The House of Representatives has announced plans to curb arbitrary rent hikes across Nigeria by proposing a bill that would limit rent increases to no more than 20 percent of the existing amount — regardless of infrastructure upgrades or other factors.
The motion, sponsored by Bassey Akiba, member representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, seeks to protect tenants from exploitation and promote housing stability nationwide.
Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to invest in affordable housing initiatives and expand access to low-cost housing to ease pressure on the rental market.
In a related development, the House passed a resolution directing the Inspector General of Police and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure that officers at checkpoints wear proper uniforms and identification.
The House noted that operating in plain clothes without clear identification undermines accountability and contradicts international policing standards.