The Lagos State Government has sounded a strong warning to residents and home seekers across the state, urging them to avoid dealings with fake or unregistered estate agents. This alert follows a surge in reports of fraudulent operators masquerading as legitimate agents, targeting unsuspecting buyers, sellers, and tenants.
At a briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Mr. Kamar Olowoshago, disclosed that several rogue individuals and groups have been posing as agents endorsed by the State Government to sell, lease, or rent properties in state-owned housing estates—including the recently commissioned Egan‑Igando Mixed Housing Estate. He emphasised that the state has not authorised any external parties to handle these properties, and described the circulation of flyers and online adverts offering unallocated units as deliberate deception.
Mr. Olowoshago implored members of the public to carry out due diligence by visiting the Estate Department of the Ministry of Housing or the Lagos State Mortgage Board before proceeding with any transaction tied to state properties. He also advised individuals seeking homes from current allottees to verify ownership and obtain certified copies of allocation letters through official channels. The State Government, he made clear, bears no responsibility for losses arising from interactions with impostor agents, and confirmed that anyone caught impersonating or misrepresenting government affiliation will be prosecuted.
Further reinforcing the warning, the Special Adviser on Housing to the Governor, Mrs. Barakat Odunuga‑Bakare, reiterated the need for residents to transact only with agents officially registered with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA). She revealed that LASRERA currently lists over 900 individuals and firms on its official portal, encouraging Lagosians to confirm registration before making any payments or signing contracts. Operating as a real estate agent in Lagos without LASRERA approval, she said, constitutes a legal offence and carries serious financial and legal risks.
Mrs. Odunuga‑Bakare also appealed to citizens to cooperate by reporting suspicious agents to LASRERA, as collective vigilance is essential to curbing fraudulent activity and strengthening transparency in the real estate sector.
In addition, the Government affirmed its partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to formally clamp down on deceptive practitioners engaged in property scams, document forgery, or illegal sales. Together, LASRERA and EFCC are empowered to investigate and prosecute offenders across the housing sector, reinforcing investor confidence and restoring public trust.
The Lagos Housing Ministry emphasises that all legitimate estate transactions must flow through recognised government departments or properly registered professionals. Prospective home buyers and tenants are advised to seek official verification of agent credentials and property status before proceeding with any transaction. This combined approach aims to protect consumers, mitigate risk, and uphold the integrity of the state’s growing housing initiatives.
