By Enemona Samuel Endurance
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Nigeria’s housing sector, citing soaring rents and what he described as exploitative practices that are placing increasing pressure on Nigerians.
Adeyanju Raises Alarm Over Rising Rental Costs
Adeyanju made the demand in an open letter dated July 27, 2026, addressed to President Tinubu and titled, “Declaration of a State of Emergency on the Housing and Rental Crisis in Nigeria: A Demand for Immediate Constitutional Intervention, Inclusive Urban Renewal.”
In the letter, the human rights lawyer expressed concern over the impact of rising rental costs on the welfare of Nigerians, particularly middle-income earners, civil servants, young professionals and vulnerable families in major urban centres.
He argued that the country’s housing situation was increasingly inconsistent with the constitutional responsibility of government to prioritise the security and welfare of citizens.
Lawyer Cites Constitutional Right to Adequate Shelter
Adeyanju referenced Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
He also cited Sections 16(1)(b) and 16(2)(d), arguing that the Constitution places responsibility on the Nigerian state to pursue policies aimed at ensuring that suitable and adequate shelter is available to citizens.
“The current state of housing governance in Nigeria stands in stark contradiction to the supreme law of our land,” Adeyanju said.
He further referenced Article 11(1) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to which Nigeria is a signatory, arguing that access to adequate housing is an important component of the right to an adequate standard of living.
Adeyanju Alleges Exploitation of Tenants
The lawyer said the rental market in cities such as Abuja and Lagos had become increasingly difficult for many residents, with tenants facing high upfront payments and additional charges imposed by some landlords and agents.
He alleged that some tenants are required to pay between two and three years’ rent in advance, alongside agency fees, legal fees, service charges and caution fees.
Adeyanju also criticised what he described as excessive agency charges, claiming that some tenants are charged between 10 and 20 per cent for basic introductions to properties.
He further alleged that some tenants are charged legal fees of up to 15 per cent for generic tenancy documents, while service charges are sometimes imposed without adequate transparency or accountability.
Calls for Inclusive Urban Renewal
Adeyanju argued that urban renewal programmes must take into account the needs of ordinary Nigerians who live and work in major cities.
He said artisans, civil servants, remote workers, job-seekers and other members of the urban workforce should not be pushed out of cities by housing costs or redevelopment projects.
“A city cannot function without its artisans, its civil servants, its remote workers, and even its unemployed citizens seeking opportunity,” he said.
According to him, urban renewal that results in mass evictions, gentrification and the displacement of essential workers cannot be considered inclusive development.
He urged the Federal Government to ensure that urban planning policies allow low- and middle-income residents to live within reasonable proximity to their places of work and economic activities.
Lawyer Proposes National Rental Reform
As part of his recommendations, Adeyanju urged President Tinubu to establish a special presidential task force on rental reform.
He proposed that the committee, to be headed by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, should have a 90-day mandate to develop a comprehensive National Housing and Tenancy Policy and, where necessary, prepare an Executive Bill on Tenancy and Fair Rent Standards for consideration by the National Assembly.
Adeyanju Demands Limits on Rental Fees
The lawyer also called for statutory limits on several charges imposed on tenants.
Among his proposals was a cap of 7.5 per cent of annual rent for combined agency and legal fees, with legal charges backed by evidence of services provided by qualified legal practitioners.
He also proposed that service charges be itemised, subject to transparent auditing and capped at 5 per cent of annual rent.
Adeyanju further called for advance rent payments to be limited to a maximum of one year, with a gradual transition towards monthly rental payment arrangements.
Call to Ban Unrecoverable Caution Fees
The human rights lawyer also called for the prohibition of unrecoverable caution fees, arguing that deposits should only be withheld where there is documented evidence of physical damage.
He proposed the establishment of a digital tenant reporting platform supported by an ombudsman and a rapid-response mechanism to enable tenants to report landlords and agents who violate rental regulations.
He further advocated severe civil and criminal penalties, as well as professional sanctions, for landlords and agents found guilty of violating applicable tenancy regulations.
Adeyanju Seeks Expansion of Affordable Housing
Beyond rental regulation, Adeyanju urged the Federal Government to expand investment in low-cost public housing through social housing programmes, tax incentives and public-private partnerships.
He said affordable housing policies should reflect the economic realities of low- and middle-income Nigerians rather than remain disconnected from household incomes and prevailing wage levels.
He also cited Ghana’s Rent Act as an example of a framework that places statutory limits on advance rent collection and provides for enforcement through the Rent Control Department.
Lawyer Appeals to Tinubu Over Housing Crisis
In his concluding remarks, Adeyanju urged President Tinubu to take immediate action to address Nigeria’s housing and rental crisis.
He argued that the government’s response to the housing crisis would be an important measure of its commitment to protecting human dignity during a period of economic hardship.
“Securing shelter for our citizens is not an act of charity; it is a constitutional command and a fundamental human right,” Adeyanju said.
He urged the Federal Government to provide relief for Nigerians facing severe rental pressures in Abuja, Lagos and other urban centres across the country.
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