Nigerian housing crisis: landlords and agents push workers to the brink with soaring rents

The housing crisis is exacerbated by exploitative estate agents and landlords, who demand exorbitant rents and fees, often with little to no property improvements. Inflation, which was 15.91% in June 2026, has further driven up housing and utility costs. For example, an apartment in Aguda, Lagos, was listed for N9.5m per annum, while a two-bedroom flat in Dawaki, Abuja, cost N3.5m annually, excluding additional fees.

Tenants like Abraham Moses and Nosa Peters have experienced significant rent increases, with Moses's rent nearly doubling in four years without renovations, and Peters's family forced to vacate their home after a N5m annual rent demand. Some workers, like stylist Adebisi Adeleke and shop owner Adamu Shehu, have resorted to sharing apartments or sleeping in their workplaces due to unaffordable rents. An aspiring Lagos State lawmaker, Ayo Adio, has called for regulation of the rental market, capping rent increases at the inflation rate, and limiting agency and legal fees to 5%.

He also advocates for a rent tribunal to enforce tenancy laws and resolve disputes. Real estate expert Adeboye Abiodun attributes the crisis to unchecked collusion between landlords and agents, leading to excessive commissions and arbitrary rent increases, making accommodation unaffordable for many, especially young graduates. Morola Babalola