Ebonyi Governor to Ban House and Land Agents in 2026 to Fight Soaring Rents

In a groundbreaking move aimed at tackling the soaring cost of accommodation in Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced a complete ban on the operations of house and land agents across the state, effective January 1, 2026. The governor’s bold decision comes as part of a wider strategy to curb exploitative practices in the housing sector that have contributed significantly to exorbitant rental prices.

Governor Nwifuru stated that many agents, who often do not own the properties they market, have been charging outrageous fees—sometimes as high as ₦500,000—simply for showing prospective tenants houses. These inflated charges have made it increasingly difficult for Ebonyi residents, especially low- and middle-income earners, to access affordable housing. “I am here for the good people of Ebonyi. This exploitation must stop,” the governor declared, emphasizing that no agent should collect any money from people seeking accommodation going forward.

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The ban has received widespread support from residents who view it as a decisive step towards making housing more accessible and affordable. It also aligns with ongoing legislative efforts by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, which is currently reviewing a rent control bill aimed at regulating the activities of landlords and agents to protect tenants from unfair housing costs.

The Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa, recognizes the urgent need to address the rental crisis that has forced many residents to relocate to less expensive rural areas or congested makeshift accommodations. A nine-member ad hoc committee has been set up to scrutinize the bill fully, with input from landlords, agents, and other stakeholders expected to shape its final form.

In recent years, Ebonyi’s capital, Abakaliki, has witnessed staggering rent hikes. Older three-bedroom apartments now command annual rents between ₦750,000 and ₦850,000, while newly constructed units go for as much as ₦1.3 million. The government’s intervention seeks to eliminate the middlemen’s excessive commissions and curb arbitrary rent increases tied to these exploitative practices.

Governor Nwifuru’s administration hopes that eliminating house and land agents from the rental process will restore fairness, reduce unnecessary costs, and make securing accommodation less burdensome for Ebonyi residents. This policy, paired with the Assembly’s regulatory framework, marks a significant stride in addressing one of the state’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.