The has announced plans to demolish illegal structures built within state-owned housing estates as part of efforts to restore approved layouts and maintain safety standards.

State authorities warned residents against unauthorised alterations, saying such developments distort estate master plans and threaten infrastructure stability.

Government raises concern over illegal extensions

The warning was issued by , Permanent Secretary of the , during a stakeholders’ meeting with executives of the in Meiran, Lagos.

Toriola described the growing number of illegal extensions and structures within the estate as alarming, stressing that the government would not allow residents to alter the original design of state housing estates.

“The Ministry will not fold its arms and allow the distortion of the original master plan of any state-owned estate,” he said.

Residents given four months to remove illegal structures

According to the ministry, residents who have already received violation notices will be given four months to remove illegal developments.

The government also disclosed that approval had been secured to begin enforcement and removal of unauthorised structures in order to restore estates to their original planning standards.

Toriola emphasised that the move is aimed at improving safety, restoring order, and maintaining the aesthetic value of government housing estates.

Government denies claims of approval for alterations

During the meeting, some residents reportedly claimed that approvals for certain structural changes had been granted by the (LBIC).

However, the agency’s Assistant General Manager, , dismissed the claims, clarifying that no such approvals were issued by the company.

Residents support government enforcement

Chairman of the residents’ association, , acknowledged the widespread presence of illegal structures within the estate and expressed support for the government’s restructuring plans.

Officials from the ministry’s monitoring and compliance unit also attended the association’s general meeting earlier in February to sensitise residents on estate regulations.

Safety and infrastructure concerns

The government warned that unauthorised modifications to buildings could affect infrastructure integrity, environmental balance, and public safety.

Authorities also urged residents across all state-owned estates in Lagos to comply with housing regulations, noting that enforcement actions will continue to protect public assets.