The housing deficit is creating significant challenges for residents of Kogi State amidst the ongoing economic difficulties in the country.
Kogi, which borders approximately ten other states, is home to the well-known River Niger and River Benue. Its strategic position has attracted many settlers since its establishment in 1991 during the military regime of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
In the past, housing conditions were relatively manageable for both local residents and civil servants employed by state and federal governments. However, the situation has deteriorated, turning into a crisis for those without their own homes.
Previous governors took steps to alleviate these issues by constructing housing for civil servants. For example, during Colonel Paul Omeruo’s military administration (December 9, 1993 – August 22, 1996), the Adankolo Estate was developed. Colonel Augustine Aniebo (August 1998 – May 1999) created what is now known as Aniebo Quarters, which accommodates over 300 civil servants, both active and retired in Kogi State.
During the civilian administration of the late Prince Abubakar Audu (May 29, 1999 – May 29, 2003), workers found relief as his government built 200 housing units, including Lokongoma Phase One and Two, Workers Village, and legislative quarters. Ibrahim Idris (May 29, 2003 – February 6, 2008) further contributed by constructing 500 housing units, while Captain Idris Ichalla Wada built an estate for victims of the 2012 floods in the state.
However, the recent administration did not establish any housing estates for workers.
Currently, the cost of renting a single room has doubled from around N40,000 to between N80,000 and N100,000, while a one-bedroom self-contained unit, once priced between N120,000 and N150,000, now costs between N350,000 and N450,000. Rent for two- and three-bedroom flats exceeds N600,000, making it unaffordable for civil servants and other low-income residents.
Residents Express Concerns
Several residents, including civil servants, voiced their worries that the soaring rental prices could lead to widespread despair if not addressed by the state government.
Abdullahi Umar, a resident of Adankolo, expressed frustration, stating, “The way landlords are increasing rent is alarming. With the current economic hardship, many of us can no longer afford to send our children to school. Now that rent prices have skyrocketed, we feel powerless. I was previously paying N35,000 for a room, but my landlord suddenly raised it to N90,000 without making any improvements. This is inhumane. We struggle to feed ourselves while battling rent issues. It needs to stop.”
Another resident, Hajia Mulikat Adomu, suggested that the government should implement measures to regulate landlord practices in the state. “Some landlords are deliberately causing distress for their tenants. We have no alternatives, so they treat us poorly. The government needs to step in. Building housing estates at subsidized rates for residents and civil servants would help alleviate the suffering and curb exploitation.”
Preference for Renters with Questionable Backgrounds
Mr. Peter Suleiman, CEO of Good Trust Estate Management Limited, reported that many landlords in Lokoja, the state capital, now prefer to rent to individuals suspected of internet fraud (commonly known as “Yahoo Boys”), as they can afford the high rent prices, disadvantaging those engaged in legitimate businesses.
Suleiman urged the state government to intervene quickly to prevent landlords from exploiting genuine tenants. He emphasized that this trend could encourage criminal activities within the state. He also highlighted that while landlords charge exorbitant rents, they fail to enhance their properties to ensure tenant comfort.
“It’s unfortunate that landlords in Lokoja choose to rent to Yahoo Boys instead of law-abiding citizens. Recently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested several fraudsters in Lokoja. As they realize that staying in hotels exposes them, they prefer to rent houses. When they approach landlords, they often offer higher rents, leaving legitimate tenants at a disadvantage,” Suleiman explained. “What hope is there for honest individuals when landlords insist on renting only to Yahoo Boys, often requiring two years’ rent upfront? This fosters a culture of cyber fraud.”
He further lamented the rise of fraudulent housing agents who deceive landlords by introducing them to prospective tenants involved in internet fraud.
“Kogi State is primarily a civil service area and does not deserve this level of exploitation in such a challenging economy. I recently managed a property where the landlord raised the rent from N150,000 to N600,000 without any renovations. He justified this increase by saying that a neighboring property rented for N700,000. Such practices are unacceptable and must be halted,” he asserted.
Proposed Housing Solutions
Suleiman also proposed the construction of 1,000 housing units for civil servants in Kogi State, stating that such a development would significantly alleviate housing issues. He believes that if Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo implements this plan, he would greatly benefit civil servants who are currently suffering due to the housing crisis.
“The situation is dire, with Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities, let alone high rents. These proposed housing units would help civil servants secure affordable accommodation and shield them from landlords’ exploitation,” he concluded.
Government Response
In response to the ongoing issues, the Kogi State government has issued a warning to landlords against renting their properties to internet fraudsters. Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), the State Security Adviser, conveyed this message during a media briefing in Lokoja, stating that landlords risk having their properties demolished if they continue this practice.
He announced that security agencies would soon target properties used by internet fraudsters, and appropriate penalties would be enforced against the landlords and hospitality businesses involved.
Omodara encouraged residents to collaborate with security agencies by providing information that could aid in the arrest of fraudsters in Kogi State.
