In a recent announcement, the Lagos State Government unveiled its plans to impose penalties on landlords caught engaging in the unethical practice of overcharging tenants. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, the Commissioner for Housing, delivered a stern message regarding the administration’s resolve to address individuals involved in fraudulent activities.
Akinderu-Fatai underscored the prevalence of complaints from residents occupying various housing schemes across the state, decrying the exorbitant rental fees imposed by some property owners. Such conduct, he emphasized, directly contradicts the government’s mission to provide affordable housing solutions for the people of Lagos.
Furthermore, he outlined the government’s intent to revoke property allocations from offenders found guilty of exploitative behaviors. According to him, the initial objective of requiring allottees to make a modest down payment of five percent and spread the remaining balance over a decade was to alleviate the financial strain on Lagos residents.
Expressing dismay at the abuse of government initiatives, Akinderu-Fatai questioned the rationale behind subjecting others to undue hardship when the government’s aim is to enhance the standard of living for all citizens. He urged estate managers and association members to promptly report any allottees engaging in such malpractices to the housing ministry.
The commissioner stressed that culpable landlords would not only lose possession of their properties but also face reimbursement of payments made. He assured the public that the State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to catering to the housing needs of first-time buyers through a range of initiatives, including outright purchase and rent-to-own programs.
In his closing remarks, Akinderu-Fatai reiterated the government’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that affordable housing remains accessible to every resident of Lagos. He reaffirmed the administration’s determination to implement policies that foster equitable and just housing practices across the state
