The Lagos State Ministry of Housing has cautioned residents of government-owned housing estates against constructing illegal structures and violating estate regulations, stressing the need to preserve the original master plans of state properties in Lagos State.
Eko Hot News reports that the warning was issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Abdulhafis Toriola, during a stakeholders’ meeting with the executives of the Ojokoro Estate Residents Association held at the Alausa Secretariat in Ikeja.
During the engagement, Toriola expressed concern over the growing number of unauthorised structures and modifications within Ojokoro Estate.
He noted that the extent of the irregular developments became fully evident during his recent inspection visit to the estate.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the level of contraventions observed in the estate is alarming and requires urgent corrective action.
Toriola stressed that the state government will not allow any development that alters the approved layout of government housing estates.
He explained that all allottees were informed of the rules and regulations guiding their properties before the allocation of housing units.
These guidelines, he added, are clearly outlined in the official Allottee’s Guide provided to residents.
The Permanent Secretary stated that any violation of these provisions would attract appropriate regulatory measures.
To address the issue, residents were given a timeline of four months to remove all identified infractions and unauthorised structures.
Toriola disclosed that the Ministry has already secured the necessary approvals to remove illegal developments and commence rejuvenation works within the estate.
He emphasised that the initiative is intended to restore order, strengthen security and improve the overall appearance of the community.
According to him, the government’s intervention is aimed at ensuring that the estate returns to its approved planning standards.
The Permanent Secretary also addressed claims circulating among some residents that approvals for certain contraventions had been granted by the Lagos Building Investment Company (LBIC).
These claims were dismissed as inaccurate by the Assistant General Manager of LBIC, Tosin Olugbile.
Olugbile clarified that the organisation did not grant approval for any development that violates the approved estate layout.
In response, the Chairman of the Ojokoro Estate Residents Association, Taiwo Akinde, expressed concern over the increasing number of illegal structures within the community.
He also affirmed the association’s support for the government’s restructuring and compliance initiative.
As part of the ongoing engagement process, officials from the Ministry attended the association’s general meeting held.
At the meeting, residents were sensitised on the importance of complying with established estate regulations.
Directors and members of the Ministry’s Monitoring and Compliance team also participated in the sensitisation exercise.
They emphasised the need for residents to cooperate with authorities in preserving the structural and environmental integrity of the estate.
Toriola reiterated that the protection of government housing assets is a collective responsibility shared by residents and authorities.
He explained that state-owned estates are carefully planned communities designed to meet specific infrastructure and environmental standards.
According to him, unauthorised alterations to buildings can affect infrastructure stability, environmental balance and community safety.
The Permanent Secretary therefore urged residents across all government housing estates in Lagos to strictly adhere to approved development plans.
He added that the state government remains committed to enforcing corrective measures where necessary.
Officials noted that maintaining the structural integrity of housing estates helps protect public assets and improve the quality of urban living.
They also emphasised that orderly estate development supports sustainable city planning across Lagos.
Residents were encouraged to collaborate with authorities in preserving the value and design of government housing estates.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continuous stakeholder engagement aimed at promoting compliance and maintaining well-planned residential communities.
