By Atlantic Reports

The Lagos State Government has warned that housing estate allottees who breach their allocation terms could face legal action, as residents of Choice City Estate in Agbowa called for additional infrastructure and community facilities.

The warning came at a stakeholder engagement and public enlightenment forum held on Saturday for residents of state-owned housing estates at Agbowa-Ikosi in Epe Division.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Housing, Mr Abdulhafis Toriola, said residents must comply with estate regulations and cooperate with the government to maintain public housing.

Represented by the ministry’s Director of Legal Services, Mrs Bukade Idowu-Koya, Toriola said government investment in infrastructure needed to be supported by responsible use and regular maintenance.

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

He said conditions had since improved through government interventions, but warned that the ministry would take appropriate legal steps against violations that threatened the sustainability of the estates.

Approval required for alterations

The ministry’s Director of Estates, Mrs Olukemi Fosudo, cautioned residents against unauthorised structural alterations, commercial activities and other breaches of residential estate guidelines.

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

Fosudo also said allottees were responsible for breaches committed by their tenants. She urged property holders to ensure compliance with allocation conditions and estate rules.

Other obligations she highlighted included regular maintenance, payment of required contributions and insurance premiums, and cooperation with facility managers.

She congratulated Choice City Housing Estate on its recognition for resilience and effective management, encouraging other estates to maintain their facilities.

The account of the forum did not specify the allocation clauses cited, the penalties applicable to particular breaches or the process for obtaining approval for modifications.

Residents seek further improvements

The Chairman of Choice City Estate, Mr Olabiyi Fosina, acknowledged the provision of solar-powered streetlights, perimeter fencing, roads and additional water supply points.

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

His requests highlighted remaining needs alongside the improvements reported by the government.

The traditional ruler of Agbowa-Ikosi, Oba Saliu Monsoru, urged residents to present their concerns respectfully and work collectively to address estate challenges.

He also asked government representatives to convey the issues raised to the appropriate authorities.

No funding commitment or delivery timetable for the requested facilities was provided in the account of the meeting.

Security and fire safety discussed

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

Representatives of the Lagos State Fire Service advised residents to avoid overloading electrical sockets, maintain safe gas installations and keep suitable fire extinguishers accessible.

The forum also included representatives of state agencies responsible for real estate regulation, consumer protection, mortgages, health insurance and safety, alongside the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

The engagement placed estate maintenance and regulatory compliance alongside residents’ demands for further investment. Follow-up will require clarity on residents’ obligations and government decisions on the outstanding infrastructure requests.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.