Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government and state authorities to regulate rent increases across Nigeria, proposing a 20 per cent ceiling on future adjustments regardless of infrastructure improvements or economic factors.
Adopting a motion on Thursday titled “Need to Regulate Arbitrary Rent Increase and Protect tenants from Exploitation”, sponsored by Hon. Bassey Akiba (PDP, Cross River), the lawmakers condemned the persistent surge in rental costs, describing it as exploitative and detrimental to citizens already struggling under economic hardship.
The resolution, which followed widespread reports of skyrocketing rents in urban centres such as Abuja and Lagos, seeks to address what lawmakers called “uncontrolled and unfair” increases that have worsened the country’s housing crisis.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe motion cited examples in the Federal Capital Territory where rents for two-bedroom apartments reportedly jumped from about ₦800,000 to ₦2.5 million annually after road or infrastructure upgrades.
Under the resolution, any future rent increase should not exceed 20 per cent of the current rate, irrespective of new infrastructure or improvements in the area. The House directed the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to work with state governments to introduce and enforce rent-control measures, while also expanding affordable housing projects nationwide.
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It further mandated the House Committee on Housing and Habitat to monitor compliance with the directive and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
Lawmakers said the move was necessary to protect tenants from arbitrary hikes that undermine government investments and worsen living conditions. They stressed that housing is a basic human need and should not be subjected to unchecked market speculation.
Although the resolution does not immediately translate into law, it signals a renewed push by the legislature for rent regulation as part of broader efforts to make housing more affordable. Analysts say implementation will depend on the cooperation of state governments, many of which maintain their own tenancy laws.
The proposal has drawn attention from stakeholders in the real estate sector, with some warning that strict rent caps could discourage property investment unless matched by efforts to expand housing supply and reduce construction costs.
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The resolution comes amid Nigeria’s widening housing deficit, estimated at over 20 million units, and growing calls for government intervention to curb exploitative landlord practices and stabilise rental markets.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
