Many years after independence, Nigerian civil servants continue to grapple with rising rents, stagnant wages and the growing difficulty of home ownership. For millions of workers, owning a house remains a distant dream as housing costs continue to rise faster than incomes.

Nigeria’s housing challenge has remained one of the country’s most persistent development issues. Despite several interventions and policy promises over the years, the gap between housing demand and available supply continues to widen.

Rapid urbanisation, population growth, inflation, and high construction costs have combined to worsen the crisis, leaving many Nigerians trapped in expensive rental markets.

Housing Deficit Continues to Grow

While estimates vary, stakeholders generally agree that Nigeria’s housing deficit exceeds 15 million units.

This shortfall has forced millions of families into overcrowded apartments, substandard housing and informal settlements.

Unlike many developed countries where mortgage systems support large-scale home ownership, Nigeria’s housing finance sector remains weak due to high interest rates, low incomes and inadequate long-term financing structures.

For years, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has remained one of the few institutions providing affordable long-term housing loans at single-digit interest rates.

However, experts say inadequate capitalisation has limited the institution’s reach.

Rising Rent Pressure on Workers

Across major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano, rent prices have surged significantly.

Inflation, foreign exchange instability, high energy costs and increased prices of building materials have pushed up development costs, with landlords transferring those expenses directly to tenants.

For civil servants whose salaries often remain fixed for long periods, the impact has been severe.

Many workers now spend substantial portions of their income on rent and transportation after relocating to distant suburbs in search of cheaper accommodation.

In many cases, salary earners devote more than half of their monthly income to housing-related expenses.

FG Introduces N10bn Mortgage Intervention

The Federal Government recently announced a N10 billion housing facility through a partnership involving FMBN and the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board (FGSHLB).

The initiative aims to improve housing affordability and expand access to mortgage opportunities for federal workers.

The collaboration gained momentum following strategic engagements between leadership of both organisations focused on developing practical housing solutions tailored specifically to civil servants.

Under the arrangement, FMBN will provide funding support to FGSHLB for onward lending to workers.

The agreement is expected to strengthen access to homeownership financing, home renovation support, rent assistance and incremental housing development.

FMBN Expands Affordable Housing Products

Over the years, FMBN has expanded beyond traditional mortgage offerings.

The bank now provides products including:

• NHF Mortgage Loans
• Home Renovation Loans
• Rent-to-Own schemes
• Individual Construction Loans
• Cooperative Housing Development Loans
• Home Improvement Loans
• Rent Assistance programmes
• Diaspora Mortgage products

Among workers, the Home Renovation Loan has become particularly attractive because it offers affordable financing for repairs and completion of existing projects.

What the Initiative Means for Civil Servants

Analysts believe the significance of the N10 billion housing facility extends beyond its financial value.

The intervention arrives at a period when rising living costs and expensive rental obligations are placing enormous pressure on workers.

For many civil servants who dedicate decades to public service without realistic prospects of owning a home, the initiative offers renewed hope.

Importantly, FMBN Managing Director Shehu Usman Osidi disclosed that the bank had previously disbursed over N2.6 billion in Home Renovation Loans to more than 3,000 federal civil servants through FGSHLB.

This existing implementation record is seen as a sign that the partnership has practical foundations beyond policy announcements.

Industry observers say affordable housing can no longer be treated solely as a social intervention. It is increasingly becoming an economic necessity tied directly to worker welfare, productivity and long-term financial security.

The post How FG’s N10bn Housing Scheme Could Ease Nigeria’s Housing Burden on Civil Servants appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The housing crisis in Nigeria is worsening, with rising rents across major cities pushing many people toward homelessness. Homeownership remains low at just 25%, while the country faces a housing deficit of about 28 million units. More Nigerians now rely on rentals, but these are becoming increasingly unaffordable.

High demand, low housing supply, inflation, and high interest rates are the main factors driving up rents. These pressures have widened the housing gap, making it difficult for people to own or even rent homes. In many cities, people are abandoning their homeownership dreams just to find a roof over their heads.

