**Lagos to Demolish Illegal Structures in State-Owned Estates: Residents Warned** The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to residents of state-owned housing estates to desist from constructing unauthorized structures or violating allotment regulations. This move is aimed at maintaining the original design and ensuring the safety of residents. This warning was issued by Abdulhafis Toriola, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, during a meeting with executives of the Ojokoro Estate Residents Association in Meiran. Toriola expressed concern over the increasing number of unauthorised extensions and developments within the estate, describing the situation as alarming. "The Ministry will not stand idly by while the original master plan of any State-owned estate is distorted," Toriola stated. He emphasized that allottees were informed of the rules and regulations governing their properties before allocation, as stated in the Allottee's Guide. Any breach of these provisions will attract appropriate sanctions. Residents who have been issued notices over infractions are required to remove the illegal structures within four months. The Ministry has also secured approval to begin the removal of illegal developments as part of efforts to restore the estates to their approved layout and planning standards. The objective is not punitive but corrective, aimed at restoring order, improving security, and enhancing the overall aesthetics of the estates, Toriola explained. This move is timely, given the rapid growth and development of Lagos, where unauthorized constructions are a common issue in many estates. In Naija, where land is scarce and expensive, it's not uncommon for residents to build extensions or develop their properties without permission. However, this can lead to safety hazards, distortion of the original design, and disputes among residents. The Lagos State Government's move to demolish illegal structures is aimed at maintaining the integrity of state-owned estates and ensuring the well-being of residents.