Cross River State House of Assembly Moves to Regulate Rent, Tackle Exploitative Housing Practices

The Cross River State House of Assembly has commenced deliberations on a bill aimed at regulating rental costs and curbing exploitative practices among property agents, amid mounting concerns over the affordability of housing across the state.

The motion, introduced by Hon. Davies Etta, member representing Abi Constituency, drew attention to the escalating rent prices in Calabar and other parts of the state. Etta described the current housing market as “deeply exploitative,” noting that landlords and agents have imposed unjustifiable increases that have placed severe financial pressure on residents.

Etta highlighted that rental prices in Calabar have risen beyond the reach of average earners. Self-contained apartments on Marian Road reportedly cost as much as ₦1.5 million annually, while one-bedroom flats in Calabar South range between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million. In prime areas such as State Housing and Parliamentary Extension, rents have now surpassed ₦2 million per year.

According to the lawmaker, many property agents have become “middlemen of hardship,” often persuading landlords to raise rents even on ageing or poorly maintained properties. He further condemned the widespread practice of demanding two years’ rent upfront and issuing abrupt eviction notices, calling it “heartless and socially dangerous.”

Proposed Legislative Action

Etta urged the Assembly to pass a law establishing clear regulatory measures on rent pricing, as well as oversight responsibilities for the state’s Ministry of Housing. He also proposed that the state government explore incentives for reducing the cost of locally produced building materials, a move he said could make housing more accessible to low- and middle-income earners.

Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the motion, describing it as timely and people-focused. He reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to enacting policies that promote fairness between landlords and tenants, while fostering a more stable housing market in Cross River State.

“This Assembly belongs to the people,” Ayambem said. “We will continue to stand with them to promote balance, fairness, and affordability in housing across the state.”

Context and Outlook

The motion aligns with a growing trend among Nigerian states exploring rent control and tenant protection measures in response to worsening housing affordability. Urban centres such as Lagos and Abuja have seen similar legislative debates, as inflation and high construction costs continue to push accommodation beyond the reach of many households.

If enacted, the proposed rent regulation law could mark a significant step toward restoring equilibrium in Cross River’s housing market, ensuring that both landlords and tenants operate under fair and transparent conditions.