By MERCY NEME

The Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, held a public hearing on a bill seeking to overhaul the state’s housing and tenancy laws.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bill aimed to redefine the relationship between landlords and tenants and modernise the framework for rent control and property recovery.

The hearing, held at the State House of Assembly Complex, Asaba, brought together landlords, tenants, estate agents, legal practitioners, and civil society representatives.

In her opening remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Humanitarian Support Services, and Girl Child Development, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, stressed the significance of the new legislation.

The bill is titled: “A Bill to Repeal the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law, 1977, and Enact a Law to Regulate the Relationship Between Landlords and Tenants in a Tenancy and to Provide for the Procedure for the Recovery of Premises and for Other Related Matters.”

Anyafulu described the bill as “a bold and necessary step to sanitise the housing sector and create a balanced, fair, and peaceful environment for all parties in tenancy relationships.

“This bill seeks to repeal the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law of 1977, a 48-year-old law that has outlived its relevance in today’s realities.

“After nearly five decades, it is only proper that we review and remake the law to reflect current socioeconomic developments,” she added.

According to the lawmaker, the proposed legislation would not only update outdated provisions but also define the rights, duties, and obligations of all key actors in the sector.

“These include government agencies, landlords, tenants, and property agents, she said.

She explained that the bill covered key areas such as tenancy agreements, rent payment, dispute resolution, and recovery of premises, aimed at ensuring fairness and transparency.

“In a nutshell, this bill seeks to provide an enabling environment for a housing sector that serves everyone — landlords, agents, and tenants alike,” she noted.

She added that it would lay the foundation for a stable, happy, and peaceful society.

Anyafulu also underscored the economic and social importance of housing in the state.

She stressed that the contributions made during the hearing would have “far-reaching implications for the well-being of the people and the stability of the state’s economy.

She urged stakeholders to freely express their opinions and make meaningful contributions to the process.

“Distinguished stakeholders, this is democracy in action. The public hearing is your opportunity to participate in decision-making and governance,” she said.

“Our ears are open to hear from you — your reactions to the bill and your suggestions to make it better,” she added.

Describing the bill as “a win-win for all,” Anyafulu assured that the committee was committed to producing a law promoting harmony in the housing sector.

She said the bill would protect the interests of both property owners and tenants while ensuring justice and balance.

Anyafulu commended the collaborative spirit of the Joint Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Humanitarian Support Services and Girl Child Development, and Physical Planning and Urban Renewal.

She said the cooperation among the committees reflected the Assembly’s commitment to a transparent and inclusive legislative process.

Stakeholders at the hearing made their submissions in line with the objectives of the bill, describing it as a welcome development.

Representatives from the State Ministry of Justice, Association of Organised Realtors, Estate Surveyors and Valuers, and the Association of Tenants were present to make their presentations.

Mr. Godfrey Saro, representing the Association of Organised Realtors, Asaba chapter, called for the establishment of a State Agents Association.

He said such a body would ensure that only verified individuals could act as agents, helping to reduce fraud in property transactions.

Also, Mr. Peter Ozili, representing the Estate Surveyors and Valuers, proposed that the state government should introduce a Certificate of Rental Value.

He explained that this certificate would help standardise rent charges across the state and promote fairness.

On his part, Mr. Solomon Enoruerome, representing the Association of Tenants, suggested that landlords should be encouraged to collect six months’ rent instead of yearly rent.

He also proposed that landlords should take responsibility for maintaining their properties to ensure better living conditions for tenants. (NAN)