FALLING HOUSES

The recent demolition of houses in the Ajao Estate and Shasha areas didn't catch me off guard as the media has been reporting similar incidents across Nigeria.

It's particularly disheartening for me as these areas hold some of my fondest childhood memories.

This has left me pondering whether my current landlord had conducted proper due diligence before constructing the house I now call home, which is just a stone's throw away from Ajao Estate.

The prevalence of stories about the public purchasing land or property from illegal sources, building on pipelines or someone else's land, and buying fake lands or properties from so-called government agencies is alarming.

Many people lack awareness of how to purchase from a reliable source or conduct proper surveys before buying.

What's even more unbelievable is that some property owners knowingly build on illegal land.

It highlights the need for transparency in the real estate industry, requiring the efforts of both the public and private sectors.

To prevent unforeseen circumstances, it's crucial to be well-informed and adhere to the proper procedures.

This means educating oneself about the laws and regulations governing land and property acquisition, particularly when the government intends to use the land for developmental purposes.

It also involves understanding the compensation process and avoiding mistakes that could lead to the revocation of your Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

Engaging the services of professionals to conduct thorough research before and after purchasing the land can help prevent future issues.

Obtaining a C of O is also crucial as it grants ownership rights and provides awareness of the entitlements associated with owning the land or property.

Ultimately, it's essential to do your research and ask all the questions. As the saying goes, "You can never ask too many questions."