Cross River Assembly Kick Against High Cost of House Rent in Calabar, Moves To Ban Housing Agents
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Omang Omang (Bekwarra) and Hon. Francis Ogban (Biase), stressed that the welfare of citizens must remain the government's priority, warning that unchecked rent increases could lead to rising crime and moral decline.
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Cross River Assembly Kick Against High Cost of House Rent in Calabar, Moves To Ban Housing Agents
The Cross River State House of Assembly has raised alarm over the skyrocketing cost of house rent in Calabar and neighbouring areas, describing the trend as “unreasonable, unprovoked, and economically destabilising.”
The reaction followed a motion raised by Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, member representing Abi State Constituency, during Tuesday’s plenary in Calabar.
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Etta condemned what he called the arbitrary exploitation of residents by landlords and housing agents, accusing them of imposing unjustifiable rent hikes even on old and deteriorating buildings.
“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 lamented. “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.”
According to him, a self-contained apartment on Marian Road now goes for as high as ₦1.5 million per year, while one-bedroom apartments in Calabar South cost between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million. In areas such as Parliamentary Extension, E1, State Housing, and CICC, tenants reportedly pay as high as ₦2 million or more for a one- or two-bedroom flat.
Etta further accused some landlords of issuing instant eviction notices to tenants who cannot meet new demands, with others insisting on two years’ rent upfront, a move he described as “heartless, economically destabilising, and socially dangerous.”
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He called for urgent legislation to regulate property rental and leasing in the state, urging the Assembly to compel the Ministry of Housing to monitor rent practices and ensure balance between the rights of landlords and the dignity of tenants. He also advocated a reduction in the cost of locally produced building materials.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Standley Nsemo (Calabar Municipality) said the situation had long plagued his constituency, lamenting that “a common man can no longer afford decent shelter.” He blamed housing agents for fuelling the crisis and called for their complete regulation or outright ban.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Omang Omang (Bekwarra) and Hon. Francis Ogban (Biase), stressed that the welfare of citizens must remain the government’s priority, warning that unchecked rent increases could lead to rising crime and moral decline.
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Hon. Ashakia Pius (Obanliku) went further, demanding the total abolition of housing agents, insisting their activities have worsened the cost of living.
Reacting, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the motion, describing it as “timely and people-centred.”
“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,” he assured.
Rent Crisis Beyond Cross River
The Nigerian housing market is currently facing one of its toughest periods in recent history. According to The PUNCH, as of October 2025, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment across major cities has climbed to about ₦2.5 million annually — a sharp rise from previous years.
While rents in some parts of Benin City remain as low as ₦250,000, luxury districts in Lagos command up to ₦20 million per annum, highlighting the deepening affordability gap nationwide.
