The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has taken a significant step toward addressing housing challenges by advancing a bill aimed at regulating residential and business rents across the state.
The bill, titled "A Bill for a Law to Control the Rent, Residential and Business Premises in Ebonyi State and Other Matters Connected Therewith" (HAB/005/2025), was proposed by Governor Francis Nwifuru and successfully passed its second reading on Friday after earlier clearing the first reading stage.
Addressing Tenant Exploitation
House Leader Kingsley Ikoro, who moved the motion for the bill's advancement, described the legislation as "people-oriented and timely," noting that a significant portion of court cases in the state stem from landlord-tenant disputes.
"Most times, when you go to rent a building, you're asked to pay for two years, only to discover hidden charges. It's burdensome for the people," Ikoro explained, urging his colleagues to support the bill's passage.
Aloysius Nwodo, representing Ebonyi North, echoed these concerns, describing the current rent situation in the state as "worrisome" and suggesting that landlords have contributed to growing poverty among tenants. He also highlighted the problematic disconnect between landlords, caretakers, and tenants.
Committee Formation
Following broad support from lawmakers, Speaker Moses Ije-Odunwa announced the formation of an ad-hoc committee to review the bill in detail. Deputy Speaker Chinedu Onah will chair the committee, which includes several key assembly members:
- Kingsley Ikoro (House Leader)
- Nkemka Onuma (Chief Whip)
- Arinze Chukwu
- Aloysius Nwodo
- Ifeanyi Nwakpu (Ikwo North)
- Chikaodili Nome (Ezza North)
- Chinyere Nwogbaga (Ebonyi North East)
The Clerk of the House will serve as the committee's secretary.
Assembly Anniversary
The plenary session also marked the Assembly's two-year anniversary. Speaker Ije-Odunwa praised members' commitment and urged continued support for Governor Nwifuru's development initiatives, including "the establishment of the National Institute in Ukawu."
As part of the commemoration, several lawmakers presented their achievements, highlighting projects and initiatives carried out in their constituencies over the past two years. These included Victor Nwoke (Abakaliki North Constituency) and Celestine Ogba (Onicha East Constituency).
The rent control bill, once passed, is expected to serve the interests of Ebonyi residents by resolving recurring rent-related conflicts and establishing clearer guidelines for landlord-tenant relationships.
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