Katherine Abayomi
The once serene and affordable Garden City of Port Harcourt, Rivers State—renowned for its low-cost housing and well-planned Government Residential Areas (GRAs)—has taken a troubling turn. What was once a haven of comfort has now become a nightmare for many residents due to the skyrocketing cost of rent, particularly in the capital city.
Rent prices have reached exorbitant levels, posing serious challenges for individuals and families seeking decent accommodation. The steep increases have largely been attributed to the activities of local housing agents working in collaboration with landlords and landladies, who appear more concerned with profit than the welfare of tenants.
Findings indicate that the wellbeing of tenants is rarely considered in the current housing climate. A single-room self-contained apartment now costs between N400,000 and N500,000, with additional charges such as agency fees and non-refundable caution deposits pushing the total up to N700,000. Just a few years ago, the same setup could be secured for between N80,000 and N120,000, inclusive of all fees.
Similarly, a one-bedroom flat that once went for N150,000 to N200,000 now rents for between N700,000 and N800,000 in many areas of the capital. This drastic inflation has left many residents feeling helpless and frustrated.
One resident remarked, “This is unfair and wicked, especially considering that many of these houses were built over 10 or 20 years ago. They are not new buildings. We understand that prices have increased, but this is extreme. The government must step in—it’s no longer funny.”
Another resident, Mrs. Peters, expressed dismay over the deteriorating condition of many rental properties. “It’s sheer wickedness that landlords and agents keep hiking rent without improving the quality of the houses. Most of them are in poor condition, yet the prices go up without reason,” she lamented.
These developments point to a clear case of exploitation and highlight the urgent need for the Rivers State government to implement regulatory measures, similar to those in place in Lagos State, where strict controls help curb the excesses of landlords and agents.
Establishing regulatory bodies to oversee tenancy issues and set rent ceilings based on housing categories and conditions would offer much-needed relief to residents. It would also protect tenants from exploitation while encouraging fair pricing practices.
Such measures would not only ease the financial burden on current residents but also attract more investment to the state, making Rivers a more appealing place to live and do business.
This is a call to action for the Rivers State government to urgently address the rental crisis and work to ensure that Port Harcourt retains its reputation as a city where people of all backgrounds can live with dignity.
The people of Rivers State deserve a government that safeguards their interests and shields them from exploitation. Proactive steps must be taken to regulate the housing market and make affordable living a reality for all.
