The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has begun the demolition of car dealer shops and shanties located in Festac Town, Lagos State.
FHA in early June served the occupants a 7-day quit notice. The notice expired last Wednesday.
FHA managing director Senator Gbenga Ashafa was in Festac Town in 2020 inspected the estate and pledged the government’s commitment to resuscitating infrastructure and environmental decadence in the area.
The government authorities said the quit notice was based on its observation “upon inspection of the site/premises.”
“This office has observed that you have illegally occupied the above-stated site/premises, it is in contravention,” FHA said in the notice.
“In view of the above, you are hereby advised to remove all valuables to vacate/quit the premises within 7 days from the days of the service of this notice.”
The government agency warned in the notice it will “not be liable for any loss/damages arising from your failure to comply with the notice given above.”
Consequently, FHA taskforce officials on Sunday, June 13 commenced removal of the shops and shanties in the estate.
FHA said the removal of the occupants’ valuables is part of development control in the Estate.
Shola Fakorede, President of Festac Town Residents Association, said the quit notice is directed to occupants from First Gate to the Third Gate.
Festac, or Festival Town, is a sprawling resident estate in Amuwo Odofin local government area of Lagos. It was founded in 1977 with the primary aim of housing the participants that came for the second Festival of Arts and Culture in 1977 hosted by Nigeria.
Festac Town consists of seven avenues and numerous arterials that facilitate ease of movement.
The over 5,000-unit housing estate has evolved into a city-within-a-city and now serves as the headquarters of Amuwo Odofin Local Government.
A picture story published by The Guardian in 2018 showed that the Festac has lost most of its attractions, with its infrastructure decaying at an alarming rate.
