Benue Assembly sets to regulate soaring rent prices

The Benue State House of Assembly is set to take decisive steps toward regulating skyrocketing rent prices across the state, particularly in major urban centres.

In a bid to address mounting concerns over housing affordability, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh, and Hon. Gbenda Terver have scheduled a crucial stakeholders’ meeting for July 15, 2025.

The meeting will bring together landlords, house agents, and selected tenants to deliberate on the rising cost of rental accommodation.

The engagement, described as consultative, is expected to explore the root causes of the persistent hike in rent and seek practical solutions to ease the burden on residents.

Sources within the Assembly told Citizen Television Newsroom that the lawmakers hope the interaction will offer insights into the challenges faced by both property owners and tenants, forming the basis for a fair and inclusive rent control framework.

Lawmakers also confirmed that the House is nearing a final decision on proposed legislation to regulate rent across the state. This follows increased public outcry over unaffordable housing, especially in cities like Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo.

Participants at the upcoming meeting are expected to share their lived experiences and suggest actionable recommendations to inform the drafting of the new law.