Asaba, Delta State | The Delta State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Renewal, Engr. Michael Ifeanyi Anoka, has said that the state government is taking new steps to tackle the rising cost of rent and improve urban housing standards across the state.
He stated this on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, through the Director of Urban Development, Town Planner Okore Godwin, during a media briefing in Asaba.
According to the Director, the ministry has received numerous complaints from members of the public about excessive rents being charged across different parts of Delta State — from one-room apartments to three-bedroom flats.
He explained that the high rent prices are not only unfair to working residents but are also hurting the urban economy.
“We noticed that rents across cities and towns have become too high, and this is affecting the urban economy. Many residents who are actively employed are now struggling to pay for housing,” he said.
Mr Godwin emphasised that when citizens spend most of their income on rent, it creates a housing deficit and affects economic growth at the community and state levels.
Housing Is a Social Service, Not Just a Business
He stressed that housing should be seen as a social service, not merely a profit-making venture for landlords.
“Every landlord must understand that providing housing is a social service. It should not be driven purely by profit,” he added.
He further explained that housing, water, and security are among the basic human needs identified by the United Nations and every responsible government must ensure their availability.
The ministry expressed support for the ongoing Landlord and Tenant Bill 2025 currently before the Delta State House of Assembly, describing it as a bold step by the government to regulate the housing sector and protect both landlords and tenants.
“This bill is a bold attempt by the state government to regulate many of the excesses happening in the housing sector,” Mr Godwin said.
He added that once the bill becomes law, there will be enforcement measures to ensure compliance and to prevent landlords and agents from exploiting tenants through hidden fees like “total package” or “service charge” plans.
However, he explained that the ministry will focus more on sensitisation and awareness rather than harsh punishments, to ensure landlords understand the new system and willingly comply.
Speaking further, the Director said that housing falls under physical and urban planning, which defines how land and housing spaces are organised in cities.
He explained that the government categorises housing development into high-density, medium-density, and low-density areas, depending on income levels and population.
“Planning helps us design areas for different classes of people — from workers to middle-income earners and high-income residents,” he said.
He noted that proper land use planning ensures that housing development is well-structured and sustainable, adding that poor planning often leads to housing problems, slums, and unsafe buildings.
Responding to questions about illegal building approvals and collapsed structures, Mr Godwin clarified that the ministry does not issue “building permits” but rather development permits, which cover all aspects of development, including roads, infrastructure, and buildings.
He stated that some developers often bypass due process, hire unqualified builders (quacks), or use substandard materials, which lead to structural failures.
“The problem is not the approval itself but the use of substandard materials and unqualified professionals. Developers must hire certified experts and follow due process,” he said.
He assured that the ministry has internal mechanisms to investigate and sanction staff or contractors found guilty of misconduct.
The Director also revealed that the Delta State Government, under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is working on master plans for major cities and towns to improve the look, structure, and safety of urban areas.
“We are developing master plans for our major cities. These plans will guide how buildings, roads, schools, and markets are located and ensure that development is orderly and beautiful,” he said.
He added that once these master plans are fully implemented, issues like haphazard building, poor land use, and unplanned developments will be drastically reduced.
The Director highlighted some achievements of the ministry under the leadership of Hon. Anoka, including the review of outdated planning laws and the creation of a new legal framework — the Physical Planning and Urban Renewal Law 2024.
The new law, he explained, replaced the 2003 law that was inconsistent with federal policies and was difficult to implement.
He also noted that the ministry’s name was changed from “Urban Renewal” to “Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Renewal” to reflect its broader mandate in city planning and development.
Mr Godwin commended Governor Oborevwori’s administration for prioritising housing and urban development through effective planning, legal reforms, and public engagement.
He urged landlords, tenants, and developers to work with the government to make Delta’s cities safer, affordable, and better planned.
“Our goal is to create a sustainable, well-planned Delta State where everyone — rich or poor — can have access to decent housing,” he said.
