The Lagos State Government has warned that it will revoke home allocations of residents in state-owned housing estates who fail to comply with existing regulations governing the facilities.
The warning was issued by the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, during the monthly stakeholders’ forum and public enlightenment meeting for residents of government housing estates in the Epe Division, held at the Sir Michael Otedola Housing Estate, Epe.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, the Commissioner stressed the importance of adherence to estate regulations, particularly the payment of facility maintenance fees and insurance premiums, describing them as crucial to maintaining infrastructure and ensuring the sustainability of the estates.
“Payment of facility maintenance fees and insurance premiums is vital for maintaining high standards in our estates. Refusal to pay or comply with laid-down regulations means willingly forfeiting your right of ownership,” Toriola stated.
He disclosed that the State Government would not hesitate to withdraw allocations from allottees found in violation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) they signed with the government, warning that unauthorized alterations, renovations, or structural redesigns would attract sanctions for distorting estate master plans.
Toriola also cautioned allottees who have yet to take physical possession of their homes, noting that such allocations risk revocation. “The government’s housing initiative is aimed at providing homes for genuine residents in need of accommodation, not for property speculators,”he emphasized.
The Permanent Secretary revealed that the Ministry of Housing is working closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies to identify and sanction residents involved in drug-related offences.
He warned that any allottee found to have rented apartments to drug users, internet fraudsters, or persons of questionable character would lose their allocation if investigations confirmed such violations.
Residents were also urged to promptly pay their facility management fees and insurance premiums to ensure continued provision of essential services such as security, waste disposal, street lighting, cleaning, and general sanitation, while also safeguarding against building risks such as fire or storm damage.
To enhance safety, Toriola encouraged residents to report suspicious activities via official channels, including text or WhatsApp messages to 0706 330 1251 or email to housing@lagosstate.gov.ng.He further disclosed that discussions are ongoing with private partners to provide alternative power solutions that will reduce maintenance costs for residents.
Highlighting ongoing projects, the Permanent Secretary mentioned the construction of network roads at CHOIS City, Agbowa, and the repair of electricity transformers at Sir Michael Otedola Housing Estate, Epe, urging residents to support and monitor these developments.
Earlier in her welcome address, Esv. (Mrs.) Olukemi Fosudo, Director of the Estate Department, explained that the forum was designed to strengthen collaboration among residents, facility managers, and the Ministry while addressing issues of security, maintenance, and safety within government estates.
