1004 Estate Explained

1004 Housing Estate is an 11-hectare housing estate in Victoria Island, Lagos.[1] Originally named Federal Housing Estate, Lagos and designed by Isaac Fola-Alade, it was constructed in the 1970s as the biggest of its type at the time.[2] The estate has 4 clusters of residential multistory condominiums; 6 high rise buildings and 4 low rise buildings comprising over 1000 apartments. Built as a luxurious residence for families of senators and members of the House of Representatives, the estate opened in 1979. After the federal capital was moved to Abuja, it was subsequently occupied by senior federal civil servants. The estate has also been the abode of expatriates.[3] In 2004, the estate was sold to UACN Property Development Company.[4] In 2007, the estate was involved in a bidding process by the government to hand over maintenance to private property developers. The deal worth 7 billion Naira was Nigeria's single largest property transaction that year.[5] [6]

Controversies

The 1004 estate has been rocked by countless controversies since the transfer ownership from the Federal Government occurred . The 1004 now the abode of expatriates and other private individuals have had to deal with various issues some bordering on embezzlement,[7] fraud, theft and insecurity. In 2021 a man leapt to his death for fear of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, an agency in charge of corrupt practices.[8]

The residents of the estate claim that security agencies in charge of the estate aid criminals who tamper with their electricity and property.[9] The cry of help directed to the government . The Lagos State Assembly Committee for housing paid a surprise visit to investigate the crisis rocking the estate.[10]

Notes and References

  1. News: 1004 estate gets new facility managers. The Vanguard. July 26, 2019. December 20, 2010.
  2. News: Ripples over service charge in estates. September 24, 2018. July 26, 2019. The Guardian.
  3. News: Things fall apart at 1004 Estates. The Nation. January 22, 2016. July 26, 2019.
  4. Web site: Nigeria: PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT: Growing Discontent Over Sale of 1004 Estate, Ikoyi Towers, 3 Others . All Africa . Vanguard Newspapers . 11 February 2022.
  5. News: Thrills, frills of living in 1004 Estate. The Nation. November 17, 2013. July 26, 2019. Sunday Oguntola.
  6. News: Residents Of 1004 Estates Sack Management Committee Over Decaying Infrastructure. Sahara Reporters. New York. February 12, 2017. July 26, 2019.
  7. News: Estate HORA describes alleged 8bnaira misappropriation as false.. The Vanguard.
  8. News: Man jumps from 7th floor of 1004 Estate to avoid EFCC dies. The Vanguard.
  9. News: Save us from DPOs alleged abetting of criminals. The Vanguard.
  10. News: Lawmakers wade into 1004 crisis. The Guardian.