CALABAR — The Cross River State House of Assembly has resolved to take decisive legislative action to curb the soaring cost of house rents and address what it described as the exploitative practices of housing agents across the state.
The motion, titled "Matter of Urgent Public Importance on the Unreasonable Hikes in House Rent," was sponsored by the Member representing Abi State Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Davies Etta debated extensively during Tuesday's plenary session in Calabar.
Hon. Etta, in his lead debate, lamented that the state capital, Calabar, and its environs have witnessed an alarming surge in rent prices, with landlords and agents increasing rates arbitrarily without any corresponding improvement in the quality of housing.
"Houses built over 20 to 30 years ago, with leaking roofs, broken plumbing, and outdated fittings, are being rented for millions of naira. House agents now boldly advise landlords to increase rents not because of any renovation or upgrade, but simply because 'others are doing so.' This is exploitative, heartless, and economically destabilizing," Etta stated.
According to him, a single-room self-contained apartment along Marian Road now rents for as much as ₦1.5 million annually, while a one-bedroom apartment in Calabar South costs between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million. In Parliamentary Extension, E1, and State Housing areas, two-bedroom apartments now go for ₦2 million or more — far beyond the reach of civil servants, students, and small business owners.
Etta described the trend as a social and economic threat that could fuel homelessness, increase urban inequality, and endanger public stability. He therefore called for immediate government intervention to regulate rental prices and introduce a clear legal framework governing landlord-tenant relations.
In contributions to the debate, several lawmakers expressed outrage over the role of housing agents, accusing them of manipulating the property market for selfish profit.
Standley Nsemo (Calabar Municipality) described agents as "middlemen profiting from people's suffering," calling for strict regulation or outright proscription of their activities.
Francis Ogban (Biase) linked the rising rent crisis to increasing crime rates in the state, arguing that many youths are being driven into desperate situations due to unaffordable housing.
Omang Omang (Bekwarra) insisted that the welfare of Cross Riverians must remain the government's top priority, urging the Ministry of Housing to step up enforcement of fair rental practices.
Also contributing, Ashakia Pius (Obanliku) demanded the complete abolition of housing agents, stressing that their operations have worsened the living conditions of the average citizen. He argued that direct dealings between landlords and tenants would eliminate unnecessary fees and exploitation.
Lawmakers also expressed worry over the skyrocketing cost of building materials, particularly cement produced by Lafarge and iron rods from the Export Processing Zone (EPZ), both located within the state.
The Member representing Akpabuyo Constituency said it was unacceptable that materials produced in Cross River remain unaffordable to the very people of the state. He called on the state government to engage manufacturers and distributors to review pricing and consider introducing subsidies to make construction more affordable.
Similarly, the Member representing Obubra I Constituency urged the Assembly to review the role of property agents in tenancy agreements, noting that many exploit both landlords and tenants, inflating rent prices under the guise of "agency charges."
Responding to the motion, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem commended Hon. Etta for what he described as a "timely and people-centred motion." He assured that the 10th Assembly would prioritize the issue of affordable housing and ensure that both landlords and tenants are treated fairly under the law.
"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," Ayambem said.
The Speaker also noted that the Assembly will not tolerate any exploitative practice that undermines the dignity of citizens or widens economic inequality in the state.
At the end of deliberations, the House resolved to mandate its Committee on Housing and Urban Development to liaise with the Ministry of Housing, landlords' associations, and relevant stakeholders to design an actionable framework for rent regulation and the review of agent operations.
The committee is expected to present recommendations that will lead to the drafting of a Property Rental Regulation Bill, setting clear standards for rent increases, tenancy rights, and building material pricing.
Lawmakers unanimously emphasized that housing is not a luxury but a basic human necessity, warning that the current trend of unregulated rent hikes, if not urgently checked, could push more Cross Riverians into poverty and social distress.
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