Lagos to Remove Illegal Structures in State Housing Estates

The Lagos State Government has warned residents of state-owned housing estates to stop building illegal structures or making changes that go against allotment rules. The government said such actions distort estate designs and create safety risks.

The warning was issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Abdulhafis Toriola, during a meeting with executives of the Ojokoro Estate Residents Association in Meiran, held at the ministry’s conference room in Alausa, Ikeja.

He noted that the number of unauthorized extensions and developments in the estate is growing and described the situation as concerning.

Residents who have received notices for violations are expected to remove illegal structures within four months. The ministry has also secured approval to start removing structures that breach estate guidelines, aiming to restore the estates to their approved layout and planning standards.

The government said the action is intended to improve safety, restore order, and maintain the appearance of the estates, not to punish residents. Claims that the Lagos Building Investment Company approved some of the alterations were dismissed by the agency’s Assistant General Manager, who said no approvals were granted.

The Chairman of the Ojokoro Estate Residents Association, Taiwo Akinde, supported the government’s efforts, noting the rise of illegal structures in the estate. The ministry’s monitoring and compliance team has also engaged residents in past meetings to explain the importance of following estate regulations.

The Lagos government reminded all residents of state-owned housing estates that following the rules is essential to protect infrastructure, the environment, and public safety.

Enforcement actions will be taken against violations to safeguard public assets.