In Lagos, rent increases are forcing residents out of central areas like Surulere, Gbagada, Ilupeju, and Yaba. Many have moved to suburbs such as Idimu, Ejigbo, Abulegba, Egbeda, and Ojodu Berger in search of lower rents.

Abuja is experiencing similar challenges. Locations like Kubwa, Lugbe, Gwarinpa, and Lokogoma, once considered affordable, are now unaffordable for the average tenant. Alloy Asogwa, a civil servant, used to pay ₦1.2 million annually for a two-bedroom flat in Lokogoma. His landlord raised the rent to ₦2 million, forcing him to relocate to Zuba, where he now pays ₦700,000 per year. However, his daily commuting costs have soared to ₦10,000 by car or ₦4,000 by public transport.

In Kubwa, rent for a one-bedroom apartment has risen from ₦500,000 to ₦700,000. A self-contained flat now costs between ₦600,000 and ₦800,000. A two-bedroom flat goes for ₦1.5 million to ₦2 million. In Gwarinpa, another civil servant reported that people are being evicted for failing to meet rent demands. He described the situation as a growing humanitarian crisis.

In Kaduna, where most residents are civil servants, rents have gone up by as much as 150%. This sharp rise has made housing unaffordable for many. Mubarak Aliyu, a tenant in Unguwan Rimi, said his rent jumped from ₦350,000 to ₦900,000. Many tenants blame landlords for increasing rents without reason. They are calling on the government to introduce laws to limit rent increases, require proper notice periods, and provide fair dispute resolution options.

Southeastern cities like Enugu, Aba, Owerri, Awka, and Umuahia are also seeing rising rents. Civil servants and small business owners are under pressure. In Awka, rent for a three-bedroom flat rose from ₦250,000 to over ₦700,000. Many families have been forced to move to villages or outer suburbs. Residents cite government inaction, high construction costs, inflation, and the role of estate agents as causes. Some also blame internet fraudsters, or “Yahoo Boys,” for raising demand and inflating rent.

In Umuahia, rent for a two-bedroom flat ranges from ₦400,000 to ₦600,000. A three-bedroom can cost between ₦700,000 and ₦1 million, and as much as ₦1.2 million in modern buildings with better facilities.

While some landlords say rent hikes are due to the rising cost of building materials, others admit they increase rents simply to profit. One landlord noted that many older landlords or their children, who inherited properties, raise rents without improving the buildings. He said new landlords consider fair pricing based on construction costs and market conditions.

Tenants and housing experts are calling for urgent government action. They want more affordable housing, clear tenancy laws, protection from sudden rent hikes, and systems to handle landlord-tenant disputes. Without quick intervention, Nigeria could face a widespread homelessness crisis, especially among low and middle-income earners.

The post Rising Rent Crisis Puts More Nigerians at Risk of Homelessness appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

One-bedroom apartment that was rented for between N200,000 and N250,000 annually, a year ago, has now soared to between N350,000 and N400,000.

In some prime areas of the city, such as Rayfield, Rantiya, and the Government Reserved Area (GRA), rent prices have skyrocketed to as high as N550,000, with some landlords demanding as high as N700,000 for that same apartment.

This sharp increase has left many tenants frustrated and struggling to keep up with the rising costs.

Some tenants, who spoke with our correspondent shared their frustration, revealing how the increase in rent has had a devastating effect on their finances.

“I’ve been living in this apartment for two years now. My rent used to be N550,000, but when I came to renew it, I was shocked to be told that the new rent would be N700,000. I barely make enough to cover the old rent, and now this increase is unbearable. I don’t know how long I can stay in this apartment,” Jude, a resident of Rayfield, said.

Another tenant, James, echoed similar concerns. “The increase in rent is so sudden and unfair. We are already struggling with the high cost of basic necessities. Now, on top of that, we have to deal with landlords raising rents to ridiculous amounts. I don’t see how this is sustainable for most of us who are just trying to make ends meet,” he said visibly upset.

The reasons for the sharp increase in rent are being attributed to several factors, with the high cost of building materials being one of the most cited.

