Human-rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has asked President Bola Tinubu to declare a national emergency in the housing sector and introduce stronger regulation of tenancy-related charges.
In an open letter dated 27 July 2026, Adeyanju said rising rents, large advance-payment demands and poorly regulated ancillary fees were placing increasing pressure on households, particularly in Abuja, Lagos and other major cities.
He argued that access to adequate shelter should be treated as a public-welfare priority. In support of his position, he referred to provisions of the 1999 Constitution concerning citizens’ welfare, economic policy and shelter, as well as the right to adequate housing recognised under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Adeyanju proposed a combined ceiling of 7.5 per cent on agency and legal fees charged in residential transactions. He also recommended limiting transparent service charges to five per cent of annual rent, subject to proper accounting and audit.
Other recommendations include preventing landlords from demanding more than one year’s rent in advance, encouraging a gradual shift towards monthly payment arrangements, and requiring caution deposits to be refunded unless a landlord can show evidence of damage or another lawful deduction.
The lawyer called for a presidential task force on rental reform under the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. He suggested that the body should receive a 90-day mandate to prepare a national housing and tenancy policy and recommend legislation establishing fair-rent standards.
He further proposed a digital reporting platform, an independent complaints mechanism and a rapid-response unit for allegations involving landlords and estate agents. Adeyanju said enforcement measures should be supported by proportionate civil and criminal sanctions for proven violations.
On urban renewal, he urged the government to protect low- and middle-income residents from displacement and to expand affordable housing through public programmes, tax incentives and properly structured public-private partnerships.
The proposals have not yet been adopted by the Federal Government and would require policy decisions and, in several areas, legislation before becoming enforceable.
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