Lagos State Government to Revoke Housing Allocations for Fraudsters, Drug Users, and Rule Violators
The Lagos State Government has announced that it will withdraw housing allocations from residents of government-owned estates who violate occupancy rules, lease properties to individuals involved in illicit activities, or fail to comply with estate management obligations.
The policy, reaffirmed by Commissioner for Housing Moruf Akinderu-Fatai during a stakeholders’ forum in Epe, is part of the government’s broader effort to safeguard public housing infrastructure and maintain community standards.
Speaking at the Sir Michael Otedola Housing Estate, Epe, the Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola emphasized the state’s zero-tolerance stance toward any form of non-compliance. He stated that allottees who alter, renovate, or redesign their homes without official approval risk immediate revocation of their allocations.
Toriola also warned that residents who fail to take physical possession of their allocated units would forfeit their rights. “Government housing schemes are meant to provide homes for genuine residents, not for property speculators,” he noted.
Crackdown on Criminal Activity and Non-payment
In collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security bodies, the Ministry of Housing will intensify surveillance to identify individuals involved in drug-related offences or other illegal activities within the estates. Any unit found to be leased to drug users, internet fraudsters, or individuals of questionable character will be repossessed once verified.
The Permanent Secretary further urged residents to fulfil their obligations by paying maintenance and insurance fees promptly. These payments, he explained, fund essential services such as security, sanitation, waste management, and infrastructure maintenance. He reiterated that failure to comply with these responsibilities undermines estate sustainability and public safety.
Enhancing Safety and Infrastructure Sustainability
Toriola encouraged residents to report suspicious activities through the Ministry’s official communication channels either via text or WhatsApp to 0706 330 1251 or by email at housing@lagosstate.gov.ng. The government, he added, remains committed to fostering safe and well-managed communities.
He also disclosed that discussions are ongoing with private partners to introduce alternative energy solutions aimed at reducing power and maintenance costs within the estates.
This initiative follows the state’s 2024 decision to revoke allocations of government housing units that remained unoccupied for more than two years. At the time, Akinderu-Fatai stated that prolonged vacancy contradicted the purpose of public housing schemes such as the Rent-to-Own initiative, which targets residents in urgent need of accommodation.
The renewed enforcement drive reflects Lagos State’s broader strategy to preserve public assets, ensure equitable housing distribution, and strengthen accountability within the housing sector.
Key takeaway
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to revoke housing allocations for residents who violate estate regulations or lease homes to individuals with criminal records, including those involved in fraud and drug use, reinforcing its commitment to accountability and safety in public housing estates.
