The Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria has blamed poor regulation for the seemingly unending land sale scams in the country.
“The Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria is an association that was birthed by the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. Over the years, estate surveyors and valuers have noticed the balkanization of an aspect of our profession, particularly estate agency, which for lack of a better word has been turned into an all-comers affair.”
“There is a need for some legislative activism in this regard because we require a level of uniformity in real estate brokerage in Nigeria. The effect of the lack of regulation in this area has fostered haphazard practices such as a rise in land scams, overpricing of housing units, and letting of substandard structures and houses amongst others by unqualified agents.” Says Adeniyi Tinubu who serves as The Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee of the association at a press conference in Lagos recently. “
He continued, “The resultant effect of these does not just affect the professionals who have painstakingly gathered industry knowledge and expertise on real estate brokerage but, most importantly, it affects the common man who is at the receiving end of these substandard practices.”
The National Secretary of the association, Osagie Odiase, also made comments that certified agents who are members of the association are usually trained monthly.
Osagie also spoke on how the general public can learn to not to fall for scams by ensuring whoever they’re in contact with is a true member of the association so as to know who to be held accountable/disciplined to face the law.
“If the public has any problem with any of our members, they can come to our secretariat. If anyone wants to deal with any estate agent, they should look for agents who are certified members of the Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria. Then, scamming will be immediately reduced because redress can be gotten from the association.
“We have a disciplinary committee who looks into this. If we find out that our member is wrong, he will be held accountable. One of the consequences is an immediate de-registration, followed by a newspaper publication, warning the public to avoid such a person.” He stated.
