Nigerians are raising concerns about the frequent and arbitrary increases in rent by landlords and their agents across the country, describing the situation as a severe burden. Citizens interviewed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that skyrocketing rent is making life increasingly difficult and urged both federal and state governments to intervene urgently.
Calls for Government Intervention
Respondents emphasized the necessity for implementing existing rent laws to protect tenants from what they refer to as “shylock landlords.” They advocated for government action to construct affordable housing for low-income earners and establish rent benchmarks to aid tenants.
NAN’s investigation revealed that house rents have surged by approximately 150% over the past two years in states such as Bauchi, Dutse, and Gombe, compelling many residents to relocate in search of affordable accommodations. In Kano State, residents reported challenges in affording rents as landlords raised prices at will. For instance, in affluent areas like Nasarawa GRA and Bompai, the rent for a two-bedroom flat has increased from ₦600,000 to ₦800,000, while three-bedroom apartments have surged from ₦700,000 to ₦1 million.
Economic Factors Driving Rent Increases
The Vice Chairman of the Kano Property Agent Development Association (KAPADA), Sabiu Ado, attributed the rise in rents to the soaring costs of building materials, which have tripled, thereby affecting landlords’ pricing. He stated that constructing a bungalow with quality finishing now exceeds ₦10 million.
Landlord Musa Sani remarked that the rent increases were essential to achieve a return on investment amid ongoing economic hardships. Malam Abba Yusuf, a federal worker transferred from Kaduna to Katsina, shared his frustration about being evicted when he refused a rent increase that doubled his previous payment.
In Jalingo, tenants expressed anger over sudden rent hikes, with Joe Yaji’s landlord raising the rent from ₦200,000 to ₦300,000. Tenants called on the Taraba government to implement regulations to shield them from arbitrary rent increases.
Regional Responses to the Rent Crisis
In Plateau State, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Ubandoma Laven, acknowledged the alarming spike in rents, attributing it to rising living costs. He highlighted the need for regulatory bodies to protect tenants from insensitive landlords.
The Executive Director of the Initiative for Community and Human Development in Taraba, Alhaji Yahuza Magaji, emphasized the lack of regulation in the rental market, allowing landlords to charge whatever they please. He announced plans to advocate for a state agency dedicated to fair treatment of tenants.
In Makurdi, Terseer Jenkwe, a real estate agent, pointed to a lack of rent laws as a contributor to rising housing costs, further exacerbated by inflation and currency fluctuations.
Across the nation, tenants are facing increased economic hardship due to the relentless rise in rents, prompting urgent calls for government action and the enforcement of rent regulations. As Nigeria grapples with high living costs, the demand for affordable housing solutions has never been more critical.