Diasporan investors in the Oko-Orisan Waterfront Scheme are facing uncertainty and frustration due to prolonged delays and administrative issues within Lagos State’s land management system.
Subscribers to the scheme, which began in 2010, have been left in limbo, awaiting physical allocation of their purchased plots.
Investors, including Mr. Hakeem Ibrahim, have stated their plight over the lack of progress and the unresponsiveness of the state government. In an effort to address their concerns, they have formed the Oko-Orisan Waterfront Scheme Subscribers Group to collectively engage with Lagos State officials.
Mr. Ibrahim recounted his experience: “In 2012, I bought a piece of land in the Oko-Orisan Waterfront Scheme in Lekki. Despite paying N3.8 million, I was receipted for only N3.3 million. We received allocation letters and official receipts from the Lands Bureau, but after multiple inquiries, we still haven’t been allocated our plots.”
The Lagos State government has stated ongoing redesign and remodelling of the scheme as the reason for the delays since 2013. However, there are unconfirmed reports suggesting that the scheme might be reallocated to influential figures or moved to less desirable locations.
The investors are calling on the state government to honor their contracts by promptly allocating the promised plots. They have contacted the Office of the Special Adviser on Housing, but their efforts have yet to yield results.
In a letter dated April 2, 2024, the Lagos State Lands Bureau acknowledged the investors’ concerns but stated that no physical allocation or processing of Certificates of Occupancy would occur until the redesign was complete.
The Oko-Orisan Waterfront Scheme Subscribers Group is now urging other affected investors to join them in appealing to Governor Sanwo-Olu to resolve the issue and ensure justice is served.
