By Titilope Adako
Lagos, Nigeria | April 16 2025
The Lagos State House of Assembly has called for the full enforcement of the 2015 Tenancy Law to checkmate landlords who indiscriminately increase rent across the state.
The lawmakers reached this resolution during Tuesday’s plenary, following a motion by Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, who raised concern over rising cases of rent hikes.
Olumoh pointed to Section 37 of the law, which bars excessive rent increases and gives tenants the right to challenge such in court.
He warned that arbitrary rent adjustments were fueling homelessness in Lagos.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Desmond Elliot said rent in Surulere has surged by up to 200 percent.
Elliot said even though infrastructure improvements can affect property value, it should not justify extortion by landlords.
He also called for a review of the two-year tenancy rule and the high cost of agency and legal fees.
Hon. Aro Moshood condemned evictions carried out without legal process and slammed landlords who ignore tenants’ income levels.
“Many people earning minimum wage can’t even afford a room,” he added.
Hon. Shabi Adebola urged the government to increase low-cost housing projects to assist struggling residents.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa emphasised the need to consider the rising cost of building materials in the discussion.
He directed the House Committee on Housing to summon relevant stakeholders and agencies to find lasting solutions.
The Assembly also asked the Commissioner for Information and Strategy to drive public awareness about the Tenancy Law.
In a separate development, the House passed a bill to establish the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy and directed the Acting Clerk to forward it to the governor for assent.
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