The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has rejected allegations of land grabbing, extortion, and administrative high-handedness levelled against its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oyetunde Ojo, describing the claims as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the FHA Head of Public Affairs, Kenneth Chigelu, the Authority said the allegations were published without giving the agency an opportunity to respond.
The FHA also criticised some media organisations for allegedly publishing claims from a purported coalition of estate developers without proper verification or fact-checking.
FHA Defends Digitalisation and Reform Agenda
According to the Authority, the accusations are coming from individuals who are unhappy with ongoing reforms introduced by the current management.
It explained that the launch of a digitalisation programme on May 1, 2024, marked the end of analogue operations within the agency, helping to eliminate issues such as missing files, double allocations, and document falsification.
The agency said the digital system has significantly improved transparency and accountability in land administration.
Drone Mapping and Land Verification Process
The FHA disclosed that it has deployed modern tools, including a MAX 350 drone system, to support land mapping, monitoring, and identification of encroached properties.
It also noted that a nationwide Verification, Regularisation and Ratification exercise was conducted to allow genuine property allottees with incomplete documentation to properly regularise their land records.
The Authority maintained that individuals unable to provide proof of ownership were behind the recent media attacks after failing to benefit from loopholes in the old system.
FHA Defends Approval Timeline and Revenue Controls
The agency also dismissed claims of delayed land development approvals, insisting that its new One Stop Shop system processes approvals within two weeks, provided applicants submit complete documentation.
It added that stricter financial controls have been introduced to prevent undervaluation of statutory fees and curb alleged malpractice involving some officials and external actors.
FHA Challenges Allegations and Calls for Evidence
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms, stating that it would not be distracted by what it described as baseless accusations.
It challenged those behind the allegations to publicly identify themselves and provide verifiable evidence of land allocation or ownership claims.
The FHA urged the public to disregard the allegations, insisting that its ongoing reforms are aimed at protecting government assets and improving housing administration nationwide.
