At least 677 houses are slated for complete demolition, while 744 others face partial demolition in Festac Phase 2, Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos State, due to breaches of building codes by a developer, according to the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
Mr. Akintola Olagbemiro, FHA’s South-West Zonal Manager, conveyed this plan during a visit to assess the ongoing disregard for building regulations and environmental standards in the area. Despite numerous warnings and stakeholder engagements, the developers persistently built on swampy land without meeting required standards.
“Encroachments and unauthorized construction in the property owned by FHA, designated as Festac Phase 2, have transformed the area into a slum. We’re exploring solutions to improve the living conditions and curb these illegal developments,” Olagbemiro stated.
Francisca Michael-James, Deputy General Manager of FHA’s Urban and Regional Planning, Southwest, highlighted repeated notices served to residents, who continued construction without regard for regulations.
“We’ve secured management’s approval to enforce our directives. Security support will be sought to begin the removal of structures obstructing roads and encroaching on pipelines. Buildings erected despite agreements in stakeholders’ meetings will face action. Regularization isn’t automatic; those failing to comply will be affected,” Michael-James explained.
Regarding penalties for violators, she emphasized that the law mandates penalties for building owners and operational expenses if demolition occurs. Additionally, she emphasized the responsibility to prevent potential building collapses and the need to reclaim roads by partially demolishing some structures.
