Residents in several Nigerian cities are struggling as rental costs rise sharply, in some cases exceeding the average annual income of tenants. The trend is worsening housing affordability and pushing more families into financial distress.
In Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, tenants report sudden increases in rent driven by inflation, rising building costs, and high demand for limited housing. Many landlords now demand one to two years’ rent upfront, creating heavy financial pressure.
Housing advocates warn that wage growth has not kept pace with living expenses, leaving workers to spend disproportionate portions of their income on accommodation. Some households have been forced to relocate to distant suburbs, increasing commuting time and transport costs.
Urban planners say rapid population growth without matching housing supply is a major factor. Limited access to mortgage financing also prevents many Nigerians from owning homes, keeping demand concentrated in the rental market.
Real estate developers cite high construction material prices, currency depreciation, and infrastructure costs as reasons for rising rents. However, tenants argue that the increases are unsustainable and lack regulatory oversight.
Civil society groups are calling for rent control policies, expanded social housing programs, and incentives for affordable housing development. They stress that housing is a basic need, not a luxury.
The growing crisis is also affecting businesses, as workers priced out of city centers face longer commutes and reduced productivity. Economists warn that unchecked housing inflation could deepen urban inequality.
As pressure mounts, many Nigerians hope policymakers will introduce reforms to stabilize the housing market and prevent a full blown affordability crisis.
