1st Choice Properties Launches Mobile App to Fight Real Estate Fraud in Nigeria
1st Choice Properties has unveiled a mobile application designed to promote secure, transparent, and genuine real estate transactions across Nigeria. The launch event, held in Lagos, was attended by the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Taiwo Oladapo, and General Manager, Mr. Gbenga Agbana, who explained the app’s purpose in addressing recurring fraud in the housing and property sector.
The app allows Nigerians to rent, buy, or lease landed properties without fear of being deceived by unscrupulous agents or quacks. It features only verified property owners and is structured to protect the rights of both landlords and tenants. Oladapo noted that the platform ensures thorough verification of all parties and clearly defines landlord-tenant relationships.
“We are passionate about ensuring every Nigerian can secure a home where they can sleep comfortably at night and not be subjected to situations where a landlord suddenly asks tenants to vacate because a family member is returning from abroad or the building is to be demolished,” Oladapo said.
The Managing Director emphasized that the app prevents multi-billion-naira losses in the sector, revealing that over ₦100 billion is lost annually in Nigeria to fake and fraudulent real estate transactions.
“The real estate sector faces serious threats from quacks and fraudulent individuals. 1st Choice Properties is here to help redeem the image of real estate practice in Nigeria. We have established a strong legal framework and are working with both state and federal governments. Ultimately, the Nigerian real estate sector will be free from corruption and incompetence,” he added.
Oladapo also urged the government to crack down on unregistered agents, calling for compulsory certification before anyone can operate legally in the real estate sector.
Agbana further explained that the app will prevent millions of Nigerians from losing money to fraudulent property dealers and land speculators.
“The app helps potential investors identify safe opportunities while protecting them from disputed properties, assets confiscated by anti-corruption agencies, or properties without proper legal status. Every year, the country loses billions of naira to corruption in the housing and property sector. This has to stop. With the 1st Choice app, an end has come to corruption in the real estate sector,” he said.
The executives also highlighted Nigeria’s severe housing deficit, noting that fewer than 10% of Nigerians own their homes. Weak regulation has led to billions of naira being lost annually, particularly by Nigerians in the diaspora, due to fraudulent schemes, land grabbers, and unscrupulous property speculators.
“Real estate development in Nigeria is often associated with rising corruption and exploitation of investors. These practices discourage genuine investment efforts both locally and internationally. The 1st Choice app is a strategic solution to protect investors and ensure transparency in the sector,” Agbana added.
The mobile app represents a significant step toward reducing fraud, boosting investor confidence, and improving transparency in Nigeria’s real estate market.
