Lagos State Government has ordered the revocation of housing units allocated to subscribers that remained unoccupied for over two years. This decision is part of efforts to ensure equitable distribution of housing resources.

The unoccupied units, according to the state, constitute a nuisance in some of the housing estates due to unkept premises, recording shortfall in maintenance schedules and other negative consequences.

Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, who disclosed this, yesterday, during a visit to the Lagos State Housing Estate, Sangotedo, Lekki, Lagos, said that the revocation was a directive of the governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, based on empirical evidence that most allottees kept the housing units under lock while the state continued to feel the pressure of prospective subscribers who needed them.

The commissioner inspected some of the sealed blocks and flats and stated that the exercise was done irrespective of whether the allottees made full payment or applied under the rent-to-own schemes.

Akinderu-Fatai restated that the Lagos State Government housing units are meant for those who need them and not speculators. He reiterated that the state government would not allow its investment and state-of-the-art housing infrastructure to rot away while genuine home seekers lament.

The commissioner reaffirmed that the ministry “will refund such allottees and reallocate the housing units to other Lagosians who are ready to put the houses to use immediately.”