The Kogi State House of Assembly has begun the process of reforming the state’s tenancy laws with a public hearing on a bill that seeks to protect tenants from arbitrary rent increases, unlawful evictions and exploitation by landlords and property agents.
The proposed legislation also seeks to establish a fairer framework for resolving tenancy disputes.
For many residents of Kogi State, rising house rents have become an added burden amid Nigeria’s economic challenges. Frequent rent increases and multiple charges imposed by some landlords and property agents have left many families struggling to secure affordable accommodation.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by the member representing Ankpa I State Constituency, Hon. Akus Lawal, seeks to repeal the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law, 2007.
The bill is designed to reflect current economic realities while clearly defining the rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants and property agents.
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At the public hearing, stakeholders from across the state submitted memoranda and urged lawmakers to enact a balanced law that protects both property owners and tenants. They argued that while landlords deserve reasonable returns on their investments, rent increases should be justified by improvements to the property rather than external developments or inflation alone.
The House Committee assured participants that all memoranda and recommendations received during the hearing would be carefully reviewed before the bill proceeds to the next stage of legislative consideration.
If passed into law, the measure is expected to strengthen tenant protection while providing a more predictable legal framework for landlords and property managers.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