Landlords argue that the surge in construction materials such as cement, steel, and labour costs has made it more expensive to maintain old buildings and build new properties.

A landlord in Rantiya, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “The increase in rent is a direct result of the rising cost of building materials. As much as we understand the plight of tenants, we also have to account for the fact that maintaining a house is becoming more expensive by the day.”

A caretaker from the GRA area explained the situation from a different angle, noting that many landlords now see the current market as an opportunity to demand higher rents.

“We’re in a situation where demand is high, and with the influx of people, especially those with more disposable income, landlords feel justified in increasing rent,” said the caretaker.

“Some landlords do not mind inflating the rent to cater to wealthy individuals, including those engaged in internet fraud, who can afford to pay higher amounts.” the caretaker who pleaded anonymity added.

Interestingly, it has also been reported that some of the tenants themselves have noticed an increase in the number of individuals they believe are ‘Yahoo boys’ (a local term for internet fraudsters) who are willing to pay almost any amount for rented apartments.

“Some landlords have no problem with this because they know that such tenants will pay whatever they ask for. It’s becoming a problem because we, the regular tenants, have to suffer because of this,” said James another tenant.

NUJ urges Plateau government to regulate rent

During a recent meeting of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, members discussed the urgent need for the state government to intervene in controlling the rapid rise in rents.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, signed by Ayuku Pwaspo and Mary Damtur, the state chairman and secretary respectively, the union voiced its concerns, urging the government to act swiftly to address the issue before it becomes an insurmountable burden for average citizens.

The union expressed concern that the continuous hike in rent prices has been causing significant financial strain and hardship to citizens, making it increasingly difficult for many to secure affordable housing and commercial spaces.

The union emphasized that the skyrocketing rent was not only burdening individuals and families but also hindering business growth.

The Congress called on the state government to step in and regulate the escalating rent, ensuring that both tenants and landlords are treated fairly.

They also called for a more transparent and balanced approach to the housing and real estate market, to prevent further economic hardship for citizens and to promote stability in the state’s rental sector.

The growing rent crisis in Jos has also captured the attention of lawmakers in Plateau State. Gabriel Dewan, speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and the member representing Pankshin North, voiced his concerns over the sharp rent increases in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.

Speaking during one of the assembly’s plenary sessions, Dewan called on the state government to regulate the housing market, citing the need for affordable shelter for the people.

“We must ensure that basic human rights are upheld. Shelter is one of the most essential needs for every citizen. The current economic conditions and the constant hike in rents are putting undue hardship on the people of Jos, particularly tenants who are struggling to make ends meet,” Dewan stated in his motion.

“We are calling on the government to step in and regulate the rates at which rents are charged in the Jos and Bukuru areas. This is in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to adequate shelter and housing,” Dewan added, referring to sections 16(1)(d), 17(2)(h), and 34(1) of the Constitution.

Dewan also urged the Plateau State government to direct the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to engage with the association of landlords and other stakeholders to work towards reducing rents to more affordable levels. He emphasized that the state must put in place policies to ensure that housing remains accessible for all citizens, regardless of their income levels.

“With the current economic situation in our country today and the significant increase in the cost of living and the rate at which landlords are increasing house rent in Jos and Bukuru metropolis has further contributed to undue hardship on tenants who are struggling to make ends meet.

This is a critical matter that we need to call on the Government to look into it through its appropriate Ministry Department and Agencies not only to alleviate the suffering of tenants but to also stimulate economic growth and development in Plateau State.

“Now therefore, I call on this House to resolve to call on the Plateau State Government to direct State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and other relevant Ministries Department and Agencies to Put policies in place that will regulate the rate of charges of house rent in Jos and Bukuru metropolis.

Engage with Association of Landlords in Plateau State and urge them to reduce house rent for tenants in Jos and Bukuru metropolis to a more affordable amount. I so move.”

The lawmaker’s call for intervention has gained support among other lawmakers and residents, who have highlighted the dire consequences of unchecked rent hikes.

Many have noted that the unchecked rise in rents is not only making it harder for the average person to secure a place to live but is also driving more people into slums or informal settlements where living conditions are far from ideal.

