Asaba, Delta State – The rising cost of accommodation in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, has become a major concern for residents, especially civil servants and low-income earners. In an open letter addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Chief Comrade Diode Gabriel has called for urgent government intervention to stop landlords from overcharging tenants.
A Growing City with Soaring Rent
Asaba is one of the fastest-growing capitals in Nigeria, attracting businesses and people from different parts of the country. However, this rapid growth has led to a serious housing crisis. Many landlords, especially those from outside Delta State, are increasing rents beyond what the average resident can afford.
For example, a one-room apartment in Asaba now costs about ₦400,000 per year, while a one-bedroom apartment is priced at ₦750,000. A two-bedroom apartment costs over ₦1 million, making it difficult for many people, especially government workers, to find affordable homes.
Why Are Rents So High?
Chief Gabriel pointed out that one major reason for the high cost of rent is the presence of internet fraudsters, known as Yahoo Boys or 419. These individuals make quick money through illegal means and are willing to pay any amount for rent, which encourages landlords to increase prices. Unfortunately, this has made life difficult for honest, hardworking Deltans.
Another excuse landlords give is the high cost of building materials, but Gabriel argues that building costs in Asaba are not different from other cities. He believes landlords are simply trying to recover their investment too quickly, instead of spreading the cost over many years like in developed countries.
The Call for Government Action
In the letter, Chief Gabriel urged Governor Oborevwori to take action to protect Deltans from what he called “wicked exploitation” by landlords. He suggested the following solutions:
- Regulating Rent Prices – The Delta State Government should pass a law to control how much landlords can charge for rent. Many developed countries already have laws to protect tenants from unreasonable rent increases.
- Tackling Fraudsters – Security agencies should crack down on internet fraudsters whose reckless spending is affecting rent prices.
- Building Affordable Housing – The government should build low-cost housing estates for civil servants and other low-income earners. He suggested using available land at Asaba Textile Mill and behind the Ibori Golf Course for such projects.
A Plea for Urgent Action
Chief Gabriel warned that if nothing is done, more civil servants will continue to struggle with debt just to afford a place to live. He urged the governor to push for an Executive Bill in the Delta State House of Assembly to check landlords’ excesses and bring relief to the people.
As Deltans wait for a response, the big question remains: Will the government step in to make housing more affordable in Asaba?
