Group raises alarm over increase in rent, exorbitant charges by agents in Delta
The Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancement (ISRCA), a rights group, has sounded an alarm regarding the escalating rents and exorbitant fees imposed by housing agents in Delta State. The group’s National Coordinator, Derrick Agberen, expressed concerns about the worsening situation following a public hearing on the proposed Landlord and Tenant Law, 2025, at the Delta State House of Assembly in October. Despite the discussions, the state government, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has yet to enact any legislation to address the ongoing challenges associated with housing costs.
ISRCA highlighted the significant financial burden placed on residents, citing that a single room, complete with essential amenities, now costs ₦500,000. This amount includes additional fees for caution, landlord’s refreshments, and legal expenses that can total over ₦800,000. In more spacious accommodations, two-bedroom apartments are being listed at ₦1,200,000, while three-bedroom units can go as high as ₦1,700,000. The group noted that these prices are often coupled with additional levies imposed by landlords.
The situation has reached a critical point, according to ISRCA, compelling the state government to take immediate action to regulate house rent increases. The ongoing rise in housing costs is seen as a significant strain on families already grappling with the harsh economic climate in the region. Basic needs for survival are increasingly out of reach for ordinary citizens, which ISRCA argues necessitates urgent government intervention.
The group emphasized that the Delta State Government should not maintain silence amid what they describe as an abnormal situation caused by landlords and housing agents. With the costs of transportation, food, and goods also rising, families are finding it increasingly difficult to manage multiple financial pressures alongside housing expenses. While many landlords justify high rents by citing increased construction costs, ISRCA urges the government to explore alternative solutions, including investment in housing schemes. Such initiatives could potentially reduce housing costs and make accommodations more affordable across the state.
ISRCA’s statement underscores that the deteriorating housing situation is affecting the well-being of many families, and without timely and decisive action from the government, the consequences could be dire. The rising costs are not only a financial burden but are also contributing to a broader trend of economic hardship in Delta State. Communities are feeling the impact, with many families struggling to make ends meet in the face of these challenges. The group calls on the state government to act with the urgency that the crisis demands, advocating for regulations that would stabilize housing costs and alleviate the financial burden placed on residents.
In summary, ISRCA is advocating for substantial reforms in the housing sector in Delta State, emphasizing that immediate government intervention is essential to protect citizens from rising rents and the associated fees imposed by landlords and agents. The rising costs of living, compounded by unaffordable housing, pose an immense challenge, and the rights group is pushing for legislative action to address these pressing issues.
