Unlicensed Property Managers and the Erosion of Professional Estate Management Standards in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Increasing unlicensed property managers in Nigeria’s urban centers have made individuals very concerned about the integrity and professionalism of estate management services. The acts of these unqualified professionals in Ibadan Metropolis have led to property mismanagement, exploitation of clients, and damage to the reputations of estate surveying professionals. This research investigates the impact of unlicensed property managers on the professional mandate of estate surveyors and valuers in Ibadan. Data were collected using a mix of methods, including standardized surveys distributed to registered estate surveyors and in-depth interviews with property owners. Studies indicate that unlicensed agents participate in residential and commercial property management because individuals are not informed adequately about it, the regulations are enforced inadequately, and individuals demand affordable services (Omirin, 2003; Bello & Sanusi, 2006). Their services tend to create poor service delivery, money issues, and erosion of trust from clients, contrary to best practices set by qualified professionals (NIESV, 2020). It recommends an inter-stakeholder approach consisting of professional organizations such as the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), regulatory bodies such as ESVARBON, and awareness among the public to fight quackery. In order to maintain the credibility of the profession, necessary improvement of legal frameworks, enforcement of license standards, and granting professionals more publicity are required. Ultimately, securing the estate management sector against fraud is critical to long-term property development and investors’ confidence in Nigeria. Keywords: Quackery, property management, estate surveyors, unlicensed.