By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Cross River State House of Assembly has condemned what it describes as the arbitrary and exploitative rent increases being imposed on residents by landlords and housing agents, saying this has made it difficult for the common man to afford a decent shelter.
The condemnation and deliberation on the soaring house rents across Calabar, the state capital and its environs followed a motion presented by the member representing Abi State Constituency, Honourable Davies Etta, during a plenary session on Tuesday, October 14, in Calabar.
Etta, who said the situation is “unreasonable, unprovoked, and economically destabilising,” noted that many residents have been crying for help as landlords, often on the advice of house agents, raise rent prices on old and dilapidated properties without any justification.
He noted that buildings erected over two to three decades ago, many with leaking roofs, faulty plumbing, and poor drainage, are now rented out at outrageous rates.
He said: “Buildings erected over two to three decades ago and many with leaking roofs, faulty plumbing, and poor drainage are now rented out at outrageous rates. Cross Riverians are crying for help as landlords, often on the advice of house agents, raise rent prices on old and dilapidated properties without any justification.”
“A self-contained room on Marian Road now costs as high as ₦1.5 million per year, while in Calabar South, a one-bedroom apartment goes for between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million. In areas like Parliamentary Extension, E1, State Housing, and CICC, tenants are being charged up to ₦2 million or more for a one- or two-bedroom flat.”
The lawmaker also decried the growing trend of issuance of instant eviction notices by landlords to tenants unable to meet new demands, some insisting on two years’ rent upfront.
He warned that the unregulated rent escalation is “heartless, economically destabilising, and socially dangerous,” stressing that housing is a basic human necessity, not a luxury.
Etta urged the House to urgently legislate a regulatory framework for property rental and leasing, balance the rights of landlords with tenants’ dignity, and compel the Ministry of Housing to monitor and control rent-related practices.
He also called for a reduction in the cost of locally produced building materials to ease housing challenges.
Other members of the Assembly, including Hon. Standley Nsemo, Member representing Calabar Municipality; Hon. Omang Omang, representing Bekwarra Constituency; Hon. Ashakia Pius of Obanliku, and Hon. Ashakia Pius of Obanliku, lent their voice to the motion, while recounting a similar situation in their constituencies.
The lawmakers also called for the complete abolition of house agents, insisting that their activities have worsened the cost of living for the average citizen.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Honourable Elvert Ayambem, who said the motion is “timely and people-centred,” assured that the Assembly is committed to enacting laws that have a direct impact on the lives of citizens.
The speaker further stated that the Assembly would ensure a level playing field between landlords and tenants.
“This Assembly belongs to the people. We will continue to stand with them to create balance, fairness, and affordability in housing across Cross River State,” the speaker added.
