The House of Representatives has intensified efforts to establish a National Real Estate Regulatory Authority to tackle fraud, strengthen consumer protection and improve investor confidence in Nigeria’s property market.

The proposal was discussed at a national stakeholders’ conference organised by the Office of the Speaker and the House Committee on Housing and Habitat in Abuja on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The conference, chaired by the committee’s chairman, Abdulmumin Jibrin, brought together

policymakers, property developers, investors and legal practitioners to discuss a regulatory framework for the country’s real estate industry.

Proposed authority to regulate real estate practitioners

The proposed National Real Estate Regulatory Authority (NRERA) is expected to introduce stronger oversight of property transactions and professional activities across the sector.

Among the responsibilities proposed for the authority are licensing real estate practitioners, enforcing relevant building standards and monitoring financial compliance to discourage the use of property transactions for money laundering.

Supporters of the initiative say a coordinated regulatory framework could improve transparency, protect homebuyers and encourage greater domestic and foreign investment in the housing market.

Dr Gbadewole Amos Kayode, Vice-Chairman of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria for the FCT-Abuja, backed the proposal, arguing that licensing practitioners through a federal regulatory institution could improve professional standards.

Stakeholders raise concerns over overlapping regulations

Discussions at the conference also highlighted concerns about possible conflicts between the proposed federal authority and existing state-level housing and real estate agencies.

Some developers cautioned that poorly coordinated regulation could create additional bureaucratic requirements for businesses already operating under state laws.

They called for clear definitions of responsibilities to prevent overlapping mandates and ensure that the proposed authority complements existing institutions.

A joint committee is expected to harmonise recommendations from the conference into the draft NRERA legislation.

Real estate fraud remains a major concern

The proposed legislation comes amid continuing concerns about fraudulent property transactions, unregistered agents, disputed land ownership and failed housing developments.

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development launched a Housing Fraud Reporting Portal in August 2025 to allow Nigerians to report suspected fraudulent practices and submit supporting evidence.

The ministry said the platform was developed in partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to strengthen transparency and improve responses to complaints.

The proposed national authority would represent a further effort to establish clearer rules for participants in the property market.

However, the proposal remains subject to the legislative process.

The conference and its recommendations do not mean that the authority has already been established or that its proposed powers are currently in force.