When talks between an estate committee, a landlord and a resident break down, many people feel stuck. Going to court with a lawyer can cost more than the service charge in dispute, and the police generally won't get involved in a civil tenancy matter.
Lagos and Abuja both have mediation services that settle tenancy and neighbourhood disputes without a full trial, some of them free.
1. Lagos State Citizens' Mediation Bureau
Run by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, the Citizens' Mediation Bureau (still widely called the Citizens' Mediation Centre) mediates landlord and tenant disputes, among others, free of charge.
- How to file: by petition, by walking in, or by referral from a court or another body.
- What happens next: the Bureau sends an invitation letter and asks everyone to attend mediation on a set date.
- The outcome: if you agree, you sign a memorandum of understanding that the Bureau describes as binding and enforceable.
- Contact details are on the Bureau's page. Check them before you go.
2. Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA)
If your dispute involves an estate agent, facility manager or developer, the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) registers real estate practitioners and works with the EFCC to investigate fraud. Check whether an agent is registered before you deal with them, and report malpractice to the authority.
3. Abuja Multi-Door Courthouse (FCT High Court)
The Abuja Multi-Door Courthouse is at the FCT High Court complex in Gudu. It offers court-connected mediation for cases referred by the courts and for walk-in cases, and holds a yearly settlement week with free and subsidised sessions.
4. The small claims court (Lagos)
For an unpaid debt of up to ₦5 million in Lagos, the small claims procedure is quick: serve a letter of demand first, and the case is meant to finish within 60 days. You can represent yourself.
