Ogun Youths Demand Regulation Of Estate Agents And Rent Prices

The Ogun Youth Assembly has urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to take urgent action in addressing the state’s rising housing costs and what they described as exploitative practices by estate agents.

Chairman of the assembly, Habeeb Whyte, speaking to journalists in Abeokuta on Wednesday, said many residents were facing unfair treatment from agents who impose excessive inspection fees, hidden charges, and inflated rents.

“Some agents collect outrageous fees, only to show people houses they don’t even like, or worse, properties they have no authority to rent out. This is unfair to Nigerians already struggling to survive,” he said.

Whyte appealed to Abiodun, the Speaker of the State Assembly, and the Commissioner for Housing to work together in setting clear regulations for the sector. He proposed standardised inspection fees, transparent processes, and affordable rent models to ease the burden on tenants and prospective landlords.

He stressed that housing is a basic human need and that government intervention was necessary to protect citizens from exploitation.

The youth leader added that the Ogun Youth Assembly would continue to advocate on issues affecting young people, noting that access to affordable housing has a direct impact on productivity, welfare, and quality of life.

Nigeria currently faces a housing deficit of about 28 million units, with an estimated N21 trillion required to close the gap. The shortfall, worsened by rapid population growth, continues to push accommodation costs out of reach for low- and middle-income earners.