The Estate Rent and Commission Agents Association of Nigeria (ERCAAN) has finally achieved reconciliation after two decades of internal strife and division. This reunification marks a significant turning point for the organization, which has been plagued by leadership disputes since 2003. The prolonged period of discord has not only hampered the association’s growth and development but has also contributed to a climate of indiscipline and sharp practices within the real estate sector. With the acceptance of the reconciliation committee’s report, ERCAAN is poised to embark on a new era of unity and progress, focusing on restoring its reputation and addressing the challenges that have arisen from years of internal conflict.
The reconciliation process, culminating in the presentation of the committee’s report in Abeokuta, was met with widespread enthusiasm and optimism amongst ERCAAN members. Alhaji Isa Agbaje, a founding member and trustee of the association, expressed his profound satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the detrimental impact of disunity on the organization’s ability to fulfill its mandate. He highlighted the link between the lack of cohesion and the proliferation of unprofessional conduct among some members, including arbitrary increases in rents and commissions, as well as other unethical practices. The newly forged unity, he asserted, will empower the association to implement much-needed reforms and sanitize the industry, ensuring accountability and ethical conduct amongst its members.
The reconciliation efforts were not limited to addressing internal divisions within ERCAAN. A key objective was to foster a sense of shared purpose and collaboration among all stakeholders in the real estate sector. This included reaching out to aggrieved members who had distanced themselves from the association due to the protracted leadership crisis. Agbaje extended a heartfelt invitation to these members, urging them to rejoin the fold and contribute to the collective effort of rebuilding and strengthening the association. The overarching goal is to create a unified and effective organization capable of representing the interests of all estate agents and promoting a more transparent and ethical real estate market in Nigeria.
The successful reconciliation is seen as a vital step towards addressing the numerous challenges facing the real estate sector. The fragmented nature of the association had previously hindered its ability to effectively advocate for its members and regulate the industry. With a unified voice, ERCAAN is now better positioned to engage with government agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to address issues such as rent control, property registration, and the development of a more robust legal framework for the real estate industry. This collaborative approach promises to not only benefit the association’s members but also improve the overall functioning of the real estate market, ensuring greater stability and predictability.
Mr. Johnson Ajikan, the former Lagos State Chairman of ERCAAN, echoed Agbaje’s sentiments, praising the reconciliation committee for its tireless efforts and expressing confidence in the association’s future. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming elections, which will further solidify the unification process and establish a new leadership structure to guide ERCAAN forward. The formation of a nine-member electoral committee tasked with conducting elections across all states signifies the commitment to democratic principles and inclusivity within the organization. This transparent and participatory process aims to ensure that all members have a voice in shaping the future of ERCAAN and selecting leaders who will effectively represent their interests.
The reconciliation of ERCAAN signals a new chapter for the association and the Nigerian real estate sector as a whole. The unified body is now better equipped to tackle the challenges that have long plagued the industry, from unethical practices to the lack of standardized regulations. By working together, ERCAAN members can promote professionalism, transparency, and accountability within the real estate market, ultimately benefiting both agents and clients. The successful reconciliation serves as a testament to the power of dialogue, compromise, and a shared vision for a stronger and more unified organization. It sets the stage for a future where ERCAAN can effectively advocate for its members, contribute to the development of sound real estate policies, and play a vital role in shaping a more vibrant and sustainable real estate sector in Nigeria.
