The Ebonyi State Government has announced a sweeping ban on the activities of house and land agents, effective January 2026.
The decision marks a dramatic step in the state’s battle against skyrocketing accommodation costs that have left many residents and business owners struggling.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who disclosed the new policy, said the activities of agents had become a major driver of the continuous rise in rental prices across the state.
He accused many agents of exploiting desperate tenants and shop owners by demanding outrageous fees without providing real value.
According to the governor, some agents have been collecting as much as ₦500,000 from prospective tenants just to show them properties they do not even own.
He described this practice as fraudulent, exploitative, and a key reason for the worsening accommodation crisis in Ebonyi.
“The exploitation must stop. From next year, no agent is permitted to collect any money from anyone seeking accommodation in Ebonyi State,” Governor Nwifuru declared in Abakaliki.
The state government said the ban is designed to curb fraudulent practices within the property market, restore fairness, and stabilize rental costs.
By eliminating middlemen, the policy aims to make housing more affordable and accessible for ordinary citizens who have long been burdened by hidden charges.
Officials explained that the move would also prevent property racketeering, which has been rampant in urban centers.
With direct engagement between landlords and tenants, the government believes both transparency and accountability will improve.
This policy marks a major shakeup in Ebonyi’s real estate sector, where agents have dominated the property market for years.
It is expected to provide relief to thousands of families, traders, and small business owners who are struggling under the weight of escalating rents.
Observers say the government’s stance could inspire similar measures in other states facing sharp housing shortages and exploitative rental practices.
However, real estate stakeholders warn that the transition must be carefully managed to avoid creating new challenges, such as disputes between landlords and tenants over property verification.
The ban is one of Governor Nwifuru’s boldest social policies yet, signaling a shift toward prioritizing the welfare of residents over entrenched market practices.