The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to residents about the increasing prevalence of fraudulent real estate activities, particularly concerning the recently inaugurated Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Estate. Dishonest individuals and groups are exploiting social media platforms to deceive the public by falsely advertising the availability of flats within the estate for sale or rent. The Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, emphatically stated that all units within the Egan-Igando Estate have been allocated, rendering any online advertisements claiming otherwise as fraudulent. This scam preys on unsuspecting individuals seeking affordable housing, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness and vigilance.
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its policy regarding the sale and allocation of housing units within its estates. It categorically stated that it does not engage third-party agents for these transactions. The Estate Department of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing is the sole authority responsible for the outright sale of housing units. Meanwhile, allocations under mortgage or rent-to-own schemes are exclusively managed by the Lagos State Mortgage Board. This clarification aims to eliminate confusion and empower the public to identify and avoid fraudulent schemes perpetrated by unauthorized individuals or entities. The government’s transparent process emphasizes direct engagement with the designated authorities, ensuring legitimate transactions and safeguarding individuals from potential financial losses.
To protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent activities, prospective homebuyers are strongly advised to exercise due diligence. The Lagos State Government urges individuals interested in acquiring housing units to verify the authenticity of any advertised property by directly contacting the Estate Department of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing. This crucial step will enable potential buyers to confirm the actual availability and status of the property before making any financial commitments. By verifying information directly with the official channels, individuals can effectively avoid scams and ensure a legitimate purchase process.
The Lagos State Government has made it clear that it will not be held responsible for any financial losses incurred by individuals who patronize fraudulent real estate agents or impostors. While the government is committed to providing affordable housing solutions, it cannot be held liable for the deceptive practices of unauthorized individuals. The onus is on prospective buyers to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any housing offers. This emphasis on personal responsibility underscores the importance of due diligence in protecting oneself from financial exploitation.
Simultaneously, the government is taking proactive measures to prevent the infiltration of its housing estates by fraudulent agents. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Abdulhafis Toriola, has issued a directive to all allottees of the Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Estate to take physical possession of their allocated flats. Failure to comply with this directive may result in the revocation of the allocation. This decisive action aims to eliminate the perception of vacancy that fraudulent agents exploit to deceive unsuspecting individuals. By ensuring prompt occupancy, the government aims to deter unauthorized activities and maintain the integrity of its housing estates.
This comprehensive approach by the Lagos State Government combines public awareness campaigns, clear policy pronouncements, and proactive measures to combat fraudulent real estate practices. By emphasizing direct communication with the designated authorities and urging due diligence, the government empowers individuals to protect themselves from financial exploitation. The directive to allottees to occupy their allocated flats further strengthens the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its housing estates and ensuring that legitimate beneficiaries are not displaced by fraudulent activities. This multi-pronged strategy reflects a determined effort to address a pressing issue and ensure fair and transparent access to housing for all residents.
