’85 percent housing units illegally occupied’ — Kogi moves to reclaim NHP properties

The Kogi government says it has commenced steps to reclaim illegally occupied properties under the state’s chapter of the national housing programme (NHP).

The federal government initiated the NHP to address the nation’s housing deficit.

In a statement on Friday, Abanika Taiye, the commissioner for housing and urban development in Kogi, expressed concerns over the situation.

Taiye said recent assessments showed that unauthorised individuals have forcefully occupied about 85 percent of the housing units in phases one, two, and three of the NHP in the state.

“This not only disrupts the programme’s intended purpose but also compromises the dreams and aspirations of rightful beneficiaries,” the commissioner said.

He noted that some individuals sell the houses to unsuspecting buyers while calling on all the illegal occupants to vacate the properties to enable the rightful allottees, who have paid for the units, to take possession of their homes.

Taiye said parts of the steps to rectify the situation include collecting and processing houses for rightful ownership.

“The state government is preparing to hand over keys to legitimate subscribers who have followed due process and fulfilled programme requirements,” he said.

“Robust law enforcement interventions are necessary to safeguard these houses, restore order, and ensure legitimate occupants can reclaim their rightful homes.

“The ministry remains committed to housing equity and empowerment of all citizens through the NHP.

“The state government will prioritise this issue, collaborating with its people to implement effective solutions that protect the programme’s integrity and beneficiaries.

“Together, we can ensure the vision of accessible, sustainable, and affordable housing is fulfilled for all citizens of Kogi state.”

The affected properties, located at Crusher, Lokoja, the state capital, include phase I: 76 units, comprising four one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 48 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 24 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

Others are phase II, comprising 92 units, including 20 one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 28 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 44 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and phase III, which has 92 units, comprising 16 one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 28 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 48 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.