FHA Harps on Diligence Before Property Purchases
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has issued a stern advisory to potential homeowners, urging them to exercise caution and diligence in ascertaining the true ownership of the land they intend to purchase. This comes as part of an effort to protect individuals from falling victim to fraudulent activities orchestrated by land speculators and grabbers.
Mr. Umar Lawal, the South West Assistant General Manager/Zonal Head of Survey and Mapping at FHA, emphasized the importance of prospective homeowners seeking accurate information about land ownership. Lawal’s advice coincided with the presentation of demolition notices to individuals who had constructed buildings illegally on FHA land in FESTAC Phase II.
Contrary to figures circulating in the media, Lawal clarified that the ongoing demolition operation targeted 40 buildings with irredeemable physical planning infractions or Right of Way (RoW) encroachment issues. These structures, according to Lawal, were situated on NNPCL pipelines, major roads, and drainage systems.
Lawal issued a stern warning to those currently building on RoW in FESTAC, emphasizing the need to halt such activities to avoid economic losses. He insisted that the demolition efforts would persist, underlining the FHA’s commitment to maintaining order and adherence to established regulations in the region.
He was quoted by ThisDay, “My advice to the general public is that they should desist from further construction, and that the exercise is a continuous one and whoever continues to build is doing that at his or her own risk.
“They should stop wasting their money because whatever news that they are hearing from people that is not from FHA is fraudulent. So, they should desist from further construction,” he said.
According to him, “FHA acquired 2024.64 hectares and 363 hectares is under litigation; the portion under litigation is on 6th avenue, we are very careful and are not entering that section.”
