Kogi Assembly Commences Reform of Tenancy Laws

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The Kogi State House of Assembly has started the process of reforming the state's tenancy laws with a bill designed to protect tenants from arbitrary rent increases, unlawful evictions, and exploitation by landlords and property agents.

At a public hearing, the sponsor of the bill, Lawal Akus, a member of the Assembly representing Ankpa I State Constituency, said the proposed legislation seeks to repeal the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law, 2007 and replace it with a new Kogi State Tenancy Law, 2027, aimed at reflecting present-day economic realities and strengthening the rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants, and property agents.

Akus noted that while landlords deserve legitimate returns on their investments, tenants equally deserve protection from exploitation. He said the relationship between landlords and tenants is an important aspect of their social and economic existence, but experience has shown that this relationship is often characterised by numerous challenges.

### Details of the Proposed Legislation

At the public hearing, Akus explained that the proposed legislation will clearly define the rights and obligations of landlords, tenants, and property agents, regulate tenancy agreements, establish lawful procedures for the recovery of premises, prohibit unlawful evictions and harassment, provide effective dispute resolution mechanisms, promote transparency in tenancy transactions, and foster peaceful coexistence among stakeholders.

Akus assured participants that every memorandum and recommendation submitted during the hearing would receive careful legislative consideration.

### Background on Housing Challenges in Kogi State

Increasing urbanisation across the state has intensified housing challenges, making a comprehensive tenancy law imperative.

According to Akus, the proposed legislation will strengthen the rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants, and property agents, regulate tenancy agreements, and provide effective dispute resolution mechanisms.

### Akus' Past Works and Motivation

Akus has been a vocal advocate for the rights of tenants and has called for the reform of the state's tenancy laws to protect tenants from exploitation.

### What Happens Next

The proposed legislation will now undergo further review and consideration by the Assembly before it is passed into law.

### Akus' Promise

Akus assured participants that the final law will be participatory, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the people it is intended to serve.

### Akus' Quote

“This public hearing represents our modest but significant effort at promoting participatory democracy by ensuring that stakeholders and members of the public contribute meaningfully to the law-making process,”

### Kogi State Tenancy Law 2027: Key Facts

  • The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law, 2007.
  • The new Kogi State Tenancy Law, 2027, aims at reflecting present-day economic realities and strengthening the rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants, and property agents.
  • The proposed law will clearly define the rights and obligations of landlords, tenants, and property agents.
  • It will regulate tenancy agreements, establish lawful procedures for the recovery of premises, and prohibit unlawful evictions and harassment.
  • Effective dispute resolution mechanisms will be provided to promote transparency in tenancy transactions and foster peaceful coexistence among stakeholders.