Delta State Target’s 500 New Homes to Reduce Rent Burden

The Delta State Government has unveiled plans to build over 500 low-cost housing units in partnership with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, aiming to tackle the rising cost of rent across the state.

Housing Commissioner Godknows Angele, speaking in Asaba on Wednesday, said the initiative is a public-private partnership (PPP) designed to ease the growing accommodation challenges, especially in urban areas.

Angele explained that the project will be rolled out in phases, starting with 50 housing units in each of the 10 federal constituencies. Local governments will also benefit from similar developments in future stages.

“The governor has directed that 50 housing units each be constructed across the constituencies. We’re doing this to address accommodation shortages and help bring down house rent,” he said.

He added that the ministry, in collaboration with a federal parastatal, will soon open 30 one-bedroom apartments at the 181 Amphibian Battalion in Agbor, Ika South LGA.

On other projects, Angele highlighted 50-unit developments underway in Ozoro, Kwale, and Owa-Oyibu—initially started under former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for civil servants. He noted that adjustments are being made to those plans to include supporting infrastructure like schools, markets, and electricity.

To control housing costs, the ministry has started registering housing agents to regulate their activities and prevent exploitation. A bill will soon be sent to the state assembly to curb excessive rent charges, particularly in high-demand areas like Asaba.

The commissioner also said a task force will be formed to tackle agents who overcharge tenants. In addition, the government may persuade landlords through non-legislative means to adopt fairer rent practices.

He revealed that the ministry recently renovated the INEC office in Asaba and completed work on a two-storey building with 40 self-contained apartments at Admiralty University, Ibusa—projects initiated during the Okowa administration.

Meanwhile, Ifeanyi Olannye, Chairman of the Chapel of Correspondents, urged the commissioner to address rent inflation, especially in Asaba. He said Delta has one of the highest housing costs in the country.