From Our Correspondent
Awka (Anambra), Jan. 26, ’26 (TNZ) Anambra State Government says it has begun regulating estate development and curbing fraudulent practices among real estate developers and agents.
TheNewsZenith quotes the Commissioner for Housing, Mr Pauly Onyeka, as announcing this on Monday in Awka.
Onyeka made the when executive members of the Awka Estate Agents Association paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
He expressed worries over what he described as widespread, unregulated, and fraudulent activities in the real estate sector.
The commissioner noted that the State Government set up the ministry to establish an enforcement team to checkmate such practices across the state.
“It is sad that some developers acquire land from host communities and resell the same at exorbitant prices without meeting agreed financial obligations to the original landowners.
“The influx of untrained persons into estate agency and land speculation has worsened the situation.
“It often results in arbitrary hikes in house rents and property prices,” TheNewsZenith quotes him as saying.
Onyeka said the unchecked practices had led to widespread fraud, particularly affecting Anambra indigenes in the diaspora.
Read Related News:
- Estate Developer tasks FG to develop investible policies
- Firm bags real estate sector award
- Lekki Estate residents task LASG on road infrastructure
- Christmas: LAWMA pledges seamless waste management
- Owutu residents resist land grabber, seek Sanwo-Olu’s intervention
These diaspora Anambrans have invested in landed property with the expectation of appreciation, he noted.
“Many of such investors often return years later only to discover that the lands they acquired remained undeveloped.
“The situation had become critical, as anyone could now pose as an estate developer or agent.
“Consequently, this is exposing members of the public to the risk of losing their hard-earned money through fraudulent sales.
“To address the challenges, the ministry will set up a dedicated enforcement team to regulate real estate operators.
“We will also embark on sustained public sensitisation through radio and social media platforms.
“I urge residents to remain vigilant in their property transactions,” TheNewsZenith quotes Onyeka as saying.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Awka Estate Agents Association, Mr Nnamah Izuchukwu, commended the government’s efforts for sanitising the sector.
Izuchukwu pledged the association’s full cooperation in identifying and eliminating bad actors within the industry. (TNZ)
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share stories of local happenings with TheNewsZenith on WhatsApp: +2348033668669. For more scintillating news, visit our website: www.thenewszenith.com. Also follow us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thenewszenithOnline, Facebook: www.facebook.com/@thenewszenithonline & Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@thenewszenithonline
