The Lagos State Government has issued a 3-month ultimatum to allottees of unoccupied home units in government-owned estates, News About Nigeria reports.
Residents have been urged to occupy their apartments within this period, or risk forfeiting their allocation.
The announcement came during a facility tour by the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, aimed at assessing the progress of construction at Sheridan Garden Estate, Urban Shelter, and LagosHOMS Sangotedo Phase II, located in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
Addressing the issue, Akinderu-Fatai emphasised the need for a robust maintenance culture in government estates.
To enforce this, stringent guidelines have been established for facility managers and allottees who fail to comply.
Governor Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu has directed the Ministry to prioritise low-income earners and work with technology-driven companies to provide more affordable homes.
The government’s goal is to make homeownership accessible to more Lagosians without pursuing profits.
Additionally, the commissioner announced that approximately 3,500 ongoing home units distributed across the state’s five divisions will be ready for launch within the first year of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
During the facility tour, the Ministry of Housing sought to engage with contractors, address challenges they may be facing, assess the progress of the work, and propose solutions when necessary.
Akinderu-Fatai expressed concerns about the slow pace of work by some contractors and encouraged them to uphold professionalism.
Contractors who fail to meet the terms and conditions of their contracts may face termination.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, advised real estate developers to register with the appropriate authorities to ensure credibility.
She also encouraged Lagosians to patronise only registered real estate developers and report complaints to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority.
Finally, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Abdulhafiz Toriola, emphasized the credibility of ‘Government Owned Schemes’ and urged prospective homeowners to approach the Ministry for accurate information and assistance rather than relying on unverified sources.
The government aims to provide affordable and decent housing to the residents of Lagos in line with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision.
