AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE — In a decisive move to protect struggling residents from the biting housing crisis, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a stern warning to exploitative landlords, property agents, and rent collectors, signaling that his administration is officially coming for them.
The governor’s directive comes amid mounting public outcry across the South-East over the rampant extortion of tenants, particularly by real estate syndicates who use the current economic climate to demand outrageous, unapproved fees.
The 10 Percent Rule and Illegal Surcharges
Addressing residents recently, Governor Soludo expressed his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on the growing trend of property agents demanding additional, arbitrary charges from tenants even after they have fully paid their house rent.
Under the existing legal and regulatory framework, real estate agents are only entitled to a legally stipulated 10 percent of the yearly rent. However, reports indicate a widespread practice of padding rent agreements with hidden administrative fees, “agreement charges,” and sudden hikes designed to fleece desperate home-seekers.
The governor warned that the state will actively crack down on these exploitative practices under the state’s Rent and Tenancy Law. Anyone caught using their position as a landlord or letting agent to extort Anambra citizens will face the full weight of the government’s enforcement agencies.
Widespread Backing from Unions and Advocates
The governor’s threats align with a broader regional campaign demanding immediate action against housing exploitation. Recently, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, threw its weight behind the push for urgent housing reform.
During their recent 2026 congress, the union heavily decried the activities of exploitative landlords and house agents. The NUJ officially urged the Anambra State Government and the State House of Assembly to pass stricter tenancy laws that regulate house rents and curb the activities of rogue agents, thereby reducing the financial burden on the average resident.
Housing rights advocates have also intensified protests in neighboring states like Enugu, arguing that the housing sector requires urgent intervention to protect low- and middle-income earners from predatory pricing.
What This Means for Anambra Residents
The cost of housing has skyrocketed across commercial hubs like Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi, fueled by urbanization, inflation, and a lack of strict rent enforcement. Until now, tenants have largely been at the mercy of landlords who hike rents on a whim or evict them for failing to meet sudden financial demands.
Governor Soludo’s latest directive serves as a beacon of hope for average citizens. By openly threatening the syndicates driving these artificial price hikes, the state government is sending a clear message: the era of unchecked tenant exploitation in Anambra is coming to an end. Landlords and rent collectors are now on notice to either align with the law or face the consequences.
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