Rent Crisis Deepens as Tenants Struggle With Soaring Housing Costs in Calabar, Lagos, Abuja

The rising cost of accommodation is placing growing pressure on households across Nigeria, with tenants in Calabar, Lagos and Abuja struggling to cope with sharp increases in house rents, agency charges and other costs associated with securing accommodation.

The situation has become particularly difficult for low- and middle-income earners, students, young workers and families whose incomes have failed to keep pace with the rapid increase in housing costs.

In Calabar, the problem has become especially pronounced in recent years, with residents reporting that rents for ordinary accommodation have increased several times over.

A one-bedroom apartment that could previously be rented for about ₦100,000 a year is now being offered for around ₦1.2 million in some parts of the city, while a self-contained apartment that once cost about ₦50,000 can now attract rents of approximately ₦700,000.

Two-bedroom apartments that were previously available for about ₦150,000 have also risen to around ₦2 million in some locations.

The increases have made it increasingly difficult for ordinary residents to remain in the city, particularly as the rent increases have not always been matched by improvements in the quality or condition of available properties.

Some tenants have complained that buildings in parts of central Calabar remain poorly maintained despite the substantial increases in rent. Properties in areas including Marian, Henshaw Town, Akim, Yellow Duke, Atakpa, Goldie, Afokang and parts of Calabar South have been cited among locations where accommodation costs have risen sharply.

In some cases, tenants say they are paying significantly more for old buildings with leaking roofs, cracked walls, poor ventilation and inadequate maintenance.

The pressure is particularly severe among students because of the concentration of tertiary institutions in the city.

With institutions such as the University of Calabar, University of Cross River State, the School of Nursing and the School of Health Technology attracting students, demand for accommodation continues to rise.

Some students have resorted to sharing rooms with several other people to reduce costs. Others have moved farther away from their institutions, while some families have reportedly sent unemployed graduates back to their communities because they can no longer afford accommodation in the city.

The rent itself is also only part of the financial burden.

Prospective tenants may have to pay agency fees, agreement fees, inspection charges and caution fees, significantly increasing the amount required before they can move into a property.

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The situation has triggered calls for stronger regulation of the activities of estate agents and greater protection for tenants.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has already considered measures aimed at addressing the rent crisis in Calabar, including moves to restrict the activities of property agents and strengthen oversight of rent increases.

However, the continuing complaints from tenants suggest that regulation alone may not immediately resolve the problem.

Landlords and property owners, on the other hand, have pointed to the dramatic increase in the cost of construction and property maintenance.

The price of cement, steel, roofing materials, labour, transportation and other building inputs has risen significantly over the years, increasing the cost of constructing and maintaining residential properties.

For landlords, those costs are increasingly being reflected in rents.

The same pressure is evident in Lagos, where accommodation remains one of the biggest expenses confronting residents.

As Nigeria’s commercial capital continues to attract workers, businesses, students and migrants from different parts of the country, demand for housing remains high.

Rents vary significantly across Lagos, but tenants in several areas have reported substantial increases, particularly in neighbourhoods close to major commercial centres, transport routes and employment opportunities.

For many residents, the challenge is not simply finding an apartment but raising the large amount of money required to secure one.

Annual rent payments, combined with agency and legal fees, can require tenants to spend several months’ income at once.

Some households have responded by moving from more expensive parts of Lagos to areas on the outskirts of the metropolis.

But moving farther away from the city centre often creates another financial burden.

Lower rent can mean longer commuting distances and higher daily transportation costs, especially for workers who travel into commercial and business districts every day.

Consequently, some tenants face a difficult choice between paying higher rent closer to work or accepting cheaper accommodation farther away and spending more money and time commuting.

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The situation is similarly challenging in Abuja, where rapid urban expansion and sustained demand for housing have pushed accommodation costs higher in many districts.

The Federal Capital Territory has experienced significant population growth, while the concentration of government institutions, businesses and other economic activities continues to attract workers and residents.

As demand rises, many tenants have been forced to look beyond established districts for relatively affordable accommodation.

Neighbouring suburbs may offer lower rents, but the savings can be eroded by higher transportation costs, longer journeys and additional expenses associated with daily commuting.

For some residents, particularly workers on fixed salaries, the combined burden of rent, transportation, food, electricity and other household expenses has made urban living increasingly difficult.

The housing problem is therefore becoming closely linked to Nigeria’s broader cost-of-living crisis.

As prices of food, energy, transportation and other essentials rise, households have less disposable income available for rent.

At the same time, landlords face higher costs of maintaining properties and replacing damaged facilities.

The result is an increasingly difficult relationship between tenants seeking affordable accommodation and landlords attempting to recover rising property and maintenance expenses.

