Lawmakers in Nigeria’s House of Representatives move to regulate rental payments in Abuja’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aiming to prevent exploitative demands on tenants. Multiple outlets report progress on a bill that would limit compulsory advance rent to 12 months and restrict practices such as requiring multi-year payments upfront.
The coverage frames the proposal as tenant protection, including calls to stop landlords and estate agents from charging excessive fees. Premium Times and The Punch focus on the bill’s intent to cap advance payments and regulate tenancy practices, while Daily Post highlights specific concerns such as landlords collecting two years’ rent upfront and alleged “agency fees.” Vanguard adds that the bill’s advancement occurs amid disagreements among lawmakers.
Across sources, the bill is described as part of a broader effort to address disputes between landlords and tenants, potentially through an authority or similar mechanism in the FCT. While outlets agree on the core rent-cap and anti-exploitation goals, they vary in emphasis on procedural stage, the prominence of disputes, and the level of political dissent within the chamber.
