Residents of Ekiti State are grappling with a sharp rise in housing costs as inflation continues to drive rents beyond the reach of many households, sparking fears of a deepening affordability crisis across the state.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Consumer Price Index indicates that Ekiti recorded one of the highest inflation rates in late 2025, with housing and accommodation expenses emerging as major contributors. Analysts say rent levels in the state now compare unfavourably with those of several neighbouring states, reflecting broader economic pressures and local demand dynamics.

Investigations across major towns show that Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, alongside education-driven communities such as Oye-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti and Iyin-Ekiti, are the most affected. These areas continue to experience sustained demand due to population growth, student influx, and limited housing supply.

Current market checks reveal that single-room apartments now attract annual rents ranging from ₦80,000 to ₦150,000, while self-contained apartments cost between ₦200,000 and ₦350,000, depending on location. Two-bedroom flats in prime areas now rent for between ₦400,000 and ₦500,000 per annum, a level many residents describe as unsustainable.

Residents accuse landlords and property agents of exploiting demand pressures to impose arbitrary rent hikes, often without improvements in basic amenities or infrastructure. Several families say they have been forced to relocate to outlying communities, increasing transport costs and daily stress.

Community leaders have warned that failure to address the rising cost of rent could have far-reaching consequences. Chief Joshua Olaoye cautioned that unchecked increases may make Ekiti unaffordable for students, teachers, and essential workers, weakening the state’s appeal as an education hub.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, Professor Gbenga Aribisala, also raised concerns, noting that excessive rent increases in host communities could disrupt academic activities and discourage prospective students. He urged traditional rulers and local stakeholders to intervene before the situation escalates.

Responding to the growing public outcry, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, disclosed that lawmakers have commenced a review of the state’s tenancy and housing regulations. According to him, the exercise aims to strike a balance between protecting tenants and safeguarding the interests of property owners.

Urban planners say the rent surge highlights deeper structural challenges, including rising construction costs, slow housing development, and weak enforcement of tenancy laws. Without coordinated action involving government, developers, and community leaders, they warn that housing affordability pressures may worsen in 2026.

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Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has announced that the state has spent N49.7 billion on the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, which officially commenced commercial flight operations on Wednesday.

Speaking at the airport along Ado–Ijan Road during the inauguration ceremony, Oyebanji said previous administrations invested N14 billion in the project, while his government contributed over N34 billion in the last three years to complete civil works, installations, and regulatory requirements.

The airport was first initiated under former Governor Ayodele Fayose in 2019, with progress made under Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who facilitated a test flight. Oyebanji’s administration completed the project, following approval for non-scheduled flight operations late last year, leading to the commercial launch.

The inaugural flight, operated by United Nigeria Airlines, carried passengers from Abuja, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata. The aircraft later departed Ekiti for Lagos with another set of passengers.

Oyebanji detailed that the N14 billion spent by previous administrations covered compensation, site clearing, regulatory approvals, and key infrastructure, including the runway, terminal building, parts of the control tower, service roads, fencing, and aprons. His administration’s N34 billion focused on completing the terminal and control tower, runway strip, perimeter fencing, drainage, earthworks, and embankments.

The state also installed an Instrument Landing System and partnered with Reeve Energy Nigeria Ltd. under a PPP arrangement to build an aviation fuel tank. Construction of airport staff quarters is ongoing. “In total, N49.774 billion has been expended directly by the Ekiti State Government,” the governor said.

Oyebanji acknowledged contributions from previous administrations, describing the project as a “collective legacy,” and praised Aare Afe Babalola for donating navigational equipment worth $1.6 million and constructing a 100-car parking lot valued at N356.7 million. “With this airport, we are bringing markets closer to our people and the world closer to Ekiti,” he added.

Representing the Minister of Aviation, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata called the launch a “historic milestone” and highlighted its potential to boost job creation and aviation growth. Former Governor Fayemi lauded Oyebanji for completing the project despite fiscal constraints.

CCECC Nigeria Ltd., the main contractor, said the airport would spur employment, tourism, logistics, global exports, and agricultural investment, dubbing it a “new sky gateway” for Ekiti. United Nigeria Airlines also announced upcoming student flight discounts.

