The Cross River State House of Assembly has begun deliberations on new measures to regulate housing rents and curb the excesses of property agents across the state, particularly in Calabar, where residents are grappling with soaring accommodation costs.
The discussion was prompted by a motion of urgent public importance from Davies Etta, member representing Abi Constituency, who decried what he described as unjustifiable and exploitative rent hikes driven by landlords and housing agents.
Etta noted that many agents have become “middlemen of hardship,” advising landlords to impose excessive rents even on dilapidated properties. He cited examples of self-contained apartments on Marian Road now costing as much as ₦1.5 million per year, while one-bedroom flats in Calabar South rent for between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million. In upscale areas such as State Housing and Parliamentary Extension, rents have reportedly surpassed ₦2 million.
He condemned the practice of demanding two years’ rent upfront and issuing sudden eviction notices, calling it “heartless and socially dangerous.” The lawmaker urged the House to pass legislation to regulate rent pricing, protect tenants’ rights, and mandate oversight by the state’s Ministry of Housing. He also advocated for reduced costs of locally produced building materials to make housing more affordable.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem commended the motion, describing it as timely and people-focused. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to passing laws that ensure fairness between landlords and tenants.
“This Assembly belongs to the people,” Ayambem said. “We will continue to stand with them to promote balance, fairness, and affordability in housing across Cross River State.”
