By LYDIA CHIGOZIE-NGWAKWE

Lagos State Government has warned residents of its housing estates against violating allocation terms.

The government said that legal action could be taken against allottees who would fail to comply with established regulations.

The Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mr Abdulhafis Toriola, gave the warning at a stakeholder engagement and public enlightenment forum on Saturday.

The forum was organised for residents of Lagos State-owned housing estates at Agbowa-Ikosi, Epe Division.

Toriola was represented by Mrs Bukade Idowu-Koya, Director, Legal Department, Lagos State Ministry of Housing.

He urged the residents to cooperate with the government in maintaining the estates.

He said that government investment in infrastructure must be complemented by responsible conduct and regular maintenance by residents.

He recalled his visit to the estate in April 2023, when overgrown vegetation, damaged perimeter fencing and drainage problems were among concerns raised by the residents.

He said the estate had recorded significant improvements, attributing the progress to government’s interventions.

Toriola urged the residents to comply with their allocation terms and warned that the ministry would take appropriate legal steps against violations threatening the sustainability of public housing.

Earlier, the Director of Estates in the ministry, Mrs Olukemi Fosudo, emphasised the need for compliance with regulations on public housing.

She warned against unauthorised structural alterations, commercial activities and other violations of residential estate guidelines.

Fosudo said the residents must obtain prior approval before modifying buildings or installing solar inverter systems.

According to the director, allottees are responsible for breaches committed by their tenants.

Fosudo also stressed the need for regular estate maintenance, payment of required contributions and insurance premiums, and cooperation between residents and facility managers.

She congratulated Choice City Housing Estate, Agbowa, on its recognition for resilience and effective management, urging other estates to maintain their facilities and comply with government regulations.

In his remarks, the Traditional Ruler of Agbowa-Ikosi, Oba Saliu Monsoru, called for collective action to address the residents’ challenges.

He urged the residents to share their concerns respectfully, and appealed to government representatives to convey issues raised at the forum to the appropriate authorities.

The Chairman of Choice City Estate, Mr Olabiyi Fosina, commended the government for providing solar-powered streetlights, perimeter fencing, roads and additional water supply points to the estate.

He appealed for a shopping complex, recreational facilities, an estate hall, completion of outstanding roads and additional streetlights.

ASP Oghigo Obiogba, who represented CSP Aroloye Bamikole, Divisional Police Officer, Agbowa Police Division, urged the residents to remain security-conscious and cooperate with security personnel during emergencies.

Representatives of Lagos State Fire Service also advised the residents to prevent fire outbreaks by avoiding overloaded electrical sockets, maintaining safe gas installations and keeping suitable fire extinguishers accessible.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other participants included representatives of the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Lagos State Mortgage Board, Lagos State Health Management Agency, and Lagos State Safety Commission. (NAN)