Rent and housing concerns: Who’s looking out for tenants?

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September 11, 2025 by Our Reporter

Sir: What is behind the shocking rent hikes in many cities in Nigeria in particular Lagos and Abuja? Inflation, right? As food and fuel prices soar, landlords in these cities are increasingly passing the heat onto tenants sharply, some demanding rent increases as high as 150% without any hindrance. A two-bedroom apartment in Lekki that once cost N1.5 million now goes for N2.2 million.

The housing vulnerability in Nigeria has reached alarming proportions, and situation is not only a challenge for the economy but also a source of immense stress for ordinary Nigerians, many of whom struggle to keep up with rising rent prices and the declining quality of available housing. What was once considered a modest expense back then is now a significant portion of one’s salary, and the dream of owning a home seems increasingly out of reach for the majority in recent time.

In Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, the pressure on the housing market is severe. The city is home to over 23 million people, and this population continues to rise as people flood in from all over the country in search of better job opportunities. However, the demand for housing far exceeds the available supply. As a result, rent prices have skyrocketed, and many young professionals are finding themselves in a difficult position. The reality for a graduate in a mid-level job in Lekki or Ikeja means finding a one-bedroom apartment for anywhere between N950,000 to N1.5 million annually.

The situation in Abuja, the nation’s capital, is equally dire. While the city is still relatively newer in terms of development, rapid urbanization has led to significant price hikes in the rental market. The upper-middle class and young families are particularly affected. Those who were once able to afford relatively comfortable housing in areas like Wuse, Garki, and Maitama are now struggling to find suitable living spaces within their budgets. The absence of affordable housing options forces many to seek accommodations in the more remote and developing districts, which lack necessary infrastructure, further exacerbating the gap between affordable and livable housing.

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Even smaller cities across Nigeria are not exempt from the housing vulnerability. For instance, in cities like Benin, Enugu, and Ibadan, the rent situation is equally worrying. In these places, working-class families find themselves squeezed between the high cost of living and the insufficient housing infrastructure that doesn’t cater to the masses. Those who cannot afford the skyrocketing rents often resort to living in overcrowded conditions, with extended families or in single-room apartments that barely meet basic living standards.

As urban populations continue to swell, the government and society must work together to create a housing system that ensures everyone, regardless of income, has access to decent living conditions. The housing crisis in Nigeria is not an insurmountable problem. With the right policies, community involvement, and investment in sustainable development, Nigeria can create a future where affordable, decent housing is within reach for all its citizens. While the journey will be long and challenging, the collective effort of the government, the private sector, and citizens can pave the way for a more inclusive and affordable housing market in Nigeria’s cities.