Cross River Moves to Ban Housing Agents Over Soaring Rent Prices

The Cross River State House of Assembly is taking action against rising rent prices across the state as lawmakers move to ban housing agents accused of inflating rents and worsening residents’ cost of living.

The proposal was discussed during Tuesday’s plenary session following a motion raised by Hon. Davies Etta, representing Abi State Constituency, under matters of urgent public importance.

Etta described the rent hikes in Calabar and surrounding areas as “unreasonable, unprovoked, and economically destabilizing.” He blamed landlords and property agents for exploiting tenants amid the current harsh economic realities.

According to him, many residents have complained that landlords, often influenced by agents, now demand outrageous amounts even for old and poorly maintained apartments.

“Buildings erected over two or three decades ago—many with leaking roofs, faulty plumbing, and poor drainage—are being rented at shocking rates. Cross Riverians are crying for help,” Etta said.

He revealed that rent prices for self-contained apartments along Marian Road have climbed as high as ₦1.5 million per year, while one-bedroom flats in Calabar South now go for between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million. In upscale areas like Parliamentary Extension, E1, State Housing, and CICC, tenants reportedly pay between ₦1.5 million and ₦2 million for small flats.

Etta condemned landlords who evict tenants unable to meet the new rent demands and those requiring two years’ rent in advance. He warned that such practices were “heartless, economically destabilizing, and socially dangerous,” stressing that access to housing is a basic human right, not a privilege.

He urged the House to create a regulatory framework for rental and leasing practices to ensure fairness between landlords and tenants. He also proposed that the Ministry of Housing monitor rent practices and support policies that lower the cost of locally produced building materials.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the motion, describing it as “timely and people-centered.” He reiterated the 10th Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws that protect citizens and promote fairness in housing.

“This Assembly exists to serve the people. We will continue to work towards balance, fairness, and affordable housing across Cross River State,” he said.