The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PropTech firm Shelta Panacea Limited to provide free legal services to 10,000 landlords across Nigeria.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, PPDC’s chief executive officer, Lucy James Abagi, emphasised that the initiative aims to address landlord-tenant disputes and improve access to justice.
Abagi noted that the partnership aligns with PPDC’s ongoing Access to Justice Programme, which has already provided pro bono legal aid to over 9,000 Nigerians and played a key role in justice sector reforms.
“PPDC has always been committed to ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups. This collaboration with Shelta Panacea allows us to extend our expertise beyond the criminal justice space to civil disputes, ensuring that landlords who may otherwise struggle with prolonged legal battles can access professional legal representation at no cost,” she said.
The programme aims to enhance landlord-tenant relationships, reduce disputes, and ensure landlords adhere to safety standards while making necessary property repairs.
“PPDC will oversee the recruitment and supervision of legal professionals, ensuring fair remuneration and efficient legal support.”
Austin Igwe, co-founder and chief executive officer of Shelta Panacea Limited, described the partnership as crucial in bridging the legal gap between landlords and tenants in Nigeria.
“With PPDC’s extensive experience in justice sector interventions, this partnership is a crucial step in ensuring landlords receive the necessary legal support to protect their rights while promoting fair and transparent dispute resolution,” Igwe said.
He clarified that the initiative does not impose an undue burden on tenants but seeks to create a fair and balanced dispute resolution mechanism.
“Shelta Panacea is not here to offer free legal services to the detriment of tenants. We are providing solutions to resolve disputes amicably.
In many cases, misunderstandings between landlords and tenants escalate due to a lack of proper legal guidance. Our role is to bridge that gap and ensure fairness on both sides,” he added.
