ERCAAN partners firm on agents’ verification

Moved to reduce fraudulent practices in estate agency, especially in the Lagos area, the Estate Rent and Commission Agents Association of Nigeria (ERCAAN) and Shelterz Housing Directory Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to stamp out the menace.

Under the agreement, the association will conduct a biometric verification exercise of all registered estate agents in Nigeria. The representatives of the two organisations – ERCAAN president; Emmanuel Dare, National Secretary, Vincent Okonko and Shelterz Chairman, Sir Andy Ezeobi as well as the Managing Director, Trinity Orji signed the agreement in Lagos.

“The biometric data so collated shall be hosted on an online platform, to make the activities of all agents in the country transparent and create a medium for appropriate government regulations.”

According to the MoU, every registered, duly accredited and recognised agent shall possess a unique identity code, as well as an online profile which shall be readily available and accessible on ERCAAN database website.

It further stated that the registered agents should be issued easily verifiable operational license, with which the public shall list all their properties online for easy accessibility. The MoU, would also gives room to conduct compulsory training and certification courses for estate agents in partnership with a training school.