The Cross River State House of Assembly has begun deliberations on the alarming rise in house rents across Calabar and its environs, describing the situation as “unreasonable, exploitative, and economically destabilizing.”
The motion, presented on Tuesday as a Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, condemned the arbitrary rent hikes imposed by landlords and housing agents on struggling residents.
Rt. Hon. Davies Etta noted that many Cross Riverians have been “crying for help” as landlords often influenced by agents indiscriminately increase rents on old and poorly maintained properties. According to him, buildings constructed over two decades ago, many with leaking roofs and faulty plumbing, are now being rented at outrageous rates.
“A self-contained apartment on Marian Road now goes for as high as ₦1.5 million per year, while in Calabar South, a one-bedroom flat costs between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million. In areas such as Parliamentary Extension, E1, State Housing, and CICC, rents for one- and two-bedroom apartments have risen to ₦2 million or more,” he revealed.
Etta decried the growing impunity among landlords who issue instant eviction notices to tenants unable to meet new demands—some insisting on two years’ rent upfront—worsening the hardship faced by civil servants, students, and small business owners.
He described the trend as “heartless, socially dangerous, and economically destabilizing,” stressing that housing is a basic human right, not a luxury.
The lawmaker urged the House to develop a regulatory framework for property rental and leasing, ensuring fairness between landlords and tenants. He also called on the Ministry of Housing to monitor rent practices and on government agencies to reduce the cost of local building materials.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Standley Nsemo (Calabar Municipality) lamented that “the common man can no longer afford decent shelter,” blaming housing agents for escalating rent costs and calling for their strict regulation or outright ban.
Hon. Omang Omang (Bekwarra) emphasized that citizens’ welfare must remain the government’s top priority, while Hon. Francis Ogban (Biase) linked the rising rent crisis to growing crime and moral decay in the State. Similarly, Hon. Ashakia Pius (Obanliku) called for the abolition of house agents, arguing that their activities have worsened the cost of living for average citizens.
In his closing remarks, Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem commended the motion as “timely and people-centered,”reaffirming the Assembly’s resolve to enact laws that directly impact the lives of Cross Riverians.
“This Assembly belongs to the people. We will continue to stand with them to ensure balance, fairness, and affordability in housing across Cross River State,” the Speaker assured.
