Residents of Festac Town, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos State, under the Take Back Festac Movement, have raised concerns about the alleged sale of critical public infrastructure within the estate.
During a peaceful protest on Saturday, residents cited the sale of facilities such as sewage treatment plants, waterworks, parks, and buffer zones, warning that these actions could trigger serious environmental and public health risks.
The group accused officials of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) of disposing of assets originally designated for public use. Valentine Uduebo, president of the movement, described the situation as a threat to the survival of Festac Town and called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Tinubu to intervene. Uduebo claimed that several public facilities, including sewage plants and waterworks, had already been sold.
We are living in bondage here. Our lives are under threat, Uduebo said. This sewage management facility behind us, which serves local residents, has been sold. The new owners plan to build food-related businesses on land meant for sewage management.
He listed affected facilities as sewage treatment plants at the junction of 5th Avenue and 2nd Avenue, near the 3rd Gate on 7th Avenue, on 41 Road, 4th Avenue by 7th Avenue, and 21 Road by 201 Road. He also claimed the waterworks on 22 Road had been sold. Uduebo expressed concern that some individuals were using the president’s name to justify the sales, which he insisted was untrue.
“Our children’s playgrounds and parks are disappearing. These spaces were created for recreation and community life, but they are being sold off without consideration for residents,” he added.
Uduebo further accused authorities of imposing excessive and multiple charges on property owners. “Residents are being subjected to unlawful fees in the name of the president. People pay large sums for approvals and consent fees when buying property. We believe the president’s name is being wrongly used to justify these charges. Residents see this as double taxation and extortion,” he said.
He appealed to President Tinubu to order an investigation into the transactions and sanction those responsible. “We appreciate the ongoing road projects in Festac, but we also need our safety, our environment, and our sanity restored. We are asking the President to investigate these sales and stop the disposal of community assets meant for residents.”
Despite repeated complaints to the FHA, Uduebo said residents remained dissatisfied with the responses received. “Their explanations usually point to the Federal Government, but residents are not satisfied,” he said.
Dr. Dumebi Owa, a medical practitioner and long-time resident, warned that the sale and conversion of sewage facilities could have dire health consequences. “Sewage must be properly managed and disposed of, otherwise we risk outbreaks of disease and significant public health challenges,” she said. She also noted that with the ongoing migration of medical professionals, Nigeria’s healthcare system may struggle to cope with widespread disease outbreaks. Owa expressed further concern about the sale of parks and green areas, citing the risks of climate change and environmental degradation.
“A healthy population is essential for a healthy nation. Economic growth cannot be sustained if our health indicators continue to decline,” she added.
James Ibekwe, who has lived in Festac Town for nearly 50 years, described the sales as violations of the estate’s original master plan. “Those of us who have lived here since 1977 know the original master plan. These areas were clearly designated for specific public purposes. We want the authorities to act responsibly and revoke these sales—they are illegal and unconstitutional,” he said.
Monsuru Salam, chairman of the Oodua People’s Congress in Amuwo-Odofin, alleged that the FHA sold a security post on 51 Road, which serves three security zones. “The FHA must be investigated. The security spot we manage on 51 Road has been sold, yet it is still a critical asset for community safety,” he said. Salam appealed to federal and state governments to intervene and involve the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Council in resolving the matter.
In response, FHA spokesperson Kenneth Chigelu dismissed the protest and questioned why the organisers had not formally presented their concerns to the authority before approaching the media. He stated that many of the issues raised were longstanding and predated the current administration. “It has become a norm for people to start protests for publicity. Have they taken the time to channel their complaints to the authority, or are they engaging in trial by media?” he asked.
Chigelu disputed claims about the sale of buffer zones and public facilities, noting that the central sewage system had collapsed long ago and that the waterworks had not provided water to residents for years, with many relying on private boreholes. He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining infrastructure in Festac Town and urged residents to use established channels for resolving grievances.
I advise them to take their grievances through the proper channels submit petitions, visit management in Abuja, or engage our zonal office, he said, identifying the Festac Town Residents Association as the FHA’s recognised partner in community engagement.
