.
“We should expect that as long as there is activity, there will always be challenges. With this kind of engagement, we have been getting feedback and have been able to decide how to solve identified problems across various estates,” he added.
Akinderu-Fatai further urged allottees to take ownership of their environment, conduct routine maintenance, and comply fully with all regulations guiding estate living.
In her welcome address, the Director of Estate Department, ESV (Mrs.) Olukemi Fosudo, said the stakeholders’ forum initiative was introduced to empower residents with knowledge and encourage collaboration with relevant authorities.
“The platform will allow us to solicit feedback on present concerns, encourage residents to report infrastructural damage such as waste treatment and sewage issues, electrical faults, and other critical facility problems,” she said.
Fosudo added that the initiative would strengthen relationships between residents, facility managers, and the Ministry, while also promoting strict adherence to estate regulations.
“It provides opportunities for residents to share information, voice concerns, and contribute to improving the quality of life within the estates,” she noted.
Stakeholders at the meeting also highlighted key areas requiring attention, including waste management, security, and emergency response.The Regional Manager of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Adedokun Mathew, emphasised proper waste disposal practices, urging residents to patronise approved Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators.
“Residents must ensure proper hygiene at all times and work with government-approved operators to prevent environmental hazards and possible disease outbreaks,” he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Commandant of Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Oluwarotimi Soyoye, called for enhanced security consciousness among residents.
“There is a need for vigilance and proper restrictive measures within the estates to guard against theft and other criminal activities,” he said.
Other agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and insurance service providers, made presentations on safety, consumer rights, and risk management.
In a goodwill message, Chairman of Oba Adegboruwa Housing Estate, Mr. Musa Ahmed, commended the state government for the engagement, noting that it would improve compliance and strengthen monitoring within the estate.
“We appreciate the Ministry for this interactive session. It will go a long way in enhancing cooperation and ensuring that residents comply with established guidelines,” he said.
