Reps Pass FCT Rent Regulation Bill Amid Disagreement

Nigeria’s House of Representatives passed a bill sponsored by Paul Sunday Nnamchi for second reading to regulate rent, arbitrary increases and agency fees in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The proposal also provides for a unified digital register of housing agents and penalties for violations. Lawmakers backed the measure amid high accommodation costs, but disagreed over its proposed ban on compulsory multi-year rent payments, with some urging regulation rather than prohibition. Chinedu Ogah said renting a three-bedroom office in Wuse could cost N25 million to N30 million annually, excluding agency charges.