DEMOLITION: Tackle corruption, demolition of Signature Villa Estate — S4C, CAD
By Eyo Nsima
The Lagos State Government has been urged to address alleged corruption that culminated in the demolition of Signature Villa Estate, Lekki, Lagos.
The government had carried out a demolition operation, which resulted in the destruction of more than 25 completed terraced buildings and various structures, leaving many families homeless.
This compelled Spaces for Change, S4C and the Communities Alliance against Displacement (CAD) to embark on a fact-finding mission to the Signature Villa Estate within Ikota Villa Estate, Lekki, Lagos, on October 18, 2023.
In its findings obtained by The Daily, www.thedaily-ng.com, S4C and CAD, stated: “The Lagos State Government must take immediate steps to address corruption within its ranks and ensure the strict enforcement of environmental and building standards to prevent such incidents from recurring.
“The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria is urged to conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of this demolition case and hold their members implicated in the demolition accountable for their actions that resulted in the loss of homes and properties.
“Prospective property buyers and homeowners are strongly advised to exercise caution and conduct comprehensive due diligence before finalizing property transactions to safeguard themselves against potential financial losses.”
The organization also noted that, “One of the pressing concerns raised by this unfortunate incident is the apparent lapse in oversight by regulatory bodies such as the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), which allowed building structures such as Signature Villa Estate to be constructed in violation of regulations.
“Eye-witness accounts and testimonies from the victims themselves suggest that the developers and marketers of these properties have failed to conduct transactions with the current “owners” in good faith, leading to these devastating consequences.
“Additionally, our investigations have unveiled considerable lapses in basic due diligence processes. Many buyers failed to conduct thorough due diligence on the property acquisitions and neglected to secure the necessary documentation, leaving them vulnerable to losses.
“The unfortunate demolition of Signature Villa Estate is yet another sad testament to the persistent issues in housing and urban governance within Lagos State.”
