The Lagos State Government has warned that it will revoke the housing allocations of allottees who fail to comply with regulations governing State-owned housing estates, as part of efforts to preserve the integrity and quality of public housing infrastructure across the State.
EpeInsights reports that the Honourable Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, issued the warning during the monthly stakeholders’ forum and public enlightenment meeting for residents of State 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 that compliance with all estate rules is mandatory, especially the prompt payment of facility maintenance fees and insurance premiums, which he described as vital to sustaining the standards 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,” he stated.
Engr. Toriola further noted that the government will not hesitate to withdraw allocations from any allottee found to be in breach of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the State.
He cautioned against unauthorized alterations, modifications, or redesigns of buildings, warning that such actions distort the estate master plan and would attract sanctions.
The Permanent Secretary also expressed concern about some allottees who have failed to take physical possession of their allocated homes, warning that such allocations could be revoked.
He emphasized that the purpose of the government’s housing programme is to provide affordable accommodation for genuine residents, not for property speculators.
In addressing security concerns, Engr. Toriola disclosed that the Ministry of Housing is collaborating with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies to curb criminal activities in government-owned estates.
He added that any allottee found to have leased or rented out their apartments to illicit drug users, internet fraudsters, or persons of questionable character would lose their allocation once verified.
Residents were also urged to pay their facility management fees and insurance premiums promptly to sustain essential services such as security, waste disposal, street lighting, cleaning, and sanitation, and to minimize risks of damage from fire or storms.
To strengthen estate security, residents were encouraged to report suspicious activities through the Ministry’s official channels.
Engr. Toriola further revealed that discussions are ongoing with private partners to introduce alternative power solutions for estate facilities, with the aim of reducing maintenance costs and improving service delivery for residents.
Highlighting recent infrastructure interventions, he mentioned ongoing projects such as network road construction at CHOIS City, Agbowa, and the repair of electricity transformers at the Sir Michael Otedola Housing Estate, Epe. He urged residents to take ownership of the projects by monitoring progress and ensuring proper maintenance.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the Director of the Estate Department, Esv (Mrs.) Olukemi Fosudo, explained that the stakeholders’ forum was designed to foster collaboration between residents, facility managers and the Ministry.
She noted that the platform also helps clarify the roles and responsibilities of all parties while addressing security and safety concerns within the estates.
