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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to take decisive action to check the growing trend of arbitrary rent increases across the country, describing it as exploitative and detrimental to citizens’ welfare.
This followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Bassey Akiba during Thursday’s plenary, titled “Need to Regulate Arbitrary Rent Increase and Protect Tenants from Exploitation.”
It will be recalled that in May 2024, the House passed a similar resolution sponsored by Hon. Emmanuel Udo (PDP–Akwa Ibom), which called for rent control and landlord regulation within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). That earlier motion advocated monthly rent payments and directed the House Committee on the FCT to propose measures to curb excessive rent hikes.
Presenting his motion, Hon. Akiba underscored that housing remains the second most essential human need after food. He stressed that safe, decent, and affordable housing is not only crucial for human survival but also for socio-economic development and national stability.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Akiba reminded the House that the welfare and security of citizens constitute the core responsibility of government. He also referenced the United Nations Habitat Agenda, which recognises access to adequate housing as a basic human right that must be affordable, safe, and sanitary.
The lawmaker voiced deep concern over reports of sudden and steep rent increases, especially in areas witnessing new government infrastructure projects such as roads and markets. Using the Federal Capital Territory as an example, he observed that rents in some neighbourhoods had jumped from ₦800,000 to ₦2.5 million annually, a situation he said is pushing many Nigerians into economic distress and, in extreme cases, social vices.
Akiba lamented that the general rise in living costs has made it increasingly difficult for families and businesses to meet rental obligations, warning that unregulated rent increments threaten stability in the housing sector. While acknowledging landlords’ rights, he insisted that tenants’ welfare must be equally protected to ensure fairness and economic balance.
Consequently, the House resolved to call on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward providing affordable housing schemes to ease pressure on the rental market and expand access to low-cost homes.
It also directed the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to collaborate with state governments in implementing effective rent control policies, ensuring that public infrastructure development does not trigger unjustified rent escalations. The lawmakers further recommended that any rent review should not exceed 20 percent of the existing rate, regardless of improvements or other factors.
Additionally, the Committee on Housing and Habitat was mandated to oversee compliance and submit a report within four weeks for further legislative consideration.