Another major concern is the role of property agents.

Tenants in different cities have complained about agents allegedly increasing asking prices, adding multiple charges and sometimes creating competition among prospective tenants willing to pay more.

Because agency fees are frequently calculated as a percentage of rent, a higher rent can also translate into higher earnings for agents.

This has fuelled calls for stronger regulation of the real estate and rental market, including clearer rules on agency charges, transparent rental agreements and penalties for unlawful or unjustified fees.

Housing advocates have also stressed the need to address the supply side of the problem.

Without a significant increase in the availability of affordable housing, efforts to control rent increases may have limited impact in cities where demand continues to outstrip supply.

The situation in Calabar illustrates this challenge clearly. The city’s relatively limited space for expansion, combined with increasing demand from students, workers and businesses, has put pressure on its existing housing stock.

Lagos faces an even larger challenge because of its population density and high demand for accommodation near economic centres.

Abuja, meanwhile, continues to expand into surrounding communities as residents search for alternatives to expensive accommodation within the city.

The movement towards outer suburbs has created a wider urban housing problem, as increased demand eventually pushes rents higher in areas that were previously regarded as affordable.

For tenants, the consequences go beyond the inconvenience of paying more.

High rents can force families to reduce spending on food, healthcare and education. Students may be pushed into overcrowded accommodation, while workers may relocate farther from their jobs and spend more time and money commuting.

Some households may also be compelled to share accommodation with relatives or friends, while others return to their hometowns when they can no longer sustain urban living costs.

The pressure has renewed calls for governments at both federal and state levels to expand affordable housing programmes, improve urban planning and enforce existing tenancy regulations.

There are also calls for policies that would encourage private developers to build more low- and middle-income housing rather than focusing predominantly on high-end properties.

For tenants, the immediate concern remains finding accommodation that matches their incomes.

As house rents continue to rise across Nigeria, the experiences of residents in Calabar, Lagos and Abuja show how housing is becoming an increasingly significant component of the country’s cost-of-living challenge.

Unless housing supply expands significantly and the cost of construction, transportation and other essential services becomes more manageable, many households may continue to devote an increasing share of their income to keeping a roof over their heads.

Rent Crisis Deepens as Tenants Struggle With Soaring Housing Costs in Calabar, Lagos, Abuja

Plateau Imposes 6pm–6am Curfew on Three LGAs After Fresh Attacks

The Plateau State Government has imposed an immediate dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas following renewed attacks and growing security concerns in parts of the state.

The restriction, which took effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, limits movement in the three local government areas to between 6pm and 6am daily until further notice.

The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, announced the directive, saying the measure was intended to maintain public order, protect lives and support security operations in the affected communities.

The government also ordered an immediate ban on motorcycles in the affected areas and directed security personnel to enforce both restrictions.

Residents have been advised to plan their commercial, agricultural and personal activities around the restricted hours and avoid unnecessary movement at night.

The curfew followed a series of deadly attacks in Plateau State, with several communities reporting killings within days of one another.

One of the recent attacks occurred at Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi, where five people were reportedly killed on Saturday night.

Two other people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed at Dorowa Babuje while travelling to church on Sunday.

Separate killings were also reported at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area and Ratyidi in Fan District, according to community reports.

The latest violence came shortly after another deadly incident at Dungus Junction in Kuru District, Jos South Local Government Area, where gunmen attacked a commercial vehicle travelling towards Jos.

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At least nine people were killed in that attack. The vehicle’s conductor, identified as Nasiru Garba, was reportedly the only survivor and said the driver had stopped to allow passengers to alight before the attackers opened fire.

The incident occurred at about 9:30pm, according to accounts from the survivor and community sources.

Separate attacks were also reported in Mangu Local Government Area, including an assault on Vodni community in Pushit District in which two people were reportedly killed and four others injured.

In Riyom Local Government Area, two people were also reportedly killed in an attack around Tahoos.

Earlier reports put the combined death toll from attacks in Jos South, Mangu and Riyom at 13 people, although subsequent incidents have added to the reported casualties across the state.

The recurring violence has heightened concerns over the safety of residents, commuters, farmers and other people living or working in affected communities.

The Plateau Government has urged residents to cooperate with security agencies, avoid reprisals and provide credible information that could assist investigations and efforts to prevent further attacks.

The latest curfew comes against the background of several attacks recorded across Plateau in September.

The government had earlier condemned attacks in Mangu and Kuru, while security agencies have continued operations aimed at containing criminal activity and restoring stability in affected communities.

The security situation has also attracted the attention of the Nigerian military.

Following the deadly Dungus bus attack, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, visited Plateau and reviewed security operations with commanders.

He directed troops to sustain pressure on criminal elements and strengthen efforts to restore security in affected areas.

