In a decisive move to curb the rising tide of fraudulent activities within the real estate sector, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched a digital reporting portal aimed at addressing complaints related to housing estate scams. The initiative, introduced through the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, provides Nigerians with a dedicated platform to lodge reports of fraudulent estate developers, illegal land allocations, and other sharp practices that have plagued the housing market in recent years.
According to a statement from the Ministry, the portal is part of a broader strategy to sanitize the real estate environment and protect unsuspecting citizens from falling victim to property-related fraud. Nigerians across all states can now submit verified complaints and supporting documents online, enabling regulatory authorities to investigate and take appropriate legal action against defaulters.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, explained that the online platform is designed to promote accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance in the housing sector. He lamented the increasing number of complaints received from home seekers who have been swindled by unregistered developers or duped into purchasing properties in non-existent estates. According to him, the portal will serve as a crucial feedback and intervention mechanism for the government, while also acting as a deterrent to fraudulent actors within the industry.
In recent years, real estate fraud has become a major concern in Nigeria, particularly in urban centres like Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, where demand for housing is high. Several Nigerians have reported losing their life savings to estate schemes that were either never completed or outrightly fictitious. Some victims have also faced double allocations, forged documents, or land sales conducted without the knowledge or consent of rightful landowners.
With the launch of this reporting portal, Nigerians now have a centralised channel to air their grievances and seek redress without bureaucratic bottlenecks. Users are encouraged to upload evidence such as payment receipts, photographs, correspondences, and other relevant documents to support their claims. The Ministry has also assured the public that all reports will be treated with confidentiality and processed within a reasonable timeframe.
Furthermore, the government reiterated its commitment to enforcing existing laws governing the housing and urban development sector. The Minister disclosed that a task force comprising legal experts, surveyors, and town planners has been constituted to work with law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting cases of fraud uncovered through the platform.
As part of efforts to ensure success, the Ministry has also commenced stakeholder engagements with estate developers, professional bodies, and regulatory agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to streamline operational standards and create a safer housing market for all.
The Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to verify the legitimacy of any estate developer or property transaction before making financial commitments. Citizens were also encouraged to take full advantage of the portal and report any suspicious activities, no matter how minor, in a bid to collectively rid the sector of criminal elements and restore public confidence in the Nigerian housing system.
