OPINION: The Scourge of Exabyte of House Rent in Calabar: A Call for Government Intervention

The city of Calabar, capital of Cross River State in Nigeria’s delta region, once known for its serene environment and affordable living, has become a nightmare for residents due to the exorbitant house rent, particularly in Calabar Municipal.

The situation has become so dire that many are finding it challenging to afford a decent place to live. The astronomical rent hike has been attributed to the activities of house agents who seem to have a stranglehold on the rental market.

These agents, often without regard for the welfare of tenants, dictate rent prices to landlords, who in turn pass on the burden to unsuspecting tenants. A one-bedroom flat that cost around N200,000 a few years ago now goes for N700,000 to N800,000 in some locations, especially in the heart of Calabar metropolis.

This is a staggering increase that is unfair and wicked, especially considering that many of these houses were built over 10 to 15 years ago.

The situation is even more dire for those seeking a one-room self-contain, which now costs over N400,000. This is sheer wickedness, given that Cross River State is not an industrial or high-paying civil service state. Many residents are struggling to make ends meet, and the exorbitant rent is pushing them to the wall.

It is unconscionable that landlords and house agents continue to hike rent without making efforts to improve the quality of the houses. Many of these properties are dilapidated and in disrepair, yet the rent keeps increasing.

This is a clear case of exploitation, and it is high time the Cross River State government stepped in to regulate the tenancy and rent issues.

The Lagos State government has set a precedent by taking bold steps to curb the excesses of agents and landlords. It is time for the Cross River State government, led by Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to follow suit.

The government should establish a regulatory agency to oversee tenancy and rent issues, setting a ceiling for rent prices based on the category of houses.

This move would bring relief to the many residents who are struggling to afford decent housing. It would also encourage investment in the state and make it more attractive to businesses and individuals looking to relocate.

The government must act swiftly to address this issue and ensure that Calabar remains a place where people can live with dignity.

The people of Calabar deserve a government that will protect their interests and ensure that they are not exploited by greedy landlords and house agents. It is time for the government to take bold action and regulate the rental market to make it more affordable for residents.

The ball is in the court of Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu and the Cross River State government to act decisively and bring relief to the people.