Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that its housing estates remain functional, safe, sustainable and properly maintained, calling on facility managers, residents’ associations and other stakeholders to embrace a culture of shared responsibility and proactive estate management.
The call was made at the Facility Management Workshop organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Housing at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja, with the theme “Know Your Estate to Own It.”
The workshop brought together over 80 Residents’ Associations and 102 other participants, which includes facility managers, government officials from relevant agencies and other stakeholders involved in the management of Lagos State-owned housing estates.
Addressing participants, the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, stressed that government’s responsibility does not end with the construction and delivery of housing projects, noting that the long-term value and livability of estates depend significantly on effective management and maintenance.
He called for stronger collaboration among the Ministry, facility managers, residents’ associations and residents, particularly in addressing issues relating to service charges, compliance with estate rules and the maintenance of common infrastructure.
The Commissioner urged facility managers to uphold professional standards and ensure that decisions on procurement, maintenance and specialised infrastructure are guided by technical competence rather than expediency.
He also emphasised the importance of realistic service charges and the establishment of appropriate reserve or sinking funds to enable estates to undertake major maintenance interventions without depending solely on government.
Technical sessions at the workshop, facilitated by Dr. Olumide Aina, MD/CEO of Green Facilities Limited, highlighted the four critical pillars of modern facility management — People, Process, Technology and Workplace.
Participants were encouraged to move away from reactive maintenance towards preventive and structured maintenance systems, undertake periodic Facility Condition Assessments, strengthen financial accountability and deploy technology for maintenance tracking, security, communication, utility management and record keeping.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of understanding the physical, financial and community landscapes of estates, with facility managers urged to maintain accurate asset records, promote transparent budgeting and build productive relationships with residents and estate executives.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Gbolahan Toriola, emphasised collaboration and constructive feedback as essential tools for improving estate management.
He also reminded stakeholders of the need to comply with estate regulations, particularly those relating to land use, property extensions and unauthorised conversion of residential properties to other uses.
As part of efforts to promote good practices, the Ministry recognised selected estates for their performance in estate management. Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate, Ajah was recognised for Dynamic Estate Management; Emeka Anya0ku Housing Estate as a Viable Estate; Choice Estate, Agbowa as a Highly Resilient Estate; and Lateef Kayode Jakande Housing Estate as a Conforming Estate, alongside recognition of a LagosHOMS/Model Estate for initiatives capable of serving as examples to other estates.
The Ministry said the workshop forms part of its efforts to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders responsible for government housing assets and promote a sustainable maintenance culture across Lagos State-owned estates.
Participants were encouraged to translate the knowledge gained into practical improvements in their respective estates, particularly in preventive maintenance, compliance, financial transparency, technology adoption, emergency preparedness and stakeholder engagement.
The Ministry reiterated that sustainable housing estates require more than government investment in infrastructure; they demand the collective commitment of facility managers, estate executives and residents to protect and preserve the assets provided for their benefit.