Real estate transactions for many Nigerian realtors can feel like navigating a minefield, one fraught with opaque land titles, questionable agents, and the ever-present threat of land grabbers. Regardless, Lawrita Chinoyerem Agbor is championing a different approach: one where clarity, dignity, and ethics are non-negotiable.
In a recent exclusive, a real estate consultant, HR professional, and human rights advocate, Agbor is expressive in her professionalism.
“I believe real estate should be a tool for stability and long-term wealth creation,” Agbor explains. “At the heart of everything I do is the belief that people deserve clarity, dignity, and opportunity, both in life and in business.”
Agbor’s journey into real estate was anything but conventional. An English Language graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University, she was born and raised in Ilesa, Osun State, though her roots trace to Enugu. That early exposure to diverse cultures, she says, shaped her ability to understand people, a skill that would prove invaluable.
“Studying English Language actually prepared me for it, unknowingly to me,” she says with a smile. “English trained me to communicate clearly, think critically, negotiate effectively, and understand people and those skills are central to what I do today.”
Her pivot to property came from a place of observation and frustration. “I realised that many people lose money or make poor property decisions not because they lack funds, but because they lack information and guidance. That’s where I found my purpose.”
Asked to describe her experience in Nigeria’s notoriously challenging real estate sector, Agbor is characteristically candid.
“It’s been a roller coaster, challenging, rewarding, and deeply educational. Real estate has tested my patience, resilience, and integrity, but it has also been incredibly fulfilling,” she admits.
“Market fluctuations, tough negotiations, and the need to constantly prove credibility in a competitive industry isn’t a small task. Overall, the experience has strengthened me. It has sharpened my understanding of people, taught me discipline and adaptability, and reinforced why transparency and trust are non-negotiable.”
Has she ever regretted the path? Her answer is emphatic.
“No, I have no regrets at all. If anything, I’m deeply grateful that I chose this as a career. Looking back, I see this journey not as an accident, but as a decision I’m proud of.”
One of the sector’s most persistent challenges is land grabbing, a scourge Agbor believes can be tackled with the right mix of regulation, technology, and education.
“Land grabbing is a serious challenge in Nigeria,” she acknowledges. “One key step is ensuring that land ownership records are clear, accessible, and digitised. When titles are properly documented and verifiable, it becomes much harder for unscrupulous individuals to illegally claim land.”
She also calls for stricter enforcement of property laws and collaboration between government, community leaders, and law enforcement. “Public education is critical. Many cases occur because buyers are unaware of the proper verification steps. By educating people about checking titles, understanding local laws, and working with credible professionals, we can significantly reduce the menace.”
Real estate agents often face public criticism, particularly around rental charges. Agbor acknowledges the tension but defends the profession’s value, while demanding higher standards.
“I agree that real estate agents are key players in the industry, and like any profession, there are instances where practices can be misunderstood or perceived as exploitative,” she says carefully. “However, it’s important to understand that agents provide valuable services, connecting landlords and tenants, handling paperwork, ensuring legal compliance, and facilitating smooth transactions which often justifies their fees.”
The solution, she argues, lies in standardisation. “The industry needs clear guidelines on service charges, better regulation, and professional ethics enforcement. Educating both clients and agents about fair practices is also crucial, like the Lagos State Government did.”
“Ultimately, when agents operate professionally, ethically, and transparently, they become trusted partners in real estate, not a source of exploitation.”
On whether the government is doing enough to support the sector, Agbor offers a measured response.
“I believe the government has made some efforts to support the real estate sector,” she says. “However, there is still room for more targeted support.”
She outlines a wish list: clearer land registry systems, streamlined documentation, stronger infrastructure development, and more affordable financing options. “When these systems work efficiently, it benefits not just realtors but also homebuyers, investors, and the broader economy.”
For Lawrita Chinoyerem Agbor, the property business is ultimately about people, protecting their rights, securing their futures, and building a Nigeria where both investors and ordinary citizens can feel truly secure.
