Residents of FESTAC Town in Lagos State have staged a peaceful protest over the alleged sale of key public infrastructure within the estate, warning that the development could pose serious environmental, health, and security risks to the community.
The protesters, operating under the banner of the Take Back Festac Movement, accused the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) of disposing of facilities originally designated for public use. They listed affected assets as including sewage treatment plants, waterworks, parks, playgrounds, buffer zones, and other communal facilities.
Speaking during the demonstration, the group’s president, Valentine Uduebo, alleged that several sewage management facilities and the estate’s waterworks had been sold to private interests. He warned that converting such facilities to commercial purposes could expose residents to environmental and public health hazards.
Residents also expressed concern over the disappearance of recreational spaces and parks, arguing that these facilities were part of the original master plan of FESTAC and should remain available for community use. Some protesters further alleged that property owners in the estate face multiple charges from different government agencies.
A medical practitioner and resident, Dr. Dumebi Owa, cautioned that the loss of sewage infrastructure could increase the risk of disease outbreaks, stressing the importance of proper waste management in densely populated communities.
Reacting to the allegations, the Federal Housing Authority dismissed the protest and questioned why the organisers did not formally engage the agency before going public. FHA spokesperson Kenneth Chigelu argued that many of the issues raised had existed for years and maintained that the authority regularly engages with recognised residents’ associations. He also disputed claims regarding some of the allegedly sold facilities.
The protesters have called on President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to investigate the transactions and halt any further disposal of facilities intended for public use
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