In a bid to protect its residents from falling victim to property scams, the Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning against dubious individuals parading themselves as authorized property agents. The cautionary message was delivered by Mr. Kamar Olowoshago, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, during a media briefing held at his office in Alausa, Ikeja.
Olowoshago shed light on the distressing issue, stating, “The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to unscrupulous activities of some organizations who parade themselves as agents engaged by the State Government to sell, lease, or rent housing units in Lagos State Government-owned Housing Estates, thereby defrauding unsuspecting individuals.”
These deceitful agents employ various means to lure unsuspecting victims, employing tactics such as distributing flyers and posting enticing social media advertisements, all under the false pretense of being in partnership with the State Ministry of Housing. However, their ultimate goal is to dupe people into purchasing non-existent properties.
Therefore, Olowoshago passionately appealed to the general public to remain vigilant, as he made it unequivocally clear that “the state government has not appointed or empowered any individual or organization to sell, lease, or rent out housing units on its behalf.”
To ensure transparency and accountability, Olowoshago highlighted the authorized government agencies responsible for housing matters. For outright purchase of housing units, individuals are directed to approach the Estate Department of the Ministry of Housing, located at Block 3, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja. On the other hand, for allocation through the Mortgage or Rent-to-Own Scheme, interested parties should contact the Lagos State Mortgage Board situated at NECA House, Plot A2 Hakeem Balogun Way, Alausa CBD, Ikeja.
Furthermore, Olowoshago emphasized the need for thorough verification when purchasing homes from existing allottees. Prospective buyers are urged to authenticate the ownership of the properties and obtain a Certified True Copy of the original letter of allocation at the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Alausa – Ikeja.
“The State Government will in no way be liable for any loss incurred through patronage of such fraudulent deals with impostors,” Olowoshago declared firmly. He warned that any individual or organization caught engaging in these criminal acts of deception would face legal consequences.
In light of this warning, residents and potential homebuyers in Lagos State are urged to exercise caution, verify the authenticity of property agents, and utilize the authorized channels provided by the government. By remaining vigilant and informed, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to property scams and contribute to a safer housing market in Lagos State.
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