House proposes 20 percent ceiling on yearly rent hikes to tackle rising housing burden
Story: written by Zara October 24,2025
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has advanced a proposal to restrict annual rent adjustments to a maximum of 20 percent. The initiative seeks to prevent indiscriminate rental increases and safeguard tenants from exploitation, particularly in communities experiencing infrastructure upgrades that often trigger sudden spikes in housing prices.
Lawmakers adopted the motion during Thursday’s plenary session, following a presentation by Representative Bassey Akiba. He argued that the proposal aligns with Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which identifies the welfare of citizens as a primary obligation of government. Akiba underscored that shelter is a basic human necessity and a fundamental entitlement affirmed under the United Nations Habitat Agenda, which commits to affordable and secure living conditions for all.
He expressed deep concern over the severe economic pressure confronting millions of Nigerians, especially renters struggling with escalating accommodation costs. Akiba cited examples from the Federal Capital Territory, noting that rental prices in neighborhoods with newly constructed roads and amenities have risen dramatically, in some cases jumping from approximately ₦800,000 to over ₦2.5 million per year.
According to him, excessive increases in housing costs undermine public welfare efforts and push vulnerable residents into severe financial hardship, sometimes resulting in desperate measures to meet inflated rent obligations. He argued that equitable reforms are necessary to ensure that both landlords’ rights and tenants’ well-being remain protected, given that a stable housing sector supports national growth, employment, and economic productivity.
In its resolution, the House called upon the Federal Government to expand affordable housing initiatives that would help ease demand pressures in the rental market. The legislature also directed the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to work with state authorities to enforce regulated rent adjustments and prevent exploitative spikes associated with new infrastructure investments.
The proposed framework introduces a nationwide limit that would cap yearly rent increases at no more than 20 percent of the existing rate, irrespective of location or development activities. The Committee on Housing and Habitat has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of the resolution and is expected to provide feedback within four weeks to facilitate further legislative steps.
