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The Cross River State House of Assembly has begun moves to ban property agents in Calabar and other parts of the state accused of arbitrarily inflating rent prices and worsening the cost of living for residents.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved on Tuesday, October 14, 2025  by Hon. Davies Etta, member representing Abi State Constituency, during plenary.

Etta, in his motion, expressed alarm over what he described as “unreasonable, unprovoked, and economically destabilizing” rent increases across Calabar and its environs, blaming landlords and agents for exploiting citizens amid the harsh economic climate.

According to him, many residents are groaning under excessive rent hikes, as landlords, often acting on the advice of agents demand exorbitant fees even for aging and poorly maintained buildings.

“Houses built over two or three decades ago, some with leaking roofs and faulty plumbing, are now rented at outrageous rates,” Etta said. “A self-contained room on Marian Road now costs up to ₦1.5 million yearly, while in Calabar South, a one-bedroom flat goes for between ₦800,000 and ₦1 million. In areas like Parliamentary Extension, E1, State Housing, and CICC, tenants pay as much as ₦2 million or more for modest apartments.”

He condemned the growing trend of landlords issuing instant eviction notices to tenants unable to meet the new demands, with some insisting on two years’ rent upfront. Etta described the development as “heartless, economically destabilizing, and socially dangerous,” warning that unchecked rent escalation could trigger deeper social unrest.

Calling for urgent action, Etta urged the House to legislate a rent control framework that balances landlords’ rights with tenants’ dignity. He also advocated measures to reduce the cost of local building materials to ease housing pressure in the state.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, hailed the motion as “timely and people-centred,” assuring that the 10th Assembly would prioritize laws that directly impact citizens’ welfare.

“This Assembly belongs to the people,” Ayambem declared. “We will continue to stand with them to ensure fairness, balance, and affordability in housing across Cross River State.”

* Source: Punch