HOR Advocates Implementation Of Rent Control Policy, Affordable Housing

As part of measures to cushion the impact of rising rent prices across the country, the House of Representatives has called on the federal government to implement rent control policies and expand affordable housing initiatives.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Calabar Municipal/Odukpani federal constituency of Cross Rivers state,.Bassey Akiba.

In his lead debate, Mr Akiba expressed concern over the escalating cost of rent, particularly in areas where new public infrastructure such as roads and markets have been constructed.

He noted that rents in parts of the Federal Capital Territory have surged from about ₦800,000 to as high as ₦2.5 million per year, a situation he said has placed unbearable pressure on tenants and undermined government efforts to improve citizens’ welfare through infrastructure projects.

“The exploitation by some property owners is driving Nigerians into hardship, and in some cases, forcing people into crime just to meet inflated rent demands,” he said.

Adopting the motion the House urged the Federal Government to prioritize affordable housing investments and directed the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to collaborate with state governments to enforce rent control measures.

Lawmakers proposed capping rent increases at no more than 20 percent, regardless of infrastructure improvements or other factors.

Additionally , the house mandated its Committee on Housing and Habitat to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji