Cross River Assembly Moves to Ban Housing Agents Over Arbitrary Rent Hikes

Calabar, Nigeria – October 15, 2025 — The Cross River State House of Assembly on Tuesday deliberated on a proposal to ban housing agents across Calabar and other parts of the state for allegedly inflating rent prices and worsening the cost of living for residents.

The resolution followed a motion raised under matters of urgent public importance by Hon. Davies Etta, member representing Abi State Constituency, who decried the “unreasonable, unprovoked, and economically destabilizing” rent increases across the state.

Etta accused landlords and property agents of exploiting tenants amid widespread economic hardship, citing cases where dilapidated buildings erected decades ago are now rented at exorbitant rates. According to him, self-contained apartments on Marian Road now cost up to ₦1.5 million yearly, while one-bedroom flats in Calabar South go for between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million. In upscale areas such as Parliamentary Extension, E1, and State Housing, rents for one- or two-bedroom flats reportedly exceed ₦2 million.

The lawmaker condemned the practice of instant eviction notices and demands for multiple years’ rent in advance, describing it as “heartless, economically destabilizing, and socially dangerous.” He called for urgent legislation to regulate property rental and leasing, protect tenants’ rights, and compel the Ministry of Housing to monitor rent practices.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the motion as “timely and people-centred,” affirming the Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws that promote fairness and affordability in housing.

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