By Ebunoluwa Sessou

Estate, Rent and Commission Agents Association of Nigeria, ERCAAN, has reaffirmed its commitment to sanitising the real estate sector, strengthening regulatory compliance, and deepening collaboration with the Lagos State Government, following the successful conduct of its Lagos State chapter election.

Speaking at the inauguration of the newly elected ERCAAN executive in Lagos, the Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Prince Sunny Yemi Adenowo, charged the newly elected executive members to prioritise unity and tackle fraudulent practices within the industry.

He expressed concern over the activities of unregistered individuals posing as estate agents, describing them as a major threat to professionalism in the sector.

“Some are carpenters, bricklayers, tailors, even operating under mechanic workshops or roadside spaces, yet they present themselves as estate agents,” Adenowo said. “Because people are desperate to secure accommodation, they fall victim to these quacks.”

He noted that the association is working toward establishing a comprehensive database of members nationwide to enable easy identification and tracking. According to him, once operational, the database will display a member’s registration details, location and membership number, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Adenowo added that the incoming state executives must collaborate closely with security agencies and the state regulatory body, the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, LASRERA, to curb illegal practices.

On rising rental costs and multiple charges, Adenowo clarified that rent is primarily determined by property owners, not agents. However, he stressed that agents are expected to advise landlords on reasonable pricing to ensure affordability for tenants.

He reiterated that, in line with agreements with the Lagos State Government, tenancy payments should not exceed one year’s rent.

Regarding agency and agreement fees, Adenowo said ERCAAN’s constitution permits a 10 per cent commission on rental transactions and five per cent on property sales, although the state government has directed agents to charge 5 per cent on rentals. He acknowledged that disputes often arise when landlords and lawyers demand a share of agreement fees, leading to inflated charges.

“To address this, we will intensify workshops and seminars to educate our members and landlords on the lawful charges approved by government,” he said, adding that advocacy and enforcement would be strengthened to ensure compliance.

Meanwhile, the National President of ERCAAN, Mr. Godwin Alenkhe, described the peaceful election as evidence of the association’s constitutional strength and maturity.

“It shows we are progressing and can transfer power without crisis,” he said, noting that previous internal disputes had been resolved, making the association more formidable.

Alenkhe said ERCAAN monitors members to ensure compliance with its ethical standards and constitutional provisions. However, he admitted that regulating non-members remains a major challenge.

He appealed to the Lagos State Government to enforce existing laws requiring estate practitioners to obtain operational permits, warning that violators risk fines of up to N1 million or three months’ imprisonment.

Also, the outgoing Lagos State Chairman, Mr. Kassim Adeshina, expressed satisfaction with the transparent and peaceful transition, describing the new administration as an extension of the outgoing executive.

He urged the new leadership to consolidate ongoing policies and programmes that could not be completed during his tenure.

In his reaction, the newly elected Lagos State Chairman, Mr. Godwin Dimeji, pledged to focus on training, capacity building and ethical compliance, while fostering stronger collaboration with the state government.

“This is the first time we are having a unified body after resolving internal crises,” Dimeji said. “We will partner with the government as stakeholders, not as master and servant, but as partners in progress.”

He emphasised that ERCAAN would work within the ambit of the law to root out quackery, stressing that meaningful reform can only be achieved through sustained partnership with regulatory authorities.

The association maintained that with improved regulation, member training and government support, the real estate sector in Lagos and across Nigeria can achieve greater professionalism and public trust.