ASABA – The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday held a public hearing on a bill seeking to overhaul the state’s housing and tenancy laws.
The proposed law aims to redefine the relationship between landlords and tenants, modernise rent control, and streamline the process of property recovery.
The hearing, held at the Assembly Complex in Asaba, drew participants from diverse sectors — landlords, tenants, estate agents, legal practitioners, and civil society groups.
Chairman of the House Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Humanitarian Support Services, and Girl Child Development, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, said the bill was a major step toward creating a fair and balanced housing system in the state.
Titled “A Bill to Repeal the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law, 1977, and Enact a Law to Regulate the Relationship Between Landlords and Tenants in a Tenancy and to Provide for the Procedure for the Recovery of Premises and for Other Related Matters,” the legislation seeks to replace a 48-year-old law considered outdated.
“This bill is a bold and necessary step to sanitise the housing sector and create a peaceful environment for all parties in tenancy relationships,” Anyafulu said.
“After nearly five decades, it is only proper that we review and remake the law to reflect current realities.”
She explained that the bill would update obsolete provisions, clearly define the rights and obligations of all stakeholders, including government agencies, landlords, tenants, and property agents — and promote fairness and transparency in tenancy agreements, rent payment, dispute resolution, and property recovery.
Anyafulu described the initiative as “a win-win for all,” assuring that the committee was committed to producing a law that protects the interests of both property owners and tenants while promoting harmony in the housing sector.
She urged stakeholders to freely express their views, noting that their contributions would have far-reaching implications for the state’s social and economic stability.
“Distinguished stakeholders, this is democracy in action. The public hearing is your opportunity to participate in decision-making and governance,” she said.
Representatives from the State Ministry of Justice, Association of Organised Realtors, Estate Surveyors and Valuers, and the Association of Tenants presented their submissions.
Mr. Godfrey Saro, of the Association of Organised Realtors, Asaba chapter, called for the creation of a State Agents Association to regulate property agents and curb fraud in housing transactions.
Mr. Peter Ozili, representing the Estate Surveyors and Valuers, proposed the introduction of a Certificate of Rental Value to standardise rent charges across the state.
Mr. Solomon Enoruerome, from the Association of Tenants, urged that landlords be encouraged to collect six months’ rent instead of yearly payments and take greater responsibility for property maintenance to improve tenants’ living conditions.