Reps push for 20% limit on annual rent increase as Nigerians grapple with soaring housing costs

The House of Representatives is pushing to cap annual rent increases at no more than 20 percent, in a bid to curb arbitrary rent hikes and protect tenants from exploitation particularly in areas witnessing rapid infrastructure development.

The House said the measure was needed amid rising living costs and rapid infrastructure-driven price spikes.

This followed the adoption of a motion moved by representative Bassey Akiba during plenary on Thursday, urging the federal government to regulate rent increases and ensure access to affordable housing nationwide.

Presenting the motion, Akiba said proposal was grounded in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which places the welfare of citizens at the core of government responsibilities. He noted that housing, universally recognised as the second most essential human need after food, is a fundamental right under the United Nations Habitat Agenda, which guarantees access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.

The lawmaker expressed concern that the current economic hardship is worsening the plight of Nigerians, particularly tenants, who face soaring rental prices. He observed that in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country, rents often spike sharply following the construction of public infrastructure such as roads, markets, and other amenities.

“In areas with newly constructed roads in Abuja, for example, rents have skyrocketed from ₦800,000 to as high as ₦2.5 million per annum,” Akiba said, warning that the situation imposes unbearable financial pressure on residents.

He added that such “wanton exploitation by property owners” undermines the government’s efforts to improve citizens’ welfare through infrastructure development and drives many Nigerians into economic distress, with some resorting to crime to meet inflated rent demands.

Akiba stressed the need to balance the rights of property owners with the welfare of tenants, noting that stability and fairness in the housing sector are vital for national development, job creation, and income generation.

Following deliberations, the House urged the federal government to prioritise investment in affordable housing initiatives and expand access to low-cost housing to reduce pressure on the rental market.

It also called on the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to collaborate with state governments to enforce rent control measures and prevent exploitative rent increases triggered by infrastructure projects.

The lawmakers further proposed capping annual rent increases at no more than 20 percent of existing rates, regardless of development activities or location.

The House mandated its Committee on Housing and Habitat to ensure compliance with the resolutions and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.