The Lagos State Government has entered into a partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to strengthen efforts against fraud and other illegal activities in the state’s real estate sector. The collaboration aims to improve transparency, protect property buyers and investors, and restore public confidence in land and housing transactions.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement, state officials said the partnership will focus on identifying fraudulent real estate schemes, investigating land-related financial crimes, and strengthening enforcement against individuals and organisations involved in property scams. The initiative is also expected to enhance information sharing between both institutions to improve regulatory oversight.
The government noted that the rapid growth of Lagos’ real estate market has created opportunities for fraudulent land transactions, fake property allocations, multiple sales of the same property, forged land documents, and unregistered estate developments. Authorities said stronger collaboration with the EFCC will help reduce these practices and improve accountability across the sector.
Officials also urged prospective property buyers and investors to carry out proper due diligence before purchasing land or housing units. They advised members of the public to verify property ownership, confirm land titles with relevant government agencies, and engage qualified legal and real estate professionals before completing transactions.
The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to investigating and prosecuting financial crimes within the real estate industry, stressing that fraudulent activities undermine investor confidence, discourage legitimate investment, and negatively affect economic development.
Stakeholders welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step towards sanitising Nigeria’s real estate market. They called for stronger regulation, digital land administration systems, improved property registration processes, and greater public awareness to reduce fraud and promote a more transparent property sector.
The Lagos State Government reiterated that protecting investors and ensuring integrity within the real estate industry remain key priorities as the state continues to attract local and international investment in housing and infrastructure development.
