A member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon Akus Lawal, has proposed a new bill aimed at repealing the state’s 2007 rent law and replacing it with a more robust tenancy framework to reflect present-day realities.
The proposed legislation, titled Kogi State Tenancy Law, 2025, was presented on the floor of the House on Wednesday, 7 May. Lawal, who represents Ankpa I state constituency and chairs the House Committee on Finance and Economic Planning, said the bill seeks to enhance administrative efficiency, ensure legal clarity, and promote digital reforms in tenancy regulation.
At the heart of the proposed law is the creation of a Rent Control Board and a Rent Control Task Force, both of which will be empowered to establish standard rent rates and enforce compliance with regulatory provisions. The bill outlines a wide-ranging framework intended to improve the relationship between landlords and tenants across Kogi State.
Key sections of the draft legislation—particularly sections 8 to 11—assign sweeping powers to the Rent Control Board, including the regulation of rent charges and enforcement of the governor’s authority to set rent ceilings. The bill also proposes an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, mandating that rent-related complaints must first be submitted to the board before being taken to court.
Further provisions contained in sections 16 and 17 outline the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants, while other sections—specifically 19 to 25, 36, 54 to 55, and 59—prescribe stiff penalties for violations such as illegal evictions, rent racketeering, and failure to issue rent receipts.
To tighten oversight of property agents, the bill requires all agents to register with the board and limits agency fees to a maximum of five percent of the rent. Landlords will also be required to register their properties, maintain rent books, and submit tenant information for security purposes.
The proposed law prohibits landlords from collecting more than 12 months’ rent in advance and introduces penalties for defaulters. It also imposes a rent tax on landlords whose annual rental income exceeds ₦3 million, as outlined in section 13.
In a bid to tackle fraudulent practices, section 25 criminalises impersonation by fake landlords or agents, while sections 23 and 24 prescribe penalties for bribery and collusion involving board officials or property owners.
Crucially, the bill restricts the involvement of police or security personnel in rent-related disputes unless a criminal offence is involved, thereby reducing arbitrary interventions.
Lawal described the bill as a significant step towards creating a transparent, fair and balanced rental system in the state. “This law is structured with inherent checks and balances to ensure that all parties in a tenancy agreement operate within the bounds of their legal obligations,” he said.
He added that the overarching goal is to foster peaceful coexistence between landlords and tenants while instilling order and transparency in Kogi’s housing sector.
