Ebonyi State Governor, Francis ogbonna Nwifuru, has announced a sweeping ban on house and land agents, effective from 2026.
The decision, according to the governor, is part of efforts to curb soaring rents and protect residents from exploitation. He accused agents of charging excessive fees, sometimes N500,000 merely to show prospective tenants properties that do not belong to them.
“I don’t want to see or hear about house or land agents in Ebonyi State from 2026. I am here for the good people of Ebonyi.