The Cross River House of Assembly has initiated moves to enact legislation regulating property rental and leasing in the state.
The motion, sponsored by Mr. Davies Etta, member representing Abi Constituency, was titled “Matter of Urgent Public Importance on the Unreasonable Hike in House Rents in Calabar Metropolis.”
Presenting the motion during plenary on Wednesday, Etta decried the sharp increase in rent charges across Calabar, describing it as exploitative and economically destabilising.
“As we speak, a single self-contain room on Marian Road now goes for ₦1.5 million per annum in Calabar South, while a one-bedroom apartment costs between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million.
“In Parliamentary Extension, State Housing, and CICC areas, tenants are being asked to pay ₦2 million and above for a one- or two-bedroom flat.
“This unregulated rental inflation is not only heartless, but it also breeds homelessness, desperation, and urban inequality,” he said.
Supporting the motion, Mr. Stanley Nsemo, member representing Calabar Municipality, called for strict regulation of rent prices and the activities of housing agents within the metropolis.
Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate unanimously agreed that housing is a basic human right that must be protected.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, commended the sponsor and members for their concern over residents’ welfare, noting that rent increases were inflicting hardship on citizens.
He assured that the 10th Assembly would commence legislative procedures to regulate rent across the state in order to make life easier for the people.
(NAN)