The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, recently called on owners of federal government land and housing in Lagos to pay their rent to the government. During a meeting with stakeholders and a physical assessment of various estates in Lagos, including Banana Island and Osborne Phase One and Two, the Minister stressed the importance of the measure to increase revenue and enable the government to improve facilities.
As part of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, the Ministry of Housing has committed to restoring order in the management of federal lands and properties. The Minister stressed strict compliance with laws in the control and administration of federal government properties.
He also stressed the need for collaboration between the Federal Government and Lagos State to resolve land disputes and harmonize the payment of property taxes and land administration. This cooperation is aimed at preventing exploitation by third parties and ensuring compliance with the law.
At the meeting, the Minister expressed concern over the dilapidated state of federal properties and uncompleted housing projects, promising to expedite their renovation, upgrading and completion. He is working to optimise these facilities to add value to government and Nigerians.
Furthermore, steps have been taken to transform the field offices of the Ministry of Housing into modern and functional workspaces to increase staff productivity and improve operational efficiency in Lagos. The Ministry is also seeking to expedite the completion of housing projects to increase the supply of affordable housing for Nigerians in Lagos.
On irregular developments along the Lagos coastline, the Minister reaffirmed the authority of the Federal Government over the coastline titles and warned recalcitrant developers of appropriate sanctions. To put an end to these practices, the ministry has set a one-month ultimatum to all developers along the coastline to regularize their status or risk revocation and demolition of their properties.
This land administration stakeholders meeting provides an opportunity to share ideas and contribute to the Federal Government’s strategy for sustainable urban development. It is a crucial step towards improving land administration in Lagos and realizing the ministry’s promise to provide affordable housing and urban development for all Nigerians.