By Sylvia Akpan
The Cross River State House of Assembly has commenced deliberations on the alarming surge in house rents in Calabar and its environs, describing the situation as “unreasonable, unprovoked, and economically destabilizing.”
The motion, brought before the House on Tuesday as a Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, condemned the arbitrary and exploitative rent increases being imposed on residents by landlords and housing agents.
Rt. Hon. Etta lamented that many Cross Riverians have been “crying for help” as landlords, often on the advice of house agents, raise rent prices on old and dilapidated properties without any justification. He noted that buildings erected over two to three decades ago, many with leaking roofs, faulty plumbing, and poor drainage, are now rented out at outrageous rates.
“A self-contained room on Marian Road now costs as high as ₦1.5 million per year, while in Calabar South, a one-bedroom apartment goes for between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million. In areas like Parliamentary Extension, E1, State Housing, and CICC, tenants are being charged up to ₦2 million or more for a one- or two-bedroom flat,” he stated.
Rt. Hon. Etta decried the growing impunity among landlords who issue instant eviction notices to tenants unable to meet new demands, some insisting on two years rent upfront, further compounding the economic hardship of civil servants, students, and small business owners.
He warned that the unregulated rent escalation is “heartless, economically destabilizing, and socially dangerous,” stressing that housing is a basic human necessity, not a luxury.
Etta urged the House to urgently legislate a regulatory framework for property rental and leasing, balance the rights of landlords with tenants’ dignity, and compel the Ministry of Housing to monitor and control rent-related practices. He also called for a reduction in the cost of locally produced building materials to ease housing challenges.
Hon. Standley Nsemo, Member representing Calabar Municipality, said the problem had long plagued his constituency, noting that “a common man can no longer afford decent shelter.” He blamed housing agents for fueling the crisis, calling for their total regulation or outright ban.
Hon. Omang Omang representing Bekwarra Constituency emphasized that the welfare of Cross Riverians must remain the government’s top priority, while Hon. Francis Ogban (Biase) linked the rising rent rates to the surge in crime and moral decline within the State.
Similarly, Hon. Ashakia Pius (Obanliku) called for the complete abolition of house agents, insisting that their activities have worsened the cost of living for the average citizen.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the motion and described it as “timely and people-centered.” He reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Assembly to enacting laws that have direct impact on the lives of citizens, adding that the Assembly would ensure a level playing field between landlords and tenants.
“This Assembly belongs to the people. We will continue to stand with them to create balance, fairness, and affordability in housing across Cross River State,” the Speaker assured.
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