Asaba, March 18, 2025 – The Delta State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Angeles, has assured residents that the government is working to control the high cost of rent and regulate the activities of housing agents and landlords. He made this statement during an interactive session with journalists in Asaba, the state capital.
New Housing Projects to Be Completed Soon
Hon. Angeles outlined several housing projects set to be completed in time for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s second anniversary. These include:
- A 32-floor, two-story one-bedroom flat in Ibusa (near completion).
- A completed two-story housing project in Oghara (awaiting commissioning).
- A large auditorium at Admiralty University in Ibusa, which is 90% completed.
- The DSIEC permanent site behind the Civil Service Commission, also 90% completed.
- Housing projects for the President of the Court of Appeal and DSS in Delta Hawks Road.
The Commissioner also mentioned the 50-unit low-cost housing scheme, which started under the previous administration and is now 90% completed. These units are being built in Owa Oyibu, Kwale, and Ozoro, with more to come in other local government areas (LGAs) that provide land without disputes.
Tackling High Rent Prices and Agent Exploitation
Hon. Angeles addressed the rising cost of rent in the state, blaming housing agents for inflating prices. He mentioned that a civil society group submitted a petition to regulate agents’ activities and had already informed the Speaker of the House of Assembly and the Commissioner of Police. The government is supporting the move but is waiting for Governor Oborevwori’s final decision.
To address the issue, a task force is already monitoring agents, and a newly mandated real estate association is being formed to regulate agent activities. According to the Commissioner:
“We have given an order to the Association of Real Estate Agents, and they have inaugurated their chairman in Warri to monitor all agents. They cannot just wake up and increase rent prices. We heard that a two-bedroom flat now costs N1.5 million, and we will not allow that in Delta State.”
Once registered, all real estate agents will have to follow specific guidelines, and those who overcharge tenants will face arrest. The association will also set up local executives in every LGA to enforce the new regulations.
Regulating Landlords and Yearly Rent Demands
Hon. Angeles acknowledged that many landlords in Delta State demand yearly rent, even though most civil servants receive salaries monthly. He explained that a new law is being drafted to allow for monthly, three-month, or six-month rent payments.
“This law will involve a public hearing where landlords, tenants, and all stakeholders will give their input. Once passed, it will be legally binding, and landlords will have to follow the new rules.”
Government’s Next Steps
- Finalizing a legal framework to regulate agents and landlords.
- Creating a legally recognized real estate agents’ association to set fair pricing rules.
- Establishing a task force to monitor rent prices and take action against overcharging.
- Introducing a new rent payment structure through a House of Assembly bill.
What This Means for Residents
- Rent prices will be monitored and regulated.
- Housing agents will need official registration to operate.
- Landlords may soon be required to accept monthly, three-month, or six-month rent payments.
- More low-cost housing units will be available in different parts of the state.
The Delta State government is taking steps to ensure affordable housing, protect tenants, and regulate the real estate market. Residents are hopeful that these changes will bring relief and prevent exploitation in the housing sector.
