Born out of a deep concern for the challenges faced by low-income earners and small business owners who often struggle to gather the necessary funds to make a significant land purchase, the CEO of Egovas Global Limited (EGL), a real estate firm, Dr. Blessing Ejedoh Gerald, has reaffirmed dedication to simplifying the process of land acquisition for market men and women, business owners, and professionals across the southern region of the country.
  
Gerald, a multiple award-winning entrepreneur, philanthropist, and serial businesswoman, said this during a media interview recently. According to her, the visionary company is committed to making property ownership accessible to individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their financial background. She emphasised that EGL’s mission is to help people secure their future by becoming homeowners.
  
“I observed that many people face challenges accessing genuine land ownership, particularly market women and small business owners, plus poor information on land acquisition. EGL vision is one of inclusivity and empowerment, as we work to ensure that every Nigerian has the opportunity to invest in their own land and, ultimately, their future. The idea is to make land ownership accessible, transparent, and hassle-free. To bring about this positive change, during the festive season EGL rolled out a unique programme designed to bring joy and hope to families. The flexible payment plans caters to the needs of individuals.

This approach is intended to make land banking more accessible and affordable for people at all income levels,” Gerald said. On how to simplify the process of land acquisition for low income earners, she said: “We offer tailored solutions. We provide flexible payment plans that allow clients to pay over 18 months, assist with proper documentation, and ensure the lands we sell are free from disputes. We also run a cooperative initiative where members pool resources and acquire land individually or collectively.

Additionally, we occasionally launch discount programmes targeted at low-income earners to encourage participation. For market women and business owners, we partner with cooperatives and community groups, bringing the process closer to them and addressing their unique needs. Transparency is key – we educate them on what to expect at every stage with a very strong knowledge based team.”
  
Speaking on the peculiar challenges of acquiring land in the Southern region of Nigeria, and how it can be addressed, Gerald said: “the challenges include disputes over traditional ownership, lack of proper documentation, and issues with “Omonile” (local land grabbers). Addressing these requires thorough due diligence, working with credible surveyors, and maintaining strong relationships with local communities and traditional rulers. We also advocate for individuals to buy properties from trusted real estate companies.”

Housing deficit continues to be a challenge in Nigeria. How do you think public-private partnerships can address this challenge? The EGL Boss responded: “Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are key to addressing the housing deficit. The government can provide land and incentives like housing loans, while private companies can bring innovation and construction expertise. Together, they can create affordable housing projects, focusing on mass production and minimising costs. Such collaborations would also make housing more accessible to middle – and low-income earners.”

How do you deal with the land grabbers’ challenge in the services you offer to your clients? Gerald said: “We mitigate land grabber challenges by conducting thorough due diligence before any land acquisition. We involve local authorities and community leaders in our transactions and ensure all documents are verified. For clients, we provide legal assistance and advocate for policies that protect landowners from such threats.”

Gerald also gave insights on how the government can ease land and housing ownership in Nigeria. “The government can simplify the land registration process, reduce the cost of land documentation, and ensure that C of Os is easily issued in a timely manner. Additionally, introducing incentives for private developers, like tax relief and access to low-interest loans, would encourage more affordable housing projects. Finally, stronger laws against land grabbing and better enforcement mechanisms would protect buyers and investors.”