The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, has announced that occupiers of Federal Government’s lands and houses in Lagos must now pay ground rent to the government.
Dangiwa made this statement on Friday during a citizens’ engagement on land administration. The minister also conducted a physical assessment of Banana Island, Osborne Phase 1 and 2, Parkview/Foreshore estates, and Shorelines in Lagos.
According to the Minister, this move is part of the government’s effort to optimise revenue collection and ensure that its assets are properly maintained.
The Minister emphasized that it is important for owners of Federal Government properties to remit their ground rent to the government. This is in line with the ministry’s plan to improve facilities and services for the people living in these estates.
While discussing the government’s commitment to maintaining and renovating its assets across the country, Dangiwa stressed the need for strict adherence to land and estate management laws. He said, “The Ministry is resolved to ensure strict adherence to the provisions of the law regarding the control and administration of its assets to maintain order.”
The Minister made it clear that the responsibility to collect ground rent lies with the Federal Government, not the estate associations. He stated, “The ground rent is meant for the Federal Government. If estate associations are collecting it on our behalf, they must remit it fully. Otherwise, we will engage our staff or hire consultants to do so.”
Dangiwa also urged estate associations to focus on their role of collecting facility management fees, which are used to maintain the estates. These fees, he explained, should cover services like electricity, roads, and other infrastructure within the estates.
He warned estate associations not to misuse their position by charging ground rent from occupants. “Whatever the occupants agreed to pay should be used to maintain the estates. They should not go beyond that to collect ground rent,” the Minister added.
Regarding the ongoing land disputes in Lagos, Dangiwa spoke about the collaboration between the federal government and the Lagos State government. He mentioned that a joint committee had been formed to resolve long-standing issues surrounding land administration.
“This collaboration is essential for resolving land disputes and for ensuring a coordinated approach to land administration,” he explained. He further highlighted the importance of harmonising taxes on Federal Government properties to prevent double taxation of landowners.
“We are one government, and it is vital that we work as partners to ensure effective administration of Federal Government assets,” Dangiwa said.
The Minister’s engagement with stakeholders was part of the ministry’s broader strategy to improve land administration and enhance urban development in Lagos. During the session, he acknowledged the concerns of landowners and estate managers, assuring them that the ministry was committed to addressing their challenges.
“We are ready to address the myriad challenges affecting estate and land owners,” Dangiwa assured the audience. He also acknowledged the poor condition of some federal assets and the slow pace of some housing projects.
“We are determined to expedite the renovation, upgrade, and completion of these assets so they can provide value to both the government and Nigerians,” he said.
The Minister further revealed plans to upgrade the Ministry of Housing’s field offices to modern, efficient workspaces. This, he said, would improve the productivity of staff and boost the operational efficiency of the ministry in Lagos.
In addition to the ground rent initiative, Dangiwa addressed the issue of irregular developments along the Lagos shoreline. The Minister reiterated the federal government’s authority over shoreline land titles. He warned developers who failed to comply with the legal requirements that their properties would be revoked and demolished.
“We have observed numerous haphazard developments along the shoreline. People are reclaiming land and building without proper clearance or authorisation. This is unacceptable,” Dangiwa stated.
To tackle this problem, the Ministry has given developers a one-month ultimatum to regularise their paperwork or risk losing their properties.
“Developers who fail to comply with the regulations must understand that their properties will be demolished. The Ministry has made it clear that there will be no tolerance for illegal developments,” he added.
This call to action comes as part of the government’s efforts to maintain order and discipline in land administration in Lagos. Dangiwa’s warning serves as a clear message to developers and landowners in Lagos that the government will enforce its laws to safeguard the integrity of federal properties.
The Minister’s focus on land administration is part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader “Renewed Hope Agenda” to ensure better governance and improved infrastructure in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
“We are committed to delivering affordable housing and sustainable urban development for all Nigerians,” Dangiwa concluded.
