Lagos calls on homeowners to regularise property titles

By Maduka Nweke

In line with its policy to promote property titling and ownership security, the Lagos state government has called on allottees of various state-owned housing estates who purchased housing units on or before 2019, but are yet to collect their Deed of Sub-Lease documents, to initiate the application process without delay.

The call was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Mr. Abdulhafis Toriola, during the monthly stakeholders’ meeting and public enlightenment forum for residents of state government-owned housing estates in the Ikorodu Division, held at the Ayangburen Jubilee Housing Estate.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Toriola emphasised the importance of the Deed of Sub-Lease document as a critical legal instrument.

“The Deed of Sub-Lease document is a crucial property document issued by the State Government to homeowners in government housing estates. It serves as their proof of ownership and is tenable for business transactions, especially for securing mortgages and collateral,” he said.

Represented by the Director of the Estate Department, Mrs. Olukemi Fosudo, the Permanent Secretary further clarified that the Deed of Sub-Lease is distinct from the Letter of Confirmation.

“The Letter of Confirmation is issued to an allottee only after they have consented to the terms and conditions outlined by the State Government in the Letter of Offer, which also confirms the completion of all required payments,” he added.

Toriola also advised allottees of state-owned housing estates who are yet to receive either their Letter of Confirmation or Deed of Sub-Lease, or who have not completed their payments, to visit the Department of Estate at the Ministry of Housing, Alausa, for verification and resolution of their allocation status.

He urged allottees to embrace their roles as responsible residents by taking full ownership of the estates, adhering to community rules and regulations, and fostering peaceful coexistence.

The Permanent Secretary concluded by reaffirming the unwavering commitment of the Lagos State Government to increasing access to affordable and sustainable housing across the state.