Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Property Agents of Nigeria (APAN), Barr. K.M.I. Chile, has appealed to the Ebonyi State Government to work with the association in sanitizing the property sector rather than enforcing an outright ban on agents.
Chile stressed that while fraudulent activities by quack agents are a genuine concern, abolishing agency business entirely would be impractical. Instead, he argued that proper laws, guidelines, and collaboration with APAN would provide a more sustainable solution.
<“Agency business cannot be abolished entirely because the demand for housing support services will always exist, With regulation and partnership, the fraudulent activities the governor is worried about can be eliminated.” he said.>
Background to the Ban
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru recently announced a sweeping ban on house and land agents in Ebonyi State, effective 2026. The governor accused agents of exploiting residents, charging excessive and illegal fees sometimes up to ₦500,000 for properties they did not own.
Under the new policy, no agent will be permitted to collect money from individuals seeking accommodation across the state, with direct transactions between landlords and tenants expected to become the new norm.
APAN’s Role in Regulation
Bar. Chile explained that APAN, founded in 2008, was established to organize property agents into a credible professional body that promotes accountability and orderliness. He cited successful collaborations with Lagos and Rivers State governments, where the association helped tackle rent hikes and fraudulent practices.
He added that APAN provides training, induction, and registration for practitioners, enabling clients to differentiate between legitimate agents and impostors. According to him the association also works with law enforcement, acting on directives from the Inspector General of Police to report suspected fake agents.
Call for Stronger Legal Framework
While acknowledging that some state laws and trade acts cover aspects of property agency, Chile noted that Nigeria still lacks a comprehensive national law regulating the practice. This legal vacuum, he said, has allowed fraudulent activities to flourish.
Final Appeal
In a direct message to Governor Nwifuru, Chile said:
“Our appeal is to work with the government because we share the same vision to ensure there are no obstacles for people seeking accommodation, land, or property. Housing is a global challenge, and APAN will support any government willing to streamline and enhance the sector.”
He also highlighted APAN’s partnerships with international organizations such as the Habitat Union Organisation, stressing the importance of professionalism and global best practices in Nigeria’s real estate industry.