BY KASE GREATNESS
IN the intricate world of real estate, the sanctity of land approvals serves as a cornerstone of trust and legality. These approvals, granted by regulatory organ of government are the golden tickets that permit the transformation of raw land into vibrant communities, bustling commercial centers, or serene residential havens.
However, the specter of fake land approvals looms large, casting a shadow of risk and uncertainty over developers, investors and unsuspecting buyers. This article delves into the multifaceted dangers posed by these fraudulent documents, exploring their impact on individuals, communities and the broader economy.
One of the most immediate and devastating consequences of fake land approvals is the financial ruin they can inflict. Developers who unknowingly invest in projects built on land with fraudulent approvals face the grim prospect of having their investments nullified. Construction may be halted, buildings may be demolished, and loans may be foreclosed, leaving individuals and businesses bankrupt. Moreover, the legal battles that ensue can be protracted and costly, further exacerbating the financial burden of the victims. Investors, too, are vulnerable, as they may purchase properties based on the false premise of legitimate approvals, only to discover that their investments are worthless.
Recently, the Commissioner for Urban Renewal, in Delta State, Engr. Michael Anoka in a meeting with some Area Planning Officers in Asaba, was addressing the issue of fake land approval given to citizens by some Area Planning Officers in the state. He was responding to allegations by some private town planning consultants, who accused the ministry of undue interference in planning functions and issuing development approvals contrary to laid-down procedures.
In order to curb the illegal activities being carried out by some fraudulent Area Planning Officers in the state, the Delta State Government has announced plans to implement a digitalised system aimed at curbing fraudulent practices in its urban planning processes. He further stated, “We have identified fraud and fake approvals as a major challenge in our ministry, and we are putting firm measures in place to address them.
“One such measure is the introduction of a coding system for all policy plans. This will enable us to trace each development approval to the specific Area Planning Officer (APO) responsible, thereby eliminating forgery, impersonation, under-assessment , and unauthorised approvals,” he said. He revealed that the ministry had discovered ins tances where APOs approved development plans outside their designated jurisdictions, and even cases involving the use of approval stamps belonging to deceased officers. And also collect huge amount of money from them without giving them the right approval. To ensure transparency and accountability, Anoka said the new coding process would allow the Permanent Secretary to monitor all approvals issued by APOs and evaluate service delivery accordingly. The commissioner warned that any town planning consultants engaging in fraudulent acts or colluding with unethical staff would be dealt with according to the law. According to him, “We are serious about cleaning up the system. Anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law. Technology will help us deliver better, faster, and more transparent service to the public.” He further announced the establishment of a Development Control Unit, tasked with conducting routine inspections to enforce compliance with development standards and minimise cases of substandard work and fraudulent approvals.
These steps enunciated by the commissioner will reduce such illegal activities practices carried out by these unconscious APOs who does not care about the feelings of the investors when they are faced with demolition letters and financial devastating mood.
The introduction of the the coding system by the ministry is not welcome by those involved in the fraudulent act but the commissioner was clear on the directive that anyone found guilty must be made to face the punishment. The coding, no doubt, will empower the permanent secretary to detect whosoever issue such fake approval because no approval will be issued any longer without a code.
So with every APOs having several codes, it will be made easy to track down the fraudulent once among them whenever a complaint is being tabled. Aside the coding system that which will be checked by the heads of the ministry, the introduction of the development control unit, which will be in charge of conducting routine inspections will help to reduce the damages. For instance, if a fraudulent land approval is being presented without the ministry head tracking it down immediately those in charge of routine check can also able to trace it on time to avoid both the investors who are building on the land to receive a quick alert to stop working until they get the right approval with a view to reducing the level of the damage they will be faced with.
Those offering fraudulent approval fails to understand that when discovered a lot of damage will arise. For owners of properties that are not too strong health wise such news of demolition brought before them can lead to some serious health issues or even death if no proper measures was taken to avert that. So they should focus on the futuristic damage that maybe so disastrous leading to so much painful experiences without remedies. Some may not be able to recover from such financial devastating moment again.
Beyond the financial devastation, fake land approvals can also lead to severe environmental and social consequences. Fraudulent approvals often bypass crucial environmental impact assessments, potentially leading to the destruction of natural habitats, pollution of water sources, and increased risk of natural disasters.
Recently during the normal routine check by the Ministry of Urban Renewal on those with fake approval or no approval at all which I was part of the movement as a journalist, we discovered a house built so close to a collapse drainage system which was caused by erosion. The erosion is so serious that it took out the fence of the building. With proper approval, such buildings are not supposed to be approved so close to the drainage system that is meant to direct flood. So fruadulent
Furthermore, they can facilitate the construction of substandard housing, inadequate infrastructure, and poorly planned communities, leading to social unrest and a decline in the quality of life. In some cases, fake approvals may even be used to displace communities and seize land illegally, exacerbating social inequalities and human rights violations.
The fight against fake land approvals requires a multi-pronged approach. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing transparency inland administration, and implementing robust verification processes are essential steps. Governments must invest in technology and t raining to detect and prevent fraud, while also holding perpetrators accountable through rigorous prosecution. Furthermore, educating the public about the risks of fake approvals and empowering them to report suspicious activities is crucial. By working together, stakeholders can create a more secure and trustworthy land market, protecting investments, preserving the environment, and fostering sustainable development.
The dangers of fake land approvals are far-reaching and multifaceted. They pose significant threat to financial stability, environmental sustainability, and social wellbeing. By understanding these risks and taking proactive measures to combat fraud, we can safeguard our communities and ensure that land development is conducted ethically and responsibly.
