The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to residents to steer clear of fraudulent estate agents advertising non-existent housing units in government-owned estates. The warning comes after a deceptive video circulated on social media falsely claimed that flats at the recently inaugurated Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Estate were up for sale.
The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, condemned the misleading advertisement and clarified that the estate in question has already been fully allocated. He emphasised that the purported availability of flats in the viral online video is “a fraudulent act by the agent involved.”
Akinderu-Fatai further clarified that the Lagos State Government does not contract any agent or third party to handle the sale, lease, or rent of its housing units. All transactions involving government housing schemes are strictly handled by relevant government institutions.
“The Estate Department of the Ministry of Housing is solely responsible for outright sales, while mortgage or rent-to-own schemes fall under the jurisdiction of the Lagos State Mortgage Board,” the Commissioner stated.
He advised Lagos residents to exercise caution by verifying any advertised offers directly with the Ministry of Housing before making payments or entering any contractual agreements. He reiterated that due diligence is crucial to avoid falling victim to housing scams, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread on digital platforms.
In a show of commitment to protecting the integrity of its housing programs, the Ministry of Housing stated that any individuals or organisations found guilty of impersonating government officials or fraudulently marketing public housing will face legal consequences.
“The Lagos State Government will not be liable for any financial losses incurred through illegal dealings. Perpetrators will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Akinderu-Fatai warned.
Adding to the government’s cautionary measures, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Abdulhafis Toriola, instructed all allottees of the Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Estate to take physical possession of their allocated flats without delay. He noted that vacant apartments are being wrongly presumed to be unallocated, which has encouraged the proliferation of fake agents operating around the estate.
“Failure to occupy allocated flats may lead to revocation of such units,” Toriola warned, underscoring the importance of preventing criminal exploitation of the estate’s housing units.
Lagos, as Nigeria’s most populous and commercially vibrant city, has long been a hotspot for real estate fraud. Many unsuspecting residents have been defrauded by individuals posing as property agents or estate developers. The government has consistently advised citizens to verify the authenticity of property listings and to report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
To mitigate further scams, the Ministry of Housing plans to intensify public awareness campaigns through both traditional and social media platforms. Residents are encouraged to contact the Lagos State Ministry of Housing or visit their offices directly for any inquiries related to state-owned housing schemes.