By Sunday Ameh
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria has commended the Abia State House of Assembly for passing the Abia Real Estate, Landlords and Tenancy Bill, describing the legislation as a major step towards strengthening housing governance and protecting the rights of landlords and tenants.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the organisation said the bill represents a significant milestone in promoting social justice, transparency and accountability within the state’s housing sector.
FENRAD noted that access to safe, secure and equitable housing is fundamental to human dignity and sustainable development, stressing that a clear legal framework defining the rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants, estate agents and government institutions would reduce disputes, discourage exploitation and improve public confidence in the property sector.
The group also applauded the inclusive legislative process that preceded the passage of the bill, including stakeholder consultations and public hearings that gave citizens, estate professionals, landlords, tenants and civil society organisations the opportunity to contribute to the legislation.
According to the organisation, one of the key highlights of the bill is the proposed establishment of the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Agency, which it said would improve transparency, regulatory oversight and accountability if properly constituted and adequately funded.
FENRAD further welcomed provisions introducing statutory limits on advance rent payments, regulating agency fees, strengthening safeguards against unlawful evictions and providing legal remedies against harassment, intimidation and other abusive practices affecting both tenants and landlords.
The organisation observed that arbitrary rent demands, excessive agency charges and weak dispute resolution mechanisms have for years placed financial and psychological burdens on residents, adding that the new law offers an opportunity to restore balance while protecting legitimate property rights and tenants’ security of tenure.
It also praised provisions requiring proper documentation of property transactions, mandatory registration of estate agents, regulation of escrow arrangements and penalties for violations, noting that such measures would enhance professionalism, reduce fraud and boost investor confidence in Abia State’s real estate sector.
While celebrating the passage of the bill, FENRAD called on Governor Alex Otti to grant swift assent to enable implementation for the benefit of residents.
The organisation also urged the state government to ensure transparent and impartial implementation backed by extensive public awareness campaigns so that landlords, tenants, estate practitioners, legal professionals and the public fully understand their rights and responsibilities under the new law.
In addition, FENRAD recommended that the proposed regulatory agency operate independently, establish accessible complaint and dispute-resolution mechanisms, adopt digital registration systems and work closely with civil society organisations to monitor implementation and evaluate the law’s effectiveness.
The group further advocated periodic reviews of the legislation to address emerging challenges and ensure it remains responsive to developments in the housing and property sector.
FENRAD reaffirmed its commitment to promoting environmental justice, human rights, accountable governance and sustainable development, expressing optimism that the legislation would become a model for equitable housing regulation and responsible property administration across Nigeria.
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