A tripartite agreement is underway for the renovation of the abandoned Federal Secretariat Complex and other dilapidated structures in Lagos. The deal between the federal and Lagos State governments and other parties will lead to the renovations of federal government-owned buildings in the metropolis.

This is coming on the heels of a proposed groundbreaking ceremony for a 2,000-unit Renewed Hope City housing project in Ibeju-Lekki. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, revealed this during an official assessment of facilities in Lagos. Some of the buildings inspected include the old Federal Secretariat, Ikoyi; the Federal Land Registry and Craft Training Schools in Ikoyi as well as Harvey Road, Yaba, Lagos Field Headquarters’ Office at Tafawa Balewa, 60-bed hostel facility at Onikan, the National Population Commission Land, Eric More Housing and Treatment Plant project, in Surulere.

Dangiwa said buildings unrehabilitated pose security concerns for the Lagos residents, stressing that the tripartite option will be considered towards resolving all issues and converting the abandoned Federal Secretariat building to a residential scheme, as part of moves to reduce the existing housing deficit in the country.

The minister expressed worries over the deplorable state of various federal government buildings in Lagos. He observed most facilities are in disrepair, particularly the Lagos Field Headquarters’ Office at Tafawa Balewa, a building housing over 40 federal government ministries, departments and agencies, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

Addressing the staff, Dangiwa urged the Federal Controller of Housing, Lagos, Mrs Funmilayo Olayiwola to prioritise areas for intervention and charged professionals within the ministry to brace up as their expertise will be needed in monitoring and ensuring contractors deliver housing projects to standard.

Earlier, Olayiwola, said lack of power supply, water, dilapidated structures and obsolete operational vehicles were part of the challenges limiting staff productivity.

MEANWHILE, at a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor, Dangiwa called for the harmonisation of federal and state regulatory activities to foster an investment-friendly, smart, and sustainable environment in Lagos.

“This synergy is critical to attracting private sector investment and ensuring sustainable urban development. I am happy that Lagos State is the first to domesticate the National Building Code. As a ministry, we would like to find common ways to resolve perennial problems that have been of concern in the relationship between the federal and Lagos State government. I am confident that addressing these matters collaboratively will further strengthen the relationship between the two tiers of government, enhance urban development, and improve the lives of Lagosians,” he said.

On his part, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assured that his administration will collaborate with the ministry to ensure the success of the 2,000-unit Renewed Hope City in the Ibeju Lekki area of the State.

He commended the minister for the bold step taken concerning the building of the Renewed Hope City in Lagos and other parts of the country and assured that the state will support in realising the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians, particularly in the area of housing.