The Anambra State House of Assembly is set to enact a law aimed at curbing rising house rents and exploitative housing practices across the state, particularly in student communities.
Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Ikenga Ofodeme, gave the indication while addressing concerns raised by protesting students over the increasing cost of accommodation in the state.
Commending the students for their peaceful conduct and lawful presentation of grievances at the Assembly complex, Ofodeme said the Assembly had already commenced legislative processes to tackle excesses in the housing sector. He noted that the impact of skyrocketing rents on students also affects parents and guardians.
According to Ofodeme, the bill will regulate arbitrary charges by landlords and agents and urged the protesters to remain calm as efforts are underway to bring a lasting solution to the issue.
Also speaking, the member representing Aguata I Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to addressing the problem within a short timeframe.
The students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council, Anambra State axis, had stormed the Assembly complex to decry what they described as unjust and exploitative increases in rent and agency fees in various communities. They called on lawmakers to urgently introduce regulations to check arbitrary charges imposed by landlords and agents.
NANS Chairman in the state, Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Chukwuemeka, said the protest was aimed at protecting the welfare of students residing in host communities of tertiary institutions across Anambra State.
He lamented the absence of regulation and accountability in the housing sector, accusing landlords and agents of imposing undue financial burdens on students and their families.
“We appeal to the legislature to enact laws that will regulate and standardize rent in student communities, as well as fix reasonable and uniform agency fees,” Chukwuemeka said.
He added that only a comprehensive legal framework would restore sanity to the housing sector and provide lasting relief to thousands of undergraduates in the state.
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