High cost of living: Imo residents groan under astronomical rent increase

 Nneoma Ahukanna and Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Shelter is a basic need of man but, recently, finding an affordable home in Nigeria has become increasingly difficult, especially in big cities where rents are rising astronomically daily.

A decent 3-bedroom flat in Owerri now goes for between 600 to 800 thousand Naira, 2-bedroom, one-bedroom and what is popularly referred to as ‘self-con’ (which describes a room with ensuit toilet/shower and kitchen), are currently rented for between N450 thousand, N350, and N250thousands, respectively.

The obvious direct consequence of this is that very soon there will be an unprecedented explosion in the population of homeless people in Nigerian cities and towns.

A walk around Owerri town and environs has shed some light on this current state of affairs as it affects tenants and their Landlords.

In light of this, what role can government at the three tiers do to regulate or properly ensure  price control as it concerns house rents, or provide affordable housing , low cost housing schemes for the masses especially low income workers both public and private sector ( government and non-government workers).

Recall that in October 2023 , the minister of Housing and urban development Ahmed Dangiwa had unveiled Federal government's plans to develop cost effective housing schemes and promote the construction of quality and affordable housing for Nigerians which would cater to the housing needs of 80% of low and medium income earners.

The minister dis closed that an affordable housing design committee was created within his first week in office to develop more efficient design options to meet the income profiles of Nigerians in that bracket. January this year, the federal government confirmed through Mr. Martin Gyado, Federal controller of Housing in Adamawa, that it has commenced allocation of affordable housing to Nigerians. In an interview with News Agency of Nigeria NAN, Gyado said President Bola Tinubu has improved the National Housing Program NHP, and introduced renewed hope cities and estates.

He opined ‘The renewed hope cities and estates were introduced to make the houses more affordable to common Nigerians. To that effect, the federal ministry of housing has written a request to all state government to provide 50 hectares of land for that purpose.’

In the first term of his administration, Gov. Hope Uzodimma announced plans to develop mass housing schemes in three zones - Umuoma Nekede in Owerri west, for Owerri, Anara, Isiala Mbano for Okigwe and Mgbidi  Oru West for Orlu zone of the state.

The immediate past commissioner for Housing, and Urban development, Lady Love Ineh was appointed chairman of the mass housing committee to oversee the projects. Other members included the Lands, survey and physical planning commissioner, the general manager Imo Housing Corporation, among others.

The committee was created to fast track the realization of the Imo state mass housing schemes in line with the Shared prosperity government mantra.

Lady Love Ineh, the former Housing Commissioner, commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma for having the welfare of Imolites at heart, and opined that ‘IMO Mass Housing projects.

With the process started in the first tenure of the Uzodimma administration having gone underway is expected to reach satisfactory conclusion.

Following the allegations of purported fraudulent activity carried out by some members of the committee, namely Commissioner for Lands, survey and physical planning, and the GM Imo Housing Corporation, and their subsequent suspension just before the dissolution of the State expanded executive council by Gov. Uzodimma, hopefully with a fresh appointment, there will arise a new reinvigorated and transparent committee to realize the objective of affordable housing for the people.

The excruciating pains presently being felt by Nigerians in the area of renting affordable decent shelter. Various reasons were given for this. According to a concerned citizen, ‘In the capital cities, many people are searching for better opportunities, but the number of houses being built hasn’t kept up with the growing population. This shortage of comfortable available units leads to increased competition and higher prices.

As people build new houses every day, the cost of materials keeps going up. This is mainly because the Naira is losing value, and high inflation rates significantly increase the cost of building materials, maintenance, and property taxes. Unfortunately, landlords then pass on these extra costs to tenants by increasing the rent.’ She posited.

‘Due to these increases, many people who haven’t been able to build their own houses yet struggle to find a good place to live. They often have to settle for lower quality, less convenient locations, or even share small spaces with others. Some end up living in a ghetto just to fit into their family budgets for the month or year, aiming to avoid eviction and displacement as rents become unaffordable, which can be humiliating.’

George Nwokoro, popularly known as M.C. Bush, shed more light on rising house rents in Mbaitoli, emphasising the daily escalation of prices. He explained, ‘The reason for the high increase in rent is because everything is increasing every day. For example, a bag of cement now costs 6500 naira, while in Benin Republic, it’s only 2500 naira. Petrol here is 700 naira per litre, and we face power outages. The NEPA bill is 6000 naira per month, contributing to the overall increase. Even garri has become expensive, making it difficult for the poor. To meet our needs, we need to increase rent to take care of our families. Before pumping 1000 litres of water, you must spend 8000 naira on petrol. People are leaving Nigeria because of the rising costs.’

M.C. Bush’s plea for assistance from leaders aligns with Kelechi Ohaji, another landlord from Ebom Mbieri, who stated, ‘The increase in house rent is due to the country’s situation. Before, we bought cement for 2500 naira, but now it’s 6500, and iron, which used to cost 1500 for 12mm, is now 4500. These changes made me increase the house rent to cope.’

According to a resident in  Ubommiri rent for various  apartments , 1,2,3, bedrooms now go forN450, For 3, bedrooms, self-conclose to  N200A teacher said she found a selfcon around Nkwo Ubommiri for N70k but cost of transport made her consider renting one for N200k at Akwakuma where she teaches at a private primary school.

Erimbe Jonah, a tenant from Cross River State living in Imo State, expressed a broader understanding, linking the problems in Nigeria to the high increase in rent. He said, ‘All these problems in Nigeria result from the high increase in rent. Food and fuel increments are major causes of house rent increase. Although I complain, I understand the reasons behind the increase.’

Onyewuchi Uche, a tenant in Imo State, gave voice to the challenges faced by residents due to the high cost of living. He shared, ‘Things are costly in Imo State, especially foodstuff. It’s not the landlord’s fault, but we, the ones bringing in money, find it challenging. Food sellers should reduce prices because without us, they won't sell. The government should help us by regulating what is sold. If they pay us monthly or provide half a bag of rice or beans, it will reduce our market expenses, and the payment of house rents won’t be a problem.’

Comrade Nwaiwu Chinoso, Chairman of the United Imo Youth Movement and currently serving as the Chairman of Nwaorieubi City Market, a landlord from Mbaitoli, concluded the interview by emphasising the relationship between the high cost of living in Imo State and the increased cost of building materials. He said, ‘Simply put, the high cost of house rent is based on the high cost of living in Imo State, linked to high building material costs. As a landlord, I believe all houses are the same. When someone collects four hundred and fifty thousand, it could be due to the location. Location matters, and a landlord in the village wouldn’t charge the same as those in the town.’

In essence, the shared concerns about rising costs, whether from landlords or tenants, build a narrative that underscores the intricate relationship between the increasing cost of living, the challenges faced by both parties, and the call for intervention to alleviate the economic hardships in Imo State and the country at large.’