The Kogi State House of Assembly has commenced the process of overhauling the state’s tenancy laws with a public hearing on a bill designed to protect tenants from arbitrary rent increases, unlawful evictions and exploitation by landlords and property agents.
The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law, 2007 and replace it with a new Kogi State Tenancy Law, 2027, aimed at reflecting present-day economic realities and strengthening the rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants and property agents.
The bill, sponsored by the member representing Ankpa I State Constituency, Lawal Akus, comes amid widespread complaints over escalating house rents and excessive agency charges across the state, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship.
Speaking at the public hearing, Akus said the proposed law was conceived to establish a fair, transparent and balanced legal framework governing tenancy relationships in Kogi State.
According to him, the legislation seeks to address arbitrary rent increases, unlawful evictions, excessive charges by property agents, prolonged tenancy disputes, abuse by both landlords and tenants, and delays in the administration of justice.
“This public hearing represents our modest but significant effort at promoting participatory democracy by ensuring that stakeholders and members of the public contribute meaningfully to the law-making process,” he said.
Akus noted that while landlords deserve legitimate returns on their investments, tenants equally deserve protection from exploitation.
“The relationship between landlords and tenants is an important aspect of our social and economic existence. Unfortunately, experience has shown that this relationship is often characterised by numerous challenges.
“Against this backdrop, I was motivated to sponsor this bill to provide a comprehensive legal regime that safeguards the interests of both landlords and tenants while promoting harmony, certainty and access to justice in tenancy matters across Kogi State.”
He added that increasing urbanisation across the state had intensified housing challenges, making a comprehensive tenancy law imperative.
According to the lawmaker, the proposed legislation will clearly define the rights and obligations of landlords, tenants and property agents, regulate tenancy agreements, establish lawful procedures for the recovery of premises, prohibit unlawful evictions and harassment, provide effective dispute resolution mechanisms, promote transparency in tenancy transactions, and foster peaceful coexistence among stakeholders.
He assured participants that every memorandum and recommendation submitted during the hearing would receive careful legislative consideration.
“Legislation is most effective when it is participatory, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the people it is intended to serve. Every contribution made here today will enrich the final law,” Akus said.