…Says, ‘era of real estate fraud over’
Ayodele Olalere
The Lagos State Government, on Thursday, began moves to curb incessant cases of fraud by estate agents in the state with the launching of a portal, Www.lasrera.lagosstate.gov.ng.
The portal is to be used to register all estate agents in the state with a view to monitor activities of estate agents and prosecute fraudulent ones.
According to the Special Adviser to the governor on Housing, Mrs. Toke Benson, while addressing journalists in a press briefing, the portal would end the era of fraudulent practices in the real estate sector.
She said government would no longer tolerate activities of estate agents who defraud Lagosians on the pretence of securing accommodation or any form of property for prospective buyers or tenants.
She added that, henceforth, it would no longer be business as usual in real estate sector.
Said she, “We are well aware of the trend of fraudulent practices of some real estate agents and property developers.
“This is reflected in the complaints received by the agency in recent time of residents who had fallen victims to fake real estate practitioners and property developers while seeking for accommodation, purchasing and selling of properties.
“As you all know, Lagos state has been the commercial and economic nerve centre of Nigeria and Africa with investments opportunities hence the net migration to the state.
“The state government has worked tirelessly over the years to curb the increasing fraudulent practices in this sector and this explains the need to sanitise the industry.
“We are aware of the activities of some of these agents, who go about defrauding Lagosians in the guise of providing accommodation or properties, in terms of lease or outright sale.
“We have been able to prosecute one of such so far. We’re in court with others now. All prosecutions are done through the law courts.
“Recently, a lady from the United State, came to my office, who was duped of N30 million by a particular company with offices in Victoria Island and Magodo.
“We have cases of about 70 people defrauded by some agents. Also, I’m aware of a case of 30 people defrauded by another agent.
“There are instances where agents defraud prospective clients of agency fees of say, N5000, and showing them properties that are not listed or that they do not even know the owners.
“All these are the narratives we want to change. What we are saying is, if you defraud our people, we will prosecute you. In line with the T.H.E.M.E Agenda of Mr. Governor on the improving Technology Infrastructure, we are today unveiling the website, social media handles and registration portal for the effective management and communication amongst the stakeholders.
“The interactive website would enhance post COVID compliance initiatives and promote transparency. It would become a one stop shop to stakeholders and government.”
According to her, the new agency’s Website is: www.lasrera.com and registrations Portal: www.lasrera.lagosstate.gov.ng.
She continued, “The robust platform houses a brief history of our initiatives, our aims and goal, our commitment to the people, a complaint section, a registration portal which allows you to upload document.
“We remain committed to providing an enabling environment and transparent real estate sector conforming to international best practices while safeguarding the ultimate interest of all the stakeholders.
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“From now, to practice in Lagos as an agent, you must be registered on the website, you must be at least, a school certificate holder, you must have an office as individuals, if you’re an organisation, you must have a board or management team.
“Every agent that’s registered will be put on a portal, a compendium which will have all listed agents for easy tracking and follow up. This is part of the purpose of the registration,” she added.
She, however, said government does not charge any amount to defend Lagosians who feel the need to be defended in the court of law, adding there is now a change in the name of a department under the Ministry of Housing, formerly known as Lagos State Real Estate Transaction Department, to Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).
The change in the name, according to her, also upgraded the erstwhile department to a full agency that would be supervised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing.
