WARRI, Delta State — Tenants in parts of Warri have appealed to the Delta State Government to intervene in what they describe as a sharp and unsustainable increase in housing rents, warning that many families may be forced out of their homes if urgent action is not taken.
The concerns were raised by residents speaking to reporters on Monday, who said landlords in several neighbourhoods around the city have significantly increased rent charges within a short period. One tenant said he paid ₦300,000 two years ago, ₦450,000 last year, and has now been asked to pay ₦850,000 for the same apartment this year, describing the increase as excessive and difficult to cope with amid rising living costs.
Several other tenants echoed similar concerns, saying the rapid escalation in rent is putting severe pressure on household finances. Many residents noted that salaries and business incomes have not increased at the same pace as housing costs, making it increasingly difficult to renew tenancy agreements or secure affordable accommodation within the city.
According to the tenants, the situation has been worsened by broader economic challenges, including inflation, high cost of transportation, and rising prices of essential goods. They argued that housing, which already consumes a large portion of average household income, is becoming even more unaffordable, particularly for low- and middle-income earners.
Some residents also alleged that landlords are taking advantage of housing shortages and high demand in certain areas to impose arbitrary rent increases. They called for stronger regulation of the housing sector, including possible rent control measures or guidelines that could prevent sudden and extreme increases without justification.
Community members further appealed to the state government to explore policies that could improve housing availability, such as supporting mass housing schemes, encouraging affordable estate development, and strengthening urban planning efforts to reduce pressure on existing residential areas.
Housing experts have long noted that rent inflation in urban centres across Nigeria is driven by a combination of factors, including population growth, limited housing supply, high construction costs, and weak enforcement of tenancy regulations. They argue that without structured intervention, rent instability is likely to persist in fast-growing cities.
The tenants urged authorities to treat the issue as a welfare concern, warning that continued increases could lead to displacement, overcrowding in cheaper outskirts, and increased social pressure within urban communities.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Delta State Government or landlord associations regarding the reported rent increases affecting tenants in Warri.
