The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council, has called on government and security agencies to collaborate with the Estate Agents Association in monitoring rented apartments to curb their use as hideouts for criminal activities.
The Chairman of the Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu, made the appeal when he received the State Executive Members of the association on a courtesy visit at the IBB Pen House, Minna.
Comrade Nmodu noted that, given the nature of their services, estate agents are strategically positioned to scrutinize and identify individuals with questionable character before they are allowed to occupy rented apartments.
He recalled previous instances where government had demolished buildings discovered to be harbouring criminal elements in Minna.
He further enjoined members of the association to strictly adhere to professional ethics, avoid sharp practices, and embark on sensitization campaigns to enlighten the public on the legitimacy of their operations.
The NUJ chairman also pledged the Union’s support in publicizing the activities of the association to enhance its credibility.
Earlier, the State Vice President of the association, Mr. Musa Kuchi, said the visit was aimed at fostering synergy with the NUJ for effective dissemination of their activities.
He disclosed that the association, which was established in 1980 and formally registered in 2012, has functional branches across all the 25 local government areas of the state.
Mr. Kuchi emphasized that fraudsters posing as land or property agents are not members of the association, stressing that genuine practitioners are issued identification cards and membership certificate.He revealed that the association has commenced a membership validation exercise to weed out impostors, and appealed to the NUJ for support in ensuring the success of the initiative.
