The Ebonyi State government has embarked on a robust housing reform agenda aimed at bridging the housing deficit, regulating rent prices, and providing shelter for vulnerable populations, especially the indigent widows.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Francis Ori, during a press briefing on Wednesday in Abakaliki. According to him, the initiative is part of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s broader effort to improve citizens’ living standards and ensure equitable urban development.
Addressing the issue of rising house rent in the state, Ori said the government is proactively engaging with key stakeholders, including the Landlords Association and estate agents, to mediate rent disputes and prevent exploitative practices.
"Our current tenancy laws are outdated and do not offer sufficient protection to tenants or clarity for landlords. We are working closely with the House Committee on Housing to amend the laws and develop a modern legal framework governing rent agreements and tenant-landlord relationships," he said.
In the interim, the Commissioner noted that the ministry is advocating for fair rent practices, taking into account the economic realities facing both landlords and tenants.
"We are mindful of the soaring costs of building materials, which affects landlords. However, our focus remains on ensuring reasonable charges and housing access for all, especially through the construction of new estates to ease housing demand and reduce rent pressure," he added.
Highlighting key achievements over the past two years, the Commissioner revealed the progress of several large-scale housing projects. These, in his words, included the Ebonyi State Public and Civil Servants Housing Estate, which is currently under development with 140-bedroom duplexes in various stages of completion.
He also lauded the success of the Widow Housing Scheme, under which 26 three-bedroom bungalows have been completed and distributed across the 13 local government areas of the state, offering dignified shelter to indigent widows.
Another major project, the Nnodo Ekumenyi Palm Boulevard Estate, is a modern residential initiative featuring 162 buildings with diverse architectural designs, ranging from three to five-bedroom duplexes. The estate includes a cultural centre, event halls, and a self-sustaining utility area to provide essential services like power and water.
"A number of contractors have been mobilized to the site, and work is progressing steadily," Ori said.
Ori also spoke on the Amaeze Housing Estate, a flagship intervention by Governor Nwifuru in response to the communal crisis between the Izo and Amaeze communities in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state.
“The estate consists of more than 140 three-bedroom bungalows, equally distributed with 70 units each to the affected communities. It is 98% complete, pending the completion of road, water, and electricity installations by the respective ministries," he stated.
The Commissioner emphasized that no official allocation has been made yet, clarifying that the state government is reviewing records from the previous administration to identify legitimate beneficiaries. “Only the Governor has the authority to make the final allocations, and the gesture is intended as a free gift to the communities,” he said.
He condemned the illegal occupation of some housing units, describing it as an attempt to undermine the integrity of the project. He confirmed that unauthorized occupants have been asked to vacate the premises and that security agencies have been involved to enforce compliance.
On broader housing safety measures, Engr. Ori underscored the government's commitment to strict enforcement of building regulations to curb structural failures and illegal constructions.
“Our state’s relative safety from building collapse is largely due to mandatory approvals for architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical designs, as well as the compulsory engagement of certified engineers,” he asserted.
