The House of Representatives condemns arbitrary rent increase, caps hikes at 20%, and urges the government to boost affordable housing across Nigeria.
The House of Representatives has taken decisive action against the growing problem of arbitrary rent increase across Nigeria.
Lawmakers resolved that no rent hike should exceed 20 percent of the current rate, regardless of property upgrades or infrastructure improvements, as part of efforts to protect tenants and stabilize the housing market.
This decision came after a motion sponsored by Honourable Bassey Akiba, representing the Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, titled “Need to Regulate Arbitrary Rent Increase and Protect Tenants from Exploitation.”
The motion urged immediate government intervention to curb exploitative practices in the rental sector.
During debate, lawmakers described the arbitrary rent increase as a key driver of Nigeria’s worsening housing crisis.
They noted that the lack of rent regulation had allowed landlords in urban centers to impose excessive increments, leaving ordinary citizens unable to keep up with the rising cost of living.
To address this, the House urged the Federal Government to invest heavily in affordable housing projects to ensure citizens have access to low-cost homes.
Legislators argued that increasing the supply of affordable housing would reduce pressure on the rental market, promote equity, and improve living standards for low- and middle-income earners.
Hon. Akiba emphasized that decent and affordable housing is a fundamental right. He said, “The arbitrary rent increase continues to push many Nigerians into poverty and homelessness. Regulation is the only way to protect the vulnerable.”
In another resolution, the House directed the Inspector General of Police and the Controller General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure that all plainclothes officers at checkpoints are properly identified.
Lawmakers expressed concern that unmarked security personnel contribute to abuses and erode public trust, which violates global best practices.
They insisted that clear identification would promote transparency, prevent extortion, and reinforce accountability among security agencies.
Earlier, the Lagos State House of Assembly had taken a strong stand against arbitrary rent increase within the state.
In April, the Assembly called on the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to enforce the Lagos State Tenancy Law of 2015, which prohibits unreasonable rent hikes and protects tenants from exploitation.
The Assembly also tasked the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, to intensify public campaigns to educate residents on their tenancy rights and the legal remedies available when landlords breach the law.
Honourable Sa’ad Olumoh, who sponsored the motion in the Lagos Assembly, warned that unregulated rent increases were worsening the state’s housing deficit.
Citing Section 37 of the 2015 Tenancy Law, he noted that landlords are legally prohibited from imposing unfair rent adjustments.
Olumoh emphasized that awareness and enforcement remain vital: “We already have laws to check arbitrary rent increase; what we need now is proper enforcement and public education to protect tenants.”
He added that Lagos’ approach should serve as a model for other states to adopt uniform rent regulation frameworks to stabilize their housing markets.
Nigeria’s housing deficit currently exceeds 20 million units, and experts warn the gap continues to widen due to rising construction costs, inflation, and limited mortgage access.
The House noted that without urgent intervention, more citizens will be pushed into informal housing or homelessness.
Lawmakers urged collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Housing, private developers, and cooperative societies to deliver affordable housing across all regions.
They also proposed the creation of a National Rent Regulation Framework to standardize rental practices and protect tenants nationwide.
The resolution has drawn wide support from tenant associations, urban planners, and civil rights groups who view it as a long-overdue reform.
Advocacy groups argue that unchecked arbitrary rent increase has deepened inequality, forcing low-income earners into unsafe and overcrowded housing.
However, housing experts cautioned that implementation would require coordination between federal and state governments.
They recommended a balanced approach—combining rent control with incentives such as tax breaks for compliant landlords—to sustain investment in the real estate sector.
By confronting arbitrary rent increase and pushing for affordable housing initiatives, the House of Representatives has taken a bold step toward addressing Nigeria’s deep-rooted housing crisis.
Lawmakers reiterated that fair rent regulation, tenant protection, and increased housing supply are essential to achieving social justice and economic stability.
If fully implemented, the resolution could mark the beginning of a more transparent, balanced, and humane rental system that prioritizes the welfare of Nigerian citizens over unchecked profit.
More news at ireport247news
About The Author
