The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to legal practitioners who collect agency fees on behalf of property owners, declaring it an illegal practice outside the bounds of legal work.
This strong caution was delivered by Barrister (Mrs.) Barakat Olawunmi Odunuga-Bakare, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, during a recent stakeholders’ meeting with professionals from the built environment sector on April 17, 2025.
Barr. Odunuga-Bakare emphasized that the core responsibility of legal practitioners in property transactions is limited to preparing contractual agreements between landlords and tenants, based on agreed terms. She clarified that the collection of agency fees is strictly the domain of licensed estate agents, not lawyers.
“The collection of agency fees falls solely within the domain of registered commission agents—not lawyers,” she stated. “Legal practitioners who engage in such practices are acting beyond their professional remit and will face appropriate sanctions.”
The Special Adviser also made it clear that any lawyers found in violation of this directive will be reported to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for disciplinary action, emphasizing that such conduct undermines the integrity of the legal profession and distorts the property market.
In addition to targeting lawyers, Odunuga-Bakare condemned the actions of unregistered individuals and quacks who charge tenants arbitrary and excessive fees. She warned that such practices must cease or face legal consequences.
“The Lagos State Government is committed to cleaning up the built environment and protecting residents from exploitation,” she concluded. “We will take strong legal action against anyone who continues to take advantage of innocent citizens.”
