The Kogi State Government has issued a stern warning to individuals illegally occupying National Housing buildings in Phases I, II, and III, located at Crusher in Lokoja. In a statement released on Friday, Taiye Abanika, the state Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, called for the immediate evacuation of these illegal occupants, emphasizing that their presence has jeopardized the National Housing Programme (NHP) aimed at providing affordable housing for Nigerians.
According to the Commissioner, investigations revealed that over 85% of the houses in the estate are currently occupied without authorization. This situation has not only hindered the program’s objectives but has also led to reports of individuals selling these houses to unsuspecting buyers.
The affected housing units are detailed as follows: Phase I consists of 76 units, including four one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 48 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 24 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows. Phase II has 92 units, composed of 20 one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 28 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 44 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows. Finally, Phase III also contains 92 units, featuring 16 one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 28 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 48 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
The state government urged all illegal occupants to vacate the properties to restore the integrity of the housing program and protect the interests of legitimate beneficiaries.
