The Cross River State House of Assembly has commenced deliberations on a bill seeking to ban the activities of housing agents across Calabar and other parts of the state, citing widespread exploitation of tenants and landlords.
The bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Prohibit the Operations of Unregistered Real Estate and Housing Agents in Cross River State,” was debated during plenary on Thursday. It aims to eliminate middlemen in property transactions, who lawmakers say have contributed to the sharp rise in rent and illegal charges imposed on residents.
Presenting the bill, the sponsor, Hon. Eyo Bassey (Calabar South II), said the activities of housing agents had become a major source of hardship for low- and middle-income earners seeking accommodation in the state capital. He noted that many agents collect multiple fees including inspection, agreement, and commission charges without providing commensurate value.
“Most of these so-called agents are unregulated and exploit desperate tenants. Some demand as much as ₦50,000 for inspections, yet cannot guarantee a single house. It is time to protect our people from this growing racket,” Hon. Bassey stated.
He added that the proposed law would empower the Ministry of Lands and Housing to take over the process of rent mediation, verification, and documentation, thereby ensuring transparency and fairness between landlords and tenants.
Several lawmakers supported the proposal, describing the proliferation of unlicensed housing agents as an “economic nuisance.” They argued that direct engagement between landlords and tenants would reduce fraud, fake listings, and inflated rents.
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However, a few members cautioned that a total ban might lead to job losses and urged the Assembly to consider a licensing framework instead of an outright prohibition. Hon. John Etim (Boki I) proposed that the government should register and regulate genuine agents under a professional body to ensure accountability.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, directed the Committee on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development to conduct further consultations with key stakeholders, including estate agents, landlords, and tenant associations, before the bill’s second reading.
He assured that the Assembly would act in the best interest of Cross River residents and balance regulation with economic opportunity.
The bill has been committed to the relevant committee for further legislative action.