JOINTEARN reports that a housing shortage in Kogi State is causing severe hardship, exacerbated by Nigeria’s current economic struggles. Kogi, strategically located between ten states and home to the River Niger and River Benue, has been a popular settlement area since its establishment in 1991 during General Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime.
Historically, housing was more affordable for both local residents and civil servants employed by federal and state governments. Several former administrations provided housing estates to alleviate housing struggles, such as Adankolo Estate, Aniebo Quarters, and flood relief housing from Colonel Paul Omeruo, Colonel Augustine Aniebo, Prince Abubakar Audu, and Captain Idris Wada. These efforts offered civil servants affordable housing and stability, easing the burden of finding accommodations.
However, recent years have seen rent prices skyrocket, pushing even basic housing out of reach for many residents. The cost of a single room, previously around N40,000, has surged to N80,000 or more, while a one-bedroom unit has risen from N120,000 to as much as N450,000. Two- and three-bedroom apartments now cost over N600,000, leaving civil servants and low-income earners struggling.
Residents are expressing concerns about the worsening housing crisis. Abdullahi Umar, a resident of Adankolo, expressed frustration over the relentless rent hikes, saying, “We are already facing economic hardship, and now we can barely afford rent.” Similarly, Hajia Mulikat Adomu called for government intervention, arguing that policies should be established to regulate landlords’ actions and prevent exploitation.
An additional factor complicating the housing market is the influx of alleged internet fraudsters, known locally as “Yahoo Boys.” According to Peter Suleiman, CEO of Good Trust Estate Management Limited, landlords are increasingly renting to these individuals, who are able to pay exorbitant rates, excluding legitimate tenants. He noted that this trend risks fostering an environment that encourages cybercrime while making housing unaffordable for law-abiding citizens.
Suleiman emphasized the need for government action to curb landlords’ exploitation of tenants, warning that unchecked rent increases are leading Kogi toward becoming a cyber fraud hub. He also highlighted the issue of fake housing agents contributing to rent inflation by bringing in high-paying but unscrupulous tenants.
The Kogi State government, aware of the housing issues, recently issued warnings to landlords about renting to suspected internet fraudsters. The State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (retired), cautioned landlords that properties associated with criminal activities could face demolition. He urged landlords and residents alike to collaborate with the government to improve housing access and reduce crime.
In response to the housing crisis, Suleiman proposed a 1,000-unit housing development for civil servants, which he believes could help mitigate the burden of skyrocketing rents. He called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to make affordable housing a priority, highlighting that this initiative could significantly relieve civil servants from exploitative rent practices.
