Abuja, Nigeria — The House of Representatives has condemned the rising cases of arbitrary rent increases across Nigeria, urging that any rent hike should not exceed 20 percent of the existing rate — regardless of infrastructure improvements or other justifications offered by landlords.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Bassey Akiba, who represents the Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency of Cross River State. The motion, titled “Need to Regulate Arbitrary Rent Increase and Protect Tenants from Exploitation,” was debated during Thursday’s plenary.
The House emphasized the need to protect tenants from exploitation, urging the Federal Government to invest more in affordable housing initiatives to increase access to low-cost accommodation and ease pressure on the rental market.
“Many Nigerians are struggling under the weight of high living costs, and uncontrolled rent increases are worsening their economic hardship,” Akiba said while presenting the motion.
In a related development, the lawmakers also passed a resolution directing the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure that all officers operating at checkpoints in plain clothes are properly kitted and visibly identified.
The House expressed concern that the lack of proper identification among some security personnel is inconsistent with global best practices and undermines accountability.