Concerns are mounting over transparency issues in Nigeria’s property market as civil society organizations highlight growing dissatisfaction among real estate buyers. The Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG), a coalition of over 17 advocacy bodies, has raised alarm over recurring documentation lapses and unresolved ownership claims, citing a recent case involving Pwan Real Estate Company.
During a press briefing held in Abuja, CSGGG’s Public Relations Officer, Comrade Austin Peacemaker Inaede, revealed that the group has received multiple complaints from property buyers facing similar frustrations. One such case involved Mr. Tochukwu Ariwodo, who in 2022 purchased a 600-square-meter plot in Pwan Prestige Estate, Lagos. Despite fulfilling all payment obligations nearly three years ago, Mr. Ariwodo is yet to receive key legal documents that affirm his ownership of the land.
Inaede explained that, to date, Mr. Ariwodo has only received a receipt of payment, a contract of sale, and a letter of allocation—documents which, while part of the process, do not confer legal ownership under Nigerian law without additional documentation such as the deed of assignment, survey plan, certificate of occupancy, or governor’s consent. Repeated follow-ups through calls, letters, and visits to the company’s office in Lagos have not yielded results.
The civil society group stated that preliminary findings, backed by online testimonials and public feedback, suggest this is not an isolated case. Similar patterns of unresolved documentation have been reported by other buyers. In response, CSGGG has issued a seven-day deadline to the company to resolve the issue either by providing the complete set of legal documents or taking clear steps toward resolution.
Failure to act, Inaede warned, would prompt the group to begin peaceful awareness campaigns nationwide and formally involve regulatory and law enforcement agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force. He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to fair and lawful engagement while urging other Nigerians with similar experiences to speak out.
Calling for greater transparency and industry accountability, Inaede stressed that the coalition’s broader goal is to drive systemic reforms that safeguard buyer rights and ensure real estate transactions comply with established legal standards.
