Lagos State Government has reiterated the need for residents of government-owned housing estates to actively participate in maintaining safe, secure and well-managed communities, stressing that sustainable estate management requires a collective effort between government and residents.
The Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, made the call during a stakeholder engagement and public enlightenment programme for residents of Lagos State Housing Estates in Badagry Division, held at the LagosHOMS Housing Estate in Amuwo Odofin.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Gbolahan Toriola, the Commissioner said the state government remains committed to investing in housing infrastructure and estate maintenance but noted that the long-term sustainability of public housing schemes depends largely on residents’ cooperation and active involvement.
He urged residents to take responsibility for protecting shared infrastructure, complying with estate regulations, supporting sanitation initiatives and promoting peaceful coexistence within their communities.
Akinderu-Fatai also called on residents of government-owned estates to prioritise participation in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise recently reintroduced by the state government, describing cleanliness as a critical component of community health and safety.
According to him, the stakeholder engagement programme forms part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to strengthen collaboration between government and residents while creating channels for feedback that will enhance service delivery across public housing estates.
“The sustainability of government-owned housing estates is a shared responsibility. Beyond the provision of infrastructure, residents must actively contribute to the upkeep of their environment and support measures aimed at preserving public assets,” Toriola stated.
During the engagement, residents received sensitisation on estate management, infrastructure protection, fire safety, consumer rights, insurance coverage, environmental sanitation, domestic violence prevention and emergency preparedness.
Officials of relevant agencies also interacted with participants, providing information and responding to concerns affecting the estates.
The forum further offered residents the opportunity to raise issues relating to power supply, security, sanitation, water systems, recreational facilities and other community needs, while ministry officials outlined ongoing and planned interventions aimed at improving living conditions within government-owned housing schemes.
Chairman of the LagosHOMS Amuwo Odofin Residents Association, Mr. Monsuru Tiamiyu, commended the initiative, describing it as a valuable platform for strengthening communication and cooperation between residents and government.
He expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its commitment to improving living standards in public housing estates and creating opportunities for residents to engage directly with relevant authorities on issues affecting their welfare.
Tiamiyu also assured the Ministry of the continued support of residents in safeguarding shared infrastructure, promoting environmental sanitation and contributing to the overall development of their communities.
Responding, Toriola reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to sustaining stakeholder engagement and public enlightenment programmes across the state, noting that resident participation remains key to responsible community living and the effective management of public housing estates.
The programme forms part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Ministry of Housing to foster stronger partnerships with residents and ensure the continued improvement of public housing estates across the state.
