The Housing Development Advocacy Network has raised strong concerns over the rising cost of rent and agency fees in the Federal Capital Territory, urging the National Assembly to intervene with urgent legislation to address the growing crisis.
In a statement, the advocacy group urged the government to prioritise incentives for developers to construct low-cost housing estates.
According to HDAN, the FCT is experiencing a worsening housing affordability challenge that disproportionately affects civil servants, artisans, and low- to middle-income earners.
It stated, “Driven by inflation, population growth, and rapid urbanisation, housing demand has far outpaced supply, resulting in exorbitant rent levels. Currently, a self-contained apartment in Abuja costs as much as N1m annually, while a three-bedroom flat attracts as much as N3.5m.
“To address the crisis, the National Assembly should enact a Rent and Agency Control Bill while also mandating the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, to prioritise the development of low-cost housing estates for civil servants and artisans.
“The organisation also recommends the establishment of an FCT Housing Authority to regulate rent increases and curb excessive agency charges, as well as periodic oversight of housing policies by the House Committee on Housing and Habitat.”
Reacting to the development, HDAN’s Executive Director, Festus Adebayo, noted that, beyond high rents, tenants are forced to bear additional burdens such as agency fees ranging from 20 to 25 per cent of annual rent, caution fees, and maintenance charges from quacks.
He said, “These costs consume a significant share of household incomes, forcing many residents to relocate to distant satellite towns where cheaper accommodation is available. The consequence is longer daily commutes, reduced productivity, mounting financial strain, and a decline in overall quality of life.
“Deliberate action is urgently required to keep Abuja’s housing market from becoming completely unsustainable. Affordable housing is not just an economic necessity but also a matter of social justice, and lawmakers must prioritise it to protect the most vulnerable residents of the FCT.”
The group further warned that the absence of rent control mechanisms and effective regulatory oversight has allowed for arbitrary rent hikes and exploitative practices in the property market, worsening inequality and fuelling social challenges such as homelessness and the expansion of informal settlements.
In addition, it urged lawmakers to work with the executive arm of government to address the rising cost of building materials, which significantly drives up overall housing expenses.
HDAN is a research-driven, non-profit, volunteer, and non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting affordable housing across Africa. With a membership of over 5,000 professionals spanning various disciplines within the housing and construction industry, HDAN strives to advance sustainable housing solutions throughout the continent.
