Nigerian Workers Caught in Rent Crisis as Landlords, Agents Hike Prices

The struggle to find affordable housing in Nigeria has become a major challenge for many workers. With rents skyrocketing, some people are forced to share small apartments with others, while others have to live far away from their workplaces, resulting in lengthy and expensive commutes. The situation is further complicated by discriminatory practices from landlords, who often prioritize certain ethnic, religious, or marital groups over others. As a result, many Nigerians are being pushed to the brink, with some even resorting to sleeping in their offices due to the high cost of transportation. The rental market in Nigeria has become a lucrative business for landlords and agents, who are taking advantage of the desperation of tenants. According to data from the NigerianPropertyCentre.com, rental prices in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are extremely high, with some apartments going for as much as N9.5 million per annum. For instance, a young legal professional, Abraham Moses, has seen his rent increase from N500,000 to N900,000 per year, despite no improvements to the property. "I rented the apartment in June 2022, and there has not been a single renovation since I moved in," he said. "The landlord simply called me to say I would be expected to pay N900,000 for the next rent. He said other landlords in the area had already increased their rents. I was shocked, but what could I do? Move out and be forced to pay fresh exorbitant agency, legal, and other fees all over again?" The situation is not unique to Moses, as many Nigerians are facing similar challenges. A fashion designer, Nosa Peters, said his family was forced to vacate their apartment in Oshodi after their landlord demanded N5 million as the new annual rent. "We started building our own house about four years ago, but we couldn’t complete it," he said. "Rather than succumb to the landlord’s extortion, my family decided to move into the boys’ quarters pending when the main building is completed." The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics reported that the inflation rate in June 2026 remained almost unchanged at 15.91 percent, compared to 15.93 percent in May. The cost of housing and utilities also rose, from 9.79 percent to 11.19 percent over the same period. The situation has become a major concern for many Nigerians, who are struggling to make ends meet. Adebisi Adeleke, a Lagos-based stylist, said she was forced to share a two-bedroom apartment with her younger brother’s friend after losing her savings to a travel scam. "I was at the lowest moment of my life," she said. "I had just been scammed while trying to process my travel documents. I wanted to travel abroad, and I lost everything I had. So, I had to start life afresh. I went back to my parents’ house after living on my own for about five years. I needed a place to stay while I rebuilt my life." The apartment cost N700,000, which is a significant amount for someone who is trying to get back on their feet. The situation highlights the need for urgent attention to the housing crisis in Nigeria, which is having a devastating impact on the lives of many citizens.