An Estate Surveyor and Valuer ESV Joseph Ogbonnaya Ajah said that Rebuilding public trust in real estate practice is not a task for government and regulators alone; it begins with every professional who chooses integrity over convenience.
Ajah made this known Wednesday, in Abuja .
He said the public perception of real estate practice has been clouded by growing distrust, arising from unethical conduct, misinformation, and the activities of unregulated practitioners.
He explained that
in every society, the real estate sector plays a critical role in shaping human settlement, investment, and development.
“It is one of the few professions that touch almost every aspect of daily life — where people live, work, and invest. Yet, despite its importance, there is public mistrust.
According to him, the trust deficit: in recent years, the Nigerian real estate industry has witnessed a worrying erosion of public confidence. “Incidents of multiple sales of the same property, inflated valuations, false claims of ownership, and unprofessional dealings have dominated the space. “Many clients have fallen victim to fraudulent middlemen posing as agents, while genuine professionals often find themselves unfairly judged by the misconduct of others.
Trust, once lost, is not easily regained”.
He stressed that rebuilding this trust demands a collective return to ethical conduct and professional discipline, the twin pillars on which any respected profession stands.
Ethics and Professionalism:
He said a true professional estate surveyor or valuer upholds honesty in all transactions, provides accurate information to clients, and ensures confidentiality and fairness in dealings. “These virtues distinguish trained professionals from mere market operators”.
Challenges to Ethical Practice:
He said that several factors have contributed to the decline in ethical standards within the profession.
“Chief among them is the infiltration of unqualified individuals who parade themselves as agents or consultants,exploiting public ignorance and weak enforcement mechanisms”.
Equally concerning is the temptation among some practitioners to compromise ethical standards for quick financial gains. Misrepresentation of property details, conflicts of interest in valuation, lack of transparency in fees, and failure to disclose material facts are all symptoms of a deeper ethical crisis.
He said moreover, inadequate regulatory enforcement, limited public awareness, and insufficient continuing professional education have compounded the problem.
The Role of Professional Bodies: He stated that the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) remain the custodians of standards in the profession.
“Their codes of conduct and disciplinary frameworks are designed to ensure integrity and accountability”.
Rebuilding Public Trust: Restoring confidence in real estate practice requires both individual and institutional commitment.
He advised that practitioners must recommit themselves to truth, transparency, and fairness in all dealings.
Every transaction should reflect honesty, from valuation to property management and agency.
“Accountability is also key. Firms should adopt internal compliance systems to monitor staff behaviour and maintain proper documentation. Transparent communication with clients including clear agreements, accurate valuations, and honest advice helps foster credibility”.
He said there is a need for public education.
The public must be enlightened on how to identify and engage only registered professionals. A well-informed public is the best defence against quackery.
“Embracing Technology for Transparency: Technology now offers tools that can strengthen ethical practice. Digital property listings, blockchain-based registries, and online verification portals can help eliminate fraud and improve accountability. Professionals who embrace such innovations demonstrate their commitment to modern, transparent, and ethical service delivery”.
He concluded by saying that
ethical conduct must not be seen as an obligation but as the lifeblood of the profession.
“When honesty, fairness, and competence once again become the norm rather than the exception, the public will not only trust the real estate profession they will respect it”.
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