The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has taken a significant step toward addressing the growing rent crisis in the state with the introduction of a bill to regulate both residential and commercial rental practices.
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), the proposed legislation was forwarded to the House by Governor Francis Nwifuru and scaled through its first reading on Friday.
House Leader, Hon. Kingsley Ikoro, who led the debate, described the bill as a proactive, people-focused initiative aimed at curbing widespread exploitation in landlord-tenant relationships. He noted that rent-related disputes have become one of the most common legal issues in the state, burdening both the judiciary and the general public.
“Tenants are often asked to pay two years' rent upfront, only to later discover hidden charges or face mistreatment. This is unsustainable for ordinary citizens,” Ikoro stated. He urged his colleagues to support the bill’s smooth passage, stressing its relevance to everyday struggles of residents.
The motion for the second reading was seconded by Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu, representing Ikwo North Constituency. He emphasized the bill’s potential to protect vulnerable tenants and ensure fairness in property leasing practices.
Adding his voice, Hon. Aloysius Nwodo of Ebonyi North decried the worsening rent conditions in the state, blaming landlords and intermediaries for deepening the poverty of tenants. “Many landlords and caretakers act with impunity. This bill is a step toward restoring balance and protecting the people,” he said.
Other lawmakers echoed similar concerns and called for a comprehensive review of the bill through committee deliberations. The consensus was that the legislation, once passed, would serve as a long-term solution to the recurring conflicts between landlords and tenants across the state.
In response, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije-Odunwa, announced the formation of an ad-hoc committee to scrutinize the bill. The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Chinedu Onah, was appointed as the committee chairman. Other members include Kingsley Ikoro, Nkemka Onuma, Arinze Chukwu, Aloysius Nwodo, Ifeanyi Nwakpu, Chikaodili Nome, Chinyere Nwogbaga, and the Clerk of the House, who will serve as the committee’s secretary.
In another development, the Speaker noted that the plenary session also marked the Assembly’s two-year anniversary. He lauded the dedication of his colleagues and praised Governor Nwifuru for his collaborative approach to governance, especially in areas such as education and infrastructure.
“I want to thank everybody and ask us to continue giving our 100% support to the Governor, particularly on impactful projects like the establishment of the National Institute in Ukawu,” the Speaker remarked.
As part of the commemoration, members including Hon. Victor Nwoke (Abakaliki North) and Hon. Celestine Ogba (Onicha East) presented scorecards of their legislative and constituency achievements over the past two years. Projects ranged from rural road construction and school rehabilitation to community empowerment programs.
The rent control bill is expected to proceed to second reading in the coming weeks, as Ebonyi residents watch closely for legislative progress on an issue that directly affects their daily lives.
