The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has commended the Abia State House of Assembly for passing the Abia Real Estate, Landlords and Tenancy Bill, describing the legislation as a transformative step toward creating a fair, transparent and well-regulated housing sector in the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Umuahia, the organisation said the bill represents one of the most significant housing reforms undertaken in Abia State in recent years. It noted that the legislation has the potential to improve relationships between landlords and tenants while introducing stronger standards for estate practitioners and property transactions.
FENRAD’s Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, said the passage of the bill demonstrates the Assembly’s commitment to addressing long-standing challenges affecting the state’s real estate sector, including arbitrary rent demands, illegal evictions, excessive agency charges and weak regulatory oversight.
According to the organisation, access to decent, safe and secure housing is a fundamental human right that contributes directly to social stability, economic growth and sustainable development. It stressed that a modern legal framework defining the responsibilities and rights of landlords, tenants, estate agents and government institutions is essential for reducing conflicts and promoting confidence in the property market.
FENRAD further praised the Abia State House of Assembly for adopting an inclusive legislative approach before the bill was passed. The organisation noted that stakeholder consultations and public hearings gave citizens, landlords, tenants, estate professionals and civil society organisations an opportunity to make valuable contributions to the proposed legislation.
It described the participatory process as evidence of democratic governance, adding that laws developed through public engagement are more likely to enjoy broad acceptance and achieve their intended objectives.
One of the major highlights of the legislation, according to FENRAD, is the planned establishment of the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Agency. The organisation believes the agency could significantly improve transparency, accountability and professionalism within the state’s housing sector if properly funded and allowed to operate independently.
The proposed agency is expected to oversee tenancy regulations, monitor compliance with established standards, handle complaints and promote fairness in property-related transactions across Abia State.
FENRAD also welcomed provisions that place statutory limits on advance rent payments, regulate agency fees and strengthen legal protections against unlawful eviction. It said these measures would help reduce exploitation while ensuring that both landlords and tenants enjoy legal protection under clearly defined rules.
The organisation observed that many residents have endured years of financial hardship resulting from excessive rental demands, arbitrary service charges and inadequate mechanisms for resolving disputes between property owners and tenants.
It maintained that the newly passed legislation offers a practical solution by introducing clearer legal procedures capable of protecting property rights while guaranteeing tenants the right to due process and security of tenure.
Beyond tenancy protections, FENRAD highlighted the bill’s emphasis on proper documentation of property transactions, mandatory registration of estate agents, regulation of escrow arrangements and the introduction of penalties for fraudulent practices and other violations.
According to the organisation, these provisions could significantly improve ethical standards within the real estate industry, discourage fraudulent transactions and increase investor confidence in Abia State’s growing property market.
It added that greater transparency and stronger regulation would create a healthier investment climate capable of attracting responsible developers while protecting residents from abuse and exploitation.
While celebrating the passage of the legislation, FENRAD appealed to Governor Alex Otti to grant swift assent to the bill to enable its implementation without unnecessary delay.
The organisation expressed confidence that the governor’s approval would pave the way for comprehensive reforms capable of modernising housing administration and improving access to justice for both landlords and tenants.
FENRAD also called for transparent and impartial implementation of the law after it receives executive approval.
It recommended extensive public enlightenment campaigns to educate landlords, tenants, estate practitioners, legal professionals and the wider public on the provisions of the legislation, ensuring that every stakeholder understands both their rights and responsibilities.
The group further advised that the proposed regulatory agency should embrace digital registration systems to simplify compliance, improve record-keeping and enhance public access to information.
It also advocated the establishment of accessible complaint and dispute-resolution mechanisms that would allow conflicts to be resolved efficiently without unnecessary litigation.
In addition, FENRAD encouraged government authorities to involve civil society organisations, professional associations and community representatives in monitoring the implementation of the law and evaluating its effectiveness over time.
The organisation noted that continuous review of the legislation would ensure that emerging challenges within the housing sector are promptly addressed while keeping the law relevant to changing realities.
FENRAD reaffirmed its commitment to promoting environmental justice, human rights, transparency, accountable governance and sustainable development across Nigeria.
It stated that effective housing governance extends beyond property administration, contributing to peaceful communities, economic prosperity, investment confidence and stronger protection of constitutional rights.
The organisation congratulated the leadership and members of the Abia State House of Assembly for what it described as a landmark legislative achievement and expressed optimism that the Abia Real Estate, Landlords and Tenancy Bill could become a national model for balanced housing regulation, responsible property administration and the protection of both landlords’ and tenants’ rights if successfully implemented.
