The Cross River State House of Assembly is considering a ban on housing agents across Calabar and other parts of the state, citing their role in inflating rental prices and worsening the cost of living for residents.
The motion, raised during Tuesday’s plenary by Davies Etta, member representing Abi State Constituency, highlighted what he described as “unreasonable, unprovoked, and economically destabilizing” increases in rent, particularly in Calabar and its environs.
Etta accused landlords and property agents of exploiting the current economic situation by charging exorbitant rates, even for old and poorly maintained buildings.
“Properties built over 20 to 30 years ago — many with leaking roofs and faulty plumbing — are now rented out at outrageous rates,” Etta said. “A self-contained room on Marian Road costs as much as N1.5 million per year, while a one-bedroom apartment in Calabar South goes for between N800,000 and N1 million. In areas like Parliamentary Extension, State Housing, and CICC, rents can hit N2 million or more.”
He also condemned the rising trend of landlords issuing sudden eviction notices and demanding up to two years’ rent in advance — a burden he said disproportionately affects civil servants, students, and small business owners.
Calling the rent surge “heartless” and “socially dangerous,” Etta urged the Assembly to create a legal framework to regulate rental practices, protect tenants’ rights, and ensure the Ministry of Housing takes an active role in monitoring the sector. He also advocated for a reduction in the cost of local building materials to improve housing affordability.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, praised the motion as “timely and people-centred,” and reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to laws that protect citizens and promote fairness in the housing sector.
“This Assembly belongs to the people,” he said. “We will continue to work toward balance, fairness, and affordability in housing across Cross River State.”
