- Land grabbing declines in Ibeju-Lekki–Epe corridor
- Developer credits enforcement of property laws and security reforms
- Improved relations with host communities boost stability
A real estate developer, Mr. Saheed Mosadoluwa, has noted a significant reduction in land grabbing activities across the Ibeju-Lekki–Epe corridor, attributing the improvement to sustained enforcement of property laws and better collaboration among key stakeholders.
Eko Hot Blog reports that speaking with journalists on Monday, Mosadoluwa, who is affiliated with Harmony Garden, explained that the real estate sector in the axis has witnessed notable stability compared to the situation six to seven years ago when insecurity and illegal land activities posed major challenges to investors.
He recalled that the environment was previously characterized by threats, intimidation, and disputes driven by land grabbers, which discouraged many prospective investors from committing to projects in the area.
“In the past, the sector was highly volatile, and investors faced serious risks, including harassment and violence. It created uncertainty and slowed down development,” he said.
According to him, recent interventions by the Lagos State Government, the judiciary, and security agencies have restored confidence in the sector. He particularly highlighted the enforcement of the Lagos State Property Protection Law and reforms within the Nigeria Police Force as key factors responsible for curbing illegal activities.
“Today, the situation is far better. Investors can now operate with confidence, and the environment is more conducive for business,” he added.
Mosadoluwa also pointed to improved relationships between developers and host communities, commonly referred to as Omo Onile, as another major factor contributing to peace and stability.
He stressed that recognizing the role of these communities and maintaining mutual respect has helped reduce disputes and foster cooperation.
On the economic front, the developer acknowledged ongoing challenges such as rising construction costs, particularly the increase in cement prices, which continue to affect project delivery timelines and pricing.
Despite this, he commended the Federal Government’s housing initiatives under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, describing it as a positive step toward addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit.
He noted that many developers are now introducing flexible payment options, including low initial deposits and extended repayment plans, to make housing more accessible to Nigerians.
However, Mosadoluwa emphasized that developers must go beyond obtaining government allocations by also fulfilling customary land obligations to avoid conflicts with host communities.
“Having government approval alone is not enough. Developers must engage communities and meet customary requirements to ensure smooth operations,” he said.
Looking ahead, he called for stricter enforcement of land laws, improved transparency in property transactions, and stronger regulatory oversight to curb fraudulent practices in the sector.
He warned against issues such as selling land without proper documentation and using property titles as collateral without buyers’ consent, urging regulatory bodies to ensure that only verified properties are marketed.
Mosadoluwa also advised prospective buyers to carry out thorough due diligence, including verifying titles and relevant documents, before making property investments.
He concluded by urging government agencies to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts to further sanitise the sector and attract both local and foreign investors.