The latest government directive means residents of Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu must remain indoors between 6pm and 6am, except where movement is authorised under the applicable security arrangements.

The motorcycle ban also remains in force across the three local government areas.

The government said the measures would remain in place until further notice, pending an improvement in the security situation.

The renewed violence has again raised concerns over Plateau State insecurity, particularly the safety of communities and road users in the state’s North-Central corridor.

Plateau Imposes 6pm–6am Curfew on Three LGAs After Fresh Attacks

Saudi Arabia Rejects Nigeria’s Request for More 2027 Hajj Slots

Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for an increase in its 2027 Hajj quota, leaving the country with an approved allocation of 50,000 pilgrims for next year’s pilgrimage.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclosed the development after formally engaging the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to seek additional slots in response to growing demand among intending Nigerian pilgrims and appeals from several state pilgrims’ welfare boards.

The Saudi authorities declined the request, citing capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites and the Kingdom’s policy of maintaining approved country quotas under its existing operational framework.

The decision means Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj allocation will remain at 50,000 places, comprising 35,000 slots for government pilgrims and 15,000 slots for licensed private Hajj tour operators.

NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the commission understood the disappointment the decision could cause intending pilgrims and state pilgrims’ welfare boards that had expected an increase.

Yusuf said the commission had explored available diplomatic and operational channels in an effort to secure an upward review but would respect the decision of the Saudi authorities.

He urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, relevant agencies and licensed tour operators to make transparent and judicious use of their approved allocations while complying with the timelines established by NAHCON and the Saudi authorities.

A major deadline now facing stakeholders is September 26, 2026, when the uploading of prospective pilgrims’ details on the designated Saudi Nusuk-Masar platform is scheduled to close.

NAHCON has warned that the deadline will not be extended and has urged state boards, tour operators and other representatives to ensure that all required pilgrim information is submitted before the cut-off date.

The commission has also advised Nigerians who are unable to secure a place under the 2027 Hajj quota to consider registering for the 2028 pilgrimage, noting that registration for the subsequent Hajj season has already opened.

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The quota decision comes as preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage continue under tighter registration and payment timelines.

NAHCON had earlier approved 2027 Hajj fares ranging from ₦7,560,822 to ₦7,882,822, depending on the pilgrims’ departure zone.

The Maiduguri/Yola zone has the lowest fare of ₦7,560,822, while the Northern Zone fare is ₦7,672,822 and the Southern Zone has the highest fare at ₦7,882,822.

The commission said the fares were determined after consideration of prevailing exchange rates and service costs.

Intending pilgrims who had previously paid ₦5 million are required to settle the outstanding balance applicable to their departure zones to complete their registration.

States are also expected to complete the remittance of the 2027 Hajj fares by December 2, 2026.

NAHCON has separately clarified the distribution of the 50,000 approved slots following reports alleging that 5,000 Hajj slots had been diverted.

The commission rejected the allegation and said the approved allocation consists of 35,000 slots for the states and Federal Capital Territory and 15,000 for duly licensed private Hajj operators operating under seven approved lead companies.

NAHCON urged private operators with concerns about the allocation process to use established regulatory and dispute-resolution channels rather than relying on allegations about the distribution.

The commission’s clarification comes as licensed operators are required to meet Saudi registration requirements and comply with the prescribed digital-upload timelines.

Meanwhile, NAHCON has warned intending pilgrims and tour operators against individuals demanding money in exchange for supposedly guaranteed or “special” Hajj slots.

The commission said no individual, agent, tour operator or other person was authorised to demand a facilitation fee or additional payment to secure a special 2027 Hajj allocation.

It advised members of the public to make payments only through officially designated channels and to report suspicious demands to law enforcement agencies.

The warning is particularly relevant given the limited number of available places and the demand for the pilgrimage.

NAHCON said failure to meet the published deadlines for pilgrim data uploads and payment could result in the forfeiture of allocated Hajj slots, regardless of assurances from unauthorised individuals.

The commission has also indicated that further information on the operational guidelines and implementation of the new business-to-business framework for the 2027 Hajj will be communicated through its official channels.

For Nigerian pilgrims and Hajj administrators, the immediate task is therefore to work within the fixed 50,000-slot allocation, complete the required registration processes and meet the Saudi and NAHCON deadlines.

The September 26 deadline applies to the uploading of prospective pilgrims’ data, while December 2 is the deadline set for states to complete remittance of the required 2027 Hajj fares.

With Saudi Arabia declining Nigeria’s request for additional places, the country will proceed with the 2027 Hajj under the existing 50,000-pilgrim quota.

Saudi Arabia Rejects Nigeria’s Request for More 2027 Hajj Slots