The House of Representatives has moved to curb the rising trend of arbitrary rent increases across Nigeria, proposed that future rent adjustments should not exceed 20 per cent of the existing rate, regardless of property upgrades or other factors.
This followed a motion moved by Hon. Bassey Akiba, representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, on the “Need to Regulate Arbitrary Rent Increase and Protect Tenants from Exploitation.”
Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to intensify affordable housing programmes, encourage low-cost home ownership, and ease pressure on the rental market through increased public investment in housing development.
In a related resolution, the House directed the Inspector General of Police and the Commandant General of the NSCDC to ensure all officers at checkpoints are properly identified and fully kitted in line with global standards.
The move, lawmakers said, aim to promote transparency and protect Nigerians from both rent exploitation and security abuse.
