The Kogi State House of Assembly has commenced legislative action to reform the state's tenancy law with a bill aimed at protecting tenants from arbitrary rent increases, unlawful evictions, and exploitation by landlords and property agents.
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| Members of the Kogi State House of Assembly during a public hearing on the proposed tenancy law reform. |
LOKOJA, KOGI STATE – July 3, 2026
The Kogi State House of Assembly has commenced the process of overhauling the state's tenancy law with a proposed bill designed to protect tenants from arbitrary rent increases, unlawful evictions, and other forms of exploitation by landlords and property agents.
The bill, which was the subject of a public hearing attended by government officials, legal practitioners, landlords, tenants, estate surveyors, civil society organisations, and members of the public, seeks to establish a more balanced legal framework governing landlord-tenant relationships in the state.
Lawmakers said the proposed legislation is intended to address increasing complaints from residents over rising rental costs, excessive agency charges, and disputes arising from tenancy agreements.
Speaking during the public hearing, members of the Assembly noted that while landlords have legitimate rights to earn returns on their investments, tenants also deserve legal protection against unfair practices.
According to the lawmakers, the proposed legislation aims to ensure transparency in tenancy agreements, regulate rent increases, and provide clear procedures for eviction in accordance with the law.
The Assembly said the bill also seeks to reduce avoidable disputes by encouraging both landlords and tenants to adhere to clearly defined contractual obligations.
If passed into law, the legislation is expected to provide stronger legal safeguards while promoting a more stable and predictable housing market in Kogi State.
The review of the tenancy law comes amid growing concerns over rising rental costs in Lokoja and other urban centres across Kogi State.
Residents have repeatedly complained about steep rent increases, multiple agency fees, caution charges, and advance payment demands, which many say have placed additional financial pressure on households.
Some tenants also allege that they have been subjected to unlawful eviction without adequate notice or due legal process.
Landlords, on the other hand, argue that inflation, rising construction costs, maintenance expenses, and increased property taxes have significantly raised the cost of owning and managing residential buildings.
They contend that rental adjustments are often necessary to keep properties habitable and financially sustainable.
Participants at the public hearing expressed varying opinions on the proposed legislation.
Tenant advocacy groups welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that could reduce exploitation and improve access to justice for renters.
They urged lawmakers to include provisions regulating agency commissions, limiting arbitrary service charges, and strengthening mechanisms for dispute resolution.
Representatives of landlords and estate professionals, however, cautioned against excessive regulation, arguing that policies should also protect property owners from defaulting tenants and property damage.
Legal practitioners recommended that the bill clearly define the rights and responsibilities of all parties while ensuring consistency with existing national laws governing tenancy and property rights.
The Kogi State House of Assembly assured stakeholders that all memoranda and recommendations submitted during the public hearing would be carefully reviewed before the bill proceeds to its final legislative stages.
Lawmakers said the objective is to enact legislation that reflects the interests of both tenants and landlords while promoting fairness, transparency, and social harmony.
They emphasised that public participation remains essential in developing laws capable of addressing contemporary housing challenges in the state.
Urban development experts have welcomed the proposed reform, noting that disputes between landlords and tenants have become increasingly common across many Nigerian cities due to rising living costs and the absence of effective regulatory frameworks.
According to them, modern tenancy laws should encourage mediation, discourage prolonged litigation, and provide accessible channels for resolving housing disputes.
They also stressed that improving access to affordable housing, expanding mortgage financing, and encouraging private investment remain critical to addressing the broader housing challenges confronting Nigeria.
If eventually passed into law, the proposed tenancy legislation could significantly reshape landlord-tenant relationships in Kogi State and serve as a model for similar reforms in other states.
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