The House of Representatives has expressed strong concern over the rising trend of arbitrary rent increases across Nigeria. To address this, lawmakers have proposed a nationwide measure that would limit future rent increments to a maximum of 20% of the existing rate, regardless of infrastructural improvements or other factors.

This resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Bassey Akiba, representing the Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, titled “Need to Regulate Arbitrary Rent Increase and Protect Tenants from Exploitation.”

A Push for Affordable Housing and Tenant Protection

The House urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward affordable housing development, promote low-cost home ownership, and reduce dependence on the rental market through increased public investment in housing infrastructure.

This move aligns with ongoing national conversations around housing affordability, urban development, and tenant rights, particularly in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

Meanwhile, in Lagos, the State House of Assembly earlier in April called on the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to strictly enforce the Tenancy Law of Lagos State (2015) amid public concerns over frequent rent hikes.

Lawmakers also tasked the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, to ramp up public enlightenment campaigns to educate tenants about their rights under Section 37 of the law — a section that prohibits unreasonable rent increments and offers legal recourse to tenants facing exploitation.

Conclusion

If passed into law, the proposed rent cap could mark a significant step toward stabilizing Nigeria’s rental market, protecting tenants from exploitation, and promoting fair housing practices.

As Nigeria continues to face housing shortages, this policy may drive more balanced relationships between landlords and tenants while encouraging long-term investment in sustainable and affordable housing solutions.

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