“We are not just asking for government intervention as tenants, but as human beings who deserve basic right. we need the government to step in before things get out of hand”; a tenant in Rayfield noted.

Despite the growing concern, some landlords remain adamant in their position, stating that they cannot lower rents given the rising cost of maintenance and repairs.

A landlord in Rayfield who preferred anonymity explained, “When you look at the cost of repairs, maintenance, and the cost of building materials, it becomes clear why we have to raise rents. It’s not because we want to take advantage of tenants, but because the economics of running a property have changed.”

For now, many residents are left wondering if the state government will heed the calls for action or if the rent crisis will continue to spiral out of control. As debates continue in the state assembly, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers and the government will find a solution to this pressing issue, or if tenants will continue to bear the brunt of skyrocketing rents.

The Plateau State government has yet to make an official response to the call for intervention, but tenants, NUJ and lawmakers alike remain hopeful that a resolution will soon be found to provide relief to those most affected by the current rent hikes.

The post Jos tenants laments as rent crisis hits Jos appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The cost of renting homes in Lagos continues to rise, leaving many residents struggling and calling for government intervention.

Damilola Adebayo’s 71-year-old father recently relocated after his former landlord sold the house he was renting. In Lagos’ Agege area, he paid N260,000 for a single room—without basic self-contained facilities. Adebayo contributed N120,000 to secure the space despite living in Ibafo, Ogun State, while working in Ikeja.

He shared how two of his friends are also struggling to raise N370,000 for a single room, accusing landlords of exploiting tenants despite the high cost of construction and maintenance.

Last week, on-air personality Gbemi O.O drew attention to the rent crisis with a post on X, which received 2.4 million views. Her post sparked reactions from frustrated tenants, including @demolarashid, who faced a 400% rent increase, and @AdeyefAbiola, whose landlord doubled his rent.

Calls for Rent Regulation Grow

Yetunde, a tenant in Ikeja, revealed that her rent rose from N700,000 to N900,000, a 29% increase, despite no improvements to the property. She urged the government to regulate rent, ensuring tenants aren’t at landlords’ mercy.

Joshua, another tenant, echoed similar concerns, criticizing the growing demand by landlords for two years’ rent upfront. Faith, who commutes from Ogba to Ikeja, also called for government intervention through rent control policies.

Landlords Cite High Building Costs

Landlords attribute rent hikes to rising construction expenses. Adeniyi Adenekan explained that the price of cement rose from N4,000 to nearly N10,000, alongside increasing government levies. Although he hasn’t raised rents in three years, he understands why others have, noting some landlords depend solely on rental income.

Suraj Ogundijo also pointed to inflation and soaring material costs as key drivers of rent increases.

Real Estate Agents Blame Economic Conditions

Chief Dozie Ebikam, Vice Chairman of APICAN, Ogba Branch, noted that property prices surged following fuel subsidy removal. He revealed that a three-bedroom flat in an estate that cost under N1 million in 2022 now exceeds N3 million.

Ebikam dismissed claims that agents cause rent inflation, asserting they only benefit when people can afford to rent. He supported rent regulation to ensure fairness between old and new properties.

Monthly Rent System Considered

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu proposed a monthly rent system in 2021 to ease tenants’ financial burdens. Special Adviser on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, confirmed plans to implement the scheme by early 2025, starting with the public sector.

Ebikam welcomed the policy, citing similar practices in developed countries, which ease financial strain and promote better money management. However, landlords like Adenekan and Ogundijo opposed the move, warning that it might worsen financial pressure on tenants.

Housing Deficit Worsens Rental Market

Lagos’ rent crisis is exacerbated by a housing deficit exceeding three million units. A 2024 report by BuyLetLive revealed that 98.5% of Lagos residents live in rented apartments. The report also highlighted that areas like Yaba, Surulere, and Gbagada are in high demand but lack sufficient housing to meet rising needs.

With inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, and surging building costs, rental prices continue to climb, deepening concerns among tenants.

Efforts to reach Lagos State officials for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

Source: WHISTLER

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