Dignitaries at the event included former Ekiti governors Niyi Adebayo and Ayodele Fayose, all National Assembly members from the state, commissioners, and former deputy governors Abiodun Aluko and Paul Alabi.

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The African Development Bank (AfDB) has verified the payment of N1.45 billion to 195 residents affected by the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) project in Ekiti State.

The compensation, approved by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in June, followed an updated valuation of lands, economic trees, and assets across the 208-hectare project site in Ago-Araromi and Ijan-Ekiti.

The EKZ initiative aims to establish a modern city focused on innovation, ICT training, and knowledge-driven enterprises. AfDB officials, led by Social Safeguard Specialist Dr. Mohammed Hamadina and Environmental Safeguard Expert Uzoma Okoroafor, conducted a verification visit to ensure that all Project Affected Persons (PAPs) received their dues and that any concerns were addressed.

Hamadina emphasized the bank’s commitment to fairness and transparency, stating, “Any individual who loses property or livelihood to an AfDB-backed project must be adequately compensated in a way that uplifts and does not disadvantage them.” Okoroafor added that the project is designed to strengthen local development and economic growth in Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji’s Technical Adviser on Green Economy, Dr. Akinyemi Akinyugha, lauded the process, describing it as essential for accountability and ensuring only legally acquired lands are affected. Community leaders, including the Chairman of Ago Araromi Community, Ojo Bankole, and resident Aduloju Ayodeji, commended the transparency and thoroughness of the exercise.

The EKZ project is now progressing into the infrastructure development stage, reinforcing the state government and AfDB’s shared commitment to sustainable growth, youth empowerment, and community inclusion.

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The Chairman of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), African Zonal Network, Mohammed Kabir, has commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his administration’s commitment to reforming land governance to promote development, enhance security, and attract investment to the state.

Kabir, who led a five-day technical mission to Ekiti, spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday during the Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration intervention programme themed “Strengthening Innovative Approaches Towards Enhanced Land Governance.”

The programme, organised under the Global Land Tool Network Catalytic Intervention Initiative, was a collaboration between the Ekiti State Government, the United Nations-Habitat, and FIG, bringing together key stakeholders in land administration across the state.

Kabir lauded the state’s strides in developing a statewide surveying and mapping framework, a Geographic Information System (GIS), and a modernised Land Information Management System — initiatives he said had drawn international attention.

He noted that with only about three per cent of Nigeria’s land formally registered, the country faces major challenges in national development, security, and planning. He praised Ekiti’s proactive measures as a model for improving land governance and economic growth.

“The international community recognises the strides being made by Governor Oyebanji and his team in improving livelihoods, strengthening security, and enhancing land governance,” Kabir said. “We are here to offer technical support, build capacity, and deepen partnerships that can help sustain these efforts.”

He added that accurate land data could empower local farmers and residents to access credit facilities and boost productivity through land-backed collateral.

Also speaking, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on eGIS and Land Management, Akintobi Olusanmi, highlighted the state’s progress in digitising land processes. He said key infrastructure such as Continuous Operating Reference Stations had been installed, while aerial imagery of the entire state was being captured to ensure precision in planning and development.

Olusanmi further disclosed that the state’s comprehensive master plan project, initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding with the UN-Habitat in June 2023, was nearing a critical stage.

“The project has reached the contribution agreement phase, which is undergoing final legal review,” he said. “Once concluded, the drafting of the master plan will commence immediately and is expected to be completed within the first six months.”

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The Ekiti State Government has urged property owners with land or buildings within 50 meters on both sides of Airport Road, Ado-Ekiti, to present themselves for verification at the Bureau of Land Services.

The announcement, issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Surveys and Geographic Information System (eGIS), Professor James Olaleye, said the exercise is aimed at properly documenting affected landowners for future government action.

Owners are required to visit the Bureau of Land Services, located behind the House of Assembly Complex at the State Secretariat, on or before September 30, 2025.

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The official unveiling took place at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, where Sanwo-Olu was joined by several high-profile guests, including governors from five states and leaders from both the public and private sectors. Among those in attendance were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Umaru Bago (Niger), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olajide Owolabi. Ekiti State was represented by a delegate.

Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos consumes more than half of the food traded across the Southwest, placing immense pressure on supply chains. He said the state’s food economy, valued at over N6 trillion, suffers a 50% loss in produce due to inadequate storage and inefficient transport logistics.

“It became clear that we must organise our food systems to feed our people well,” the governor stated. “With the ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme, we are directly addressing these gaps by enhancing logistics and connecting our dynamic food economy with producers across the country.”

The governor also introduced 150 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered 40-foot trucks under the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company. These trucks, he said, are designed to transport food efficiently across the country and return without refueling—marking a major shift in agricultural logistics.

“This initiative is not just about today’s needs. It’s about building an ecosystem that meets future demands,” Sanwo-Olu added. “We are combining policy with infrastructure and financial models that will endure, ensuring food availability for future generations.”

The project is supported by various special purpose vehicles including the Lagos Bulk Trading Company and private logistics provider Ekolog.

Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), pledged N25 billion in support of the initiative, stating, “The programme will help address unemployment, and UBA is fully committed to being a part of this transformational journey.”

Niger State Governor Umaru Bago also pledged his state’s support by offering 500,000 hectares of farmland exclusively for food production for Lagos.

“When I saw ‘Produce for Lagos,’ I said, no—I am farming for Lagos,” Bago remarked. “This is our way of creating value through partnership.”

The initiative also drew praise from the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who called the project “one of the most visionary food interventions” in recent times.

“This gives farmers value for their produce while ensuring the city builds a resilient food system. This is how we build the Lagos—and Nigeria—of the future,” Tijani noted.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, echoed similar sentiments, commending the Lagos State Government for recognizing the link between food security and national stability. In a statement released through Defence Headquarters, he applauded the collaboration with private and state-level partners, calling it “a timely and strategic intervention.”

The initiative, aligns with the Lagos State Agriculture and Food Systems Roadmap of 2021 and signals a new era of collaborative governance in addressing Nigeria’s food challenges.

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Speaking during a technical session and statewide town hall meeting organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in collaboration with the Ekiti State Development and Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), Governor Oyebanji, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Akin Oyebode, noted that key reforms are already in motion to support enterprise development in the state.

The session, held in Ado-Ekiti, focused on the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme, bringing together public and private sector stakeholders to discuss progress, challenges, and opportunities in enhancing the ease of doing business.

Highlighting steps taken by his administration, Oyebanji pointed to ongoing efforts such as waivers for business registration fees, the establishment of a One-Stop Investment Centre through EKDIPA, and a transition law that guarantees continuity of development projects across administrations.

“We are committed to breaking down the barriers that hinder business growth,” he said. “Through strategic reforms and sustained support, we are positioning Ekiti as a preferred destination for investment in Nigeria.”

Other initiatives outlined include an “investment aftercare” programme aimed at supporting existing investors, improving power and infrastructure, and expanding access to regulatory and financial services.

Senior Reform Leader from PEBEC, Suzana Abdul-Kabdir, who spoke on behalf of the Director General, praised the state for aligning with national efforts to promote economic competitiveness and investor confidence. She emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure the continuity of reforms.

Similarly, Director General of EKDIPA, Lolade Olutona, applauded Governor Oyebanji’s leadership and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting businesses. She noted that EKDIPA not only seeks new investment but also prioritises the sustainability of existing enterprises.

“It’s not just about attracting new investors,” Olutona stated, “We actively engage with existing businesses to identify and resolve operational issues, ensuring they thrive and contribute meaningfully to Ekiti’s economy.”

The town hall meeting concluded with a renewed call for stakeholder engagement, transparency, and long-term policy support to strengthen investor confidence and economic resilience in the state.

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Speaking during a forum held in Ado Ekiti, FIDA’s National President, Mrs. Eliana Martins—represented by the Ekiti State Chairperson, Mrs. Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards—emphasised the importance of fostering gender justice at the grassroots. The event, titled the State Experiential Learning and Sharing Forum on Violence Against Women and Girls Prevention, was organised in collaboration with the Ford Foundation.

According to Martins, the initiative builds on earlier engagements held between October 2024 and April 2025. These sessions focused on assessing the impact of short-term interventions, evaluating outcomes, and documenting feedback from project beneficiaries.

The latest forum aimed to reflect on progress made in addressing gender-based violence (GBV), share key lessons, and discuss persistent challenges in coordinating efforts among traditional, religious, and state actors.

Olowoyo-Richards noted the positive responses recorded from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice, the National Human Rights Commission, and the State House of Assembly. She added that some community leaders had also begun to take active roles in anti-GBV advocacy.

“Since we began these engagements, there’s been a noticeable shift in how communities across Ekiti State are responding to gender-based violence,” she said. “FIDA remains committed to public education and ongoing sensitisation.”

Echoing this, Fiki Obaro, FIDA’s Senior Manager for Programmes and Partnerships, highlighted encouraging signs of collaboration between community leaders and state institutions.

Obaro underscored the importance of strengthening local structures to ensure long-term impact, saying, “With the sustained support of traditional, religious, and government bodies, we are on track toward meaningful reduction—if not eradication—of gender-based violence in the state.”

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According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, the headline inflation rate cooled to 23.71% year-on-year—a marginal dip from 24.23% in March 2025 and a significant fall from the 33.69% recorded in April 2024. On a month-on-month basis, consumer prices rose by 1.86%, a sharp deceleration from the previous month’s 3.90%, indicating a slight relief in the pace of price increases.

However, the national average conceals acute disparities across the country. Several states reported inflation rates far exceeding the average, with Enugu State topping the list at a staggering 36.0% year-on-year. Others crossing the 30% threshold included Kebbi, Niger, Benue, Ekiti, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Delta, Gombe, Sokoto, and Abuja.

The uneven distribution of inflation suggests localized pressures, especially in urban centres. Urban inflation held at 24.29%, reflecting persistent cost-of-living challenges for city dwellers, while rural inflation came in slightly lower at 22.83%.

Among the states with the most alarming figures:

Enugu experienced a 12.3% rise in its general price level within a month, accompanied by a 24.4% food inflation rate.

Kebbi reported all-items inflation of 35.1%, with food prices soaring by 33.8% year-on-year.

Niger State witnessed a notable 14.7% month-on-month increase, the highest jump nationally, pushing its overall inflation to 34.8%.

Benue, grappling with insecurity and supply chain issues, saw food prices balloon by 51.8% year-on-year, one of the most extreme spikes in the country.

Ekiti and Nasarawa also saw monthly price increases surpassing 10%, contributing to respective annual inflation rates of 34.0% and 33.3%.

Even Abuja, the seat of government, reported 32.9% inflation—an indicator of how widespread the economic challenges have become. While food inflation in the capital showed a slight monthly decline of 0.7%, the overall price burden remains heavy.

Some states, such as Delta and Gombe, experienced high inflation driven more by non-food sectors. Rising costs in housing, utilities, and transportation have become major contributors in these regions.

Nationally, food inflation eased to 21.26% in April 2025—significantly down from 40.53% a year earlier. This improvement is partly attributed to adjustments in the statistical base year and the reduced prices of staples like rice, maize flour, and beans. However, food price increases still weigh heavily on households in many states.

The average 12-month food inflation now stands at 31.43%, a slight drop from the 32.74% recorded previously. Meanwhile, core inflation—which excludes volatile categories like food and energy—also moderated, falling to 23.39% year-on-year and 1.34% month-on-month.

Despite these positive trends at the national level, inflationary pressure remains uneven, especially in areas affected by insecurity, poor infrastructure, or disrupted supply chains. Experts warn that unless structural issues are addressed, vulnerable populations in high-inflation states will continue to face rising poverty and reduced purchasing power.

The report underscores a critical point: while national indicators may point to easing inflation, for many Nigerians, the cost of living crisis remains very real—and deeply regional.

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Speaking at the commissioning of a 26-apartment neighborhood shopping complex by the Ekiti State Housing Corporation in Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Mrs. Monisade Afuye, emphasized the importance of affordable housing in fostering economic growth.

He highlighted his government’s proactive measures, including infrastructure interventions, policy reforms, and financial support for small businesses, to position Ekiti as a prime investment destination. The governor also urged business owners to maintain the new complex and leverage it to stimulate economic activities in the state.

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