House of Reps Seeks 20% Cap on Rent Increases Nationwide

The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to collaborate with state governments to regulate rent charges across Nigeria and prevent exploitative increases.

The resolution was passed during Thursday’s plenary following a motion moved by Bassey Akiba, a lawmaker representing Cross River State. Akiba highlighted the growing financial strain on Nigerians due to rising rents, noting that the current economic situation has left individuals, families, and businesses struggling to cope.

He expressed concern over the sharp rent hikes that often follow the completion of public infrastructure projects such as roads and markets. According to him, areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with newly constructed roads have witnessed rent increases from about N800,000 to as high as N2.5 million annually, a situation he described as “wanton exploitation” by property owners.

Akiba argued that such practices undermine government efforts to improve citizens’ welfare through infrastructure development, pushing many tenants into hardship and, in some cases, crime. He stressed the need to strike a balance between the rights of landlords and the welfare of tenants to ensure fairness and stability in the housing sector.

Following the debate, the House urged the federal government to prioritise affordable housing initiatives to ease pressure on the rental market. It also directed the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to work with state authorities to implement rent control measures, ensuring that rent increases do not exceed 20 percent of the existing rate—regardless of improvements in surrounding infrastructure or other factors.

The Committee on Housing and Habitat was mandated to monitor compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The resolution comes amid growing concern among real estate stakeholders, who in July warned that escalating land costs are worsening Nigeria’s housing deficit. Developers have continued to call for stronger government intervention to lower land prices and expand access to affordable housing for low and middle-income earners.