The Nigerian House of Representatives has called for a maximum 20 per cent increase on rents, aiming to curb arbitrary hikes regardless of infrastructure improvements.
The motion, sponsored by Bassey Akiba, member representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, was titled the “Need to Regulate Arbitrary Rent Increase and Protect Tenants from Exploitation.”
It highlighted the growing concerns over the burden of rental costs on Nigerian tenants.
In support of the motion, lawmakers urged the Federal Government to prioritise affordable housing initiatives, enhance access to low-cost housing for citizens, and take steps to ease pressure on the rental market.
The House emphasised that unchecked rent increases were worsening housing insecurity, particularly for low- and middle-income families.
In a separate but related resolution, the House called on the Inspector General of Police and the Controller-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure that all security personnel operating at checkpoints in plain clothes carry proper identification.
The lawmakers expressed concern that the absence of visible identification undermined accountability and does not align with best practices in law enforcement.
The issue of arbitrary rent increases is not limited to the federal level. In Lagos State, lawmakers have also sought to enforce provisions of the Tenancy Law of Lagos State, enacted in 2015, which prohibits unreasonable rent hikes.
In April, the Lagos State House of Assembly directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to ensure full implementation of the law.
The state House of Assembly further urged the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, to run public awareness campaigns to educate residents on tenants’ rights and protections under the law.
The lawmakers noted that enforcement of these provisions is crucial to addressing the persistent problem of landlords charging excessive rents.
Sa’ad Olumoh, who moved a motion on the matter, stressed the importance of curbing rent increases that outpace reasonable limits, warning that uncontrolled hikes exacerbate the housing crisis and place undue strain on households.
The House of Representatives’ resolutions reflect growing legislative efforts to regulate the housing market, protect tenants from exploitation, and promote accountability among law enforcement officers.
