The Lagos State government has announced the revocation of unoccupied housing units allocated to subscribers who left them vacant for over two years.

The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, announced this in a statement by the director of the public affairs unit, Ganiu Lawal, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Mr Akinderu-Fatai said this during a visit to enforce Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive at one of the Lagos State housing estates in Sangotedo, Lekki.

He said the state government would make these units available to those in genuine need of housing.

Mr Akinderu-Fatai said, “Lagos State government housing units are meant for those who actually need them and not speculators.

“The various initiatives of the Sanwo-Olu-led administration to increase the housing stock of the state will not be sacrificed for the interest of the privileged few.

“Applying for a rent-to-own scheme presupposes the allottee is in desperate need of accommodation; why should such allotted flats be left unoccupied after two years?”

He argued that unoccupied units could lead to neglect and deterioration of the housing estate’s infrastructure.

The commissioner added that the reason for the revocation was because the government seeks to ensure that housing resources are allocated equitably to those who require them.

He noted that allottees who made full payments would receive refunds, and the units would be reallocated to eligible individuals.

He said, “The ministry will refund such allottees and reallocate the housing units to other residents who are ready to put the houses to use immediately.”

Mr Akinderu-Fatai emphasised the importance of occupying allocated units within three months to avoid revocation.

He expressed the government’s commitment to increase the state’s housing stock through various initiatives.

(NAN)