Human rights activist and leader of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has pledged to introduce sweeping reforms to Nigeria’s housing sector by banning landlords from demanding more than three months’ rent in advance.
Sowore made the declaration posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, criticising what he described as the “systematic exploitation” of tenants across the country.
According to him, one of his first actions in office would be the signing of an Executive Order aimed at protecting renters from excessive upfront housing costs.
“No landlord or landlady shall have the freedom to demand more than three months’ rent at a time.
“On my very first day in office, I will sign an Executive Order ending the exploitation of tenants across Nigeria,” Sowore said.
The statement has sparked widespread reactions among Nigerians on Facebook.
First Daily correspondent gathered that major urban cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, most landlords demand one to three years’ rent upfront before tenants can secure accommodation.
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Many tenants have long complained that high rents place enormous financial pressure on working-class Nigerians already struggling with inflation, stagnant wages, and rising living costs.
Speaking to First Daily correspondent on Thursday, a real estate agent, Aliu Gbadebo said that implementing such a policy nationwide may require cooperation with state governments and possible amendments to existing tenancy laws, which vary across Nigeria.
Nigeria continues to face a significant housing deficit estimated in the millions, with affordable accommodation remaining out of reach for many citizens, especially in Lagos.
Gbadebo said the debate sparked by Sowore’s proposal could place housing reform at the centre of future political discussions.
Sowore has consistently campaigned on issues related to social justice, economic reform, and government accountability.