As part of efforts to ensure sustainability and orderly development within State Government-Owned Housing Estates, the Lagos State Ministry of Housing has issued a stern warning to residents against contravening the laid-down rules and regulations governing their communities.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola, emphasized that voluntary compliance with estate guidelines is crucial to driving growth, maintaining environmental integrity, and achieving the state’s vision for sustainable development.
Speaking through the Director of Legal Services, Barrister Bukade Idowu-Koya, during a meeting with the executive members of the Oba Adeyinka Oyekan Housing Estate Residents Association, Engr. Toriola reiterated that adherence to stipulations contained in residents’ Letters of Allocation, Memoranda of Understanding, and Deeds of Sublease is not only a legal obligation but a civic duty.
He stressed that sustainability remains a key priority of the current administration and that state-owned estates must reflect the ideals of eco-friendly and functional living environments, in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda, which targets good governance and a 21st-century economy.
Barr. Idowu-Koya highlighted that non-compliance by residents threatens the future of the estates and disclosed that the Ministry’s Technical, Monitoring, and Compliance Teams would soon embark on joint inspections with residents’ associations to enforce the rules.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Assistant Head of the Monitoring and Compliance Unit, Bldr. Rasidat Ogunlaja, identified common violations within the estates. These include the repainting of external walls without approval, failure to pay service charges, erection of illegal structures, unauthorized conversion of residential units for commercial use, environmental degradation, and unlawful subletting of property units.
She further disclosed the State Government’s zero-tolerance policy towards any resident who encroaches on setback areas or uses such spaces for unauthorized commercial activities.
Residents were urged to visit the Ministry of Housing at Alausa to apply for approval or regularisation where necessary, to avoid enforcement actions.
The meeting also had in attendance the former Vice Chairman/Ex-Officio of the estate, Alhaja Kudirat Moyosore-Brimidi; Ex-Officio, Mr. Philip Ugbe; and the Facility Manager, Mr. Moronike Elijah, among others.