A civil Society Organisation (CSO), SPACES for Change (S4C), has commended the Abia State House of Assembly for passing the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority Bill 2026 (H.A.B 34), urging Lagos and other states to borrow a leaf.
 
In a statement, the Executive Director of S4C, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, described the action of the Abia Assembly as highly commendable, demonstrating that with political will, the yearning and aspirations of the people could be reflected in governance.
 
She stated: “We, therefore, urge the Governor of Abia State to grant assent to the law without delay, so that it can take effect across the state. We also call on other state governments, particularly the Lagos State government, to take similar action and move forward on its stalled tenancy reform, so that more Nigerians can benefit from fair, regulated and secure housing.”
 
The new Abia tenancy law establishes the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority and addresses the excessive and exploitative rents charged by landlords and housing agents in the state, including agent commissions that go as high as 20 per cent of the yearly rent. Once signed into law by the governor, the legislation will help sanitise the housing sector, curb the activities of unlicensed agents, and cap chargeable commission at five per cent.
 
For landlords, she added, the law establishes clear processes to address situations where tenants breach tenancy agreements or engage in conduct that undermines the property’s orderly occupation.
 
According to her, across Nigeria’s major urban centres, including Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, exorbitant rent hikes have made decent and affordable housing increasingly out of reach.
 
Ibezim-Ohaeri said: “The result is a rise in slums, indiscriminate construction on waterways, and the occupation of public infrastructure such as under-bridges, road medians, and open spaces. This cycle often ends in government-led demolitions and forced evictions, with serious climate and social implications. Putting in place a responsive legal framework that makes housing affordable for urban residents is a step in the right direction toward housing justice.
 
“We therefore urge Governor Alex Otti to grant assent to the law without delay so that it can take effect across the state. We also call on other state governments, particularly Lagos, to take similar action and move forward on its stalled tenancy reform, so that more Nigerians can benefit from fair, regulated and secure housing.”