Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju wrote an open letter to President Bola Tinubu on July 27, 2026, calling for a state of emergency in the housing sector due to high rents affecting Nigerians.
Adeyanju cited Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution, which requires the government to prioritize the security and welfare of the people. He also referenced Sections 16(1)(b) and 16(2)(d), along with Nigeria's obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The letter highlighted rental practices in Abuja and Lagos, including demands for two to three years of rent upfront, agency fees exceeding 10 to 20 percent, and unregulated service charges. Adeyanju described these as exploitative and called for caps such as a maximum of one year advance rent and combined agency and legal fees at 7.5 percent of annual rent.
Adeyanju proposed a special presidential taskforce to draft a national housing policy within 90 days, mandatory zoning for low-income housing in urban projects, and a digital platform for tenants to report violations. He urged enforcement through fines and sanctions for non-compliant landlords and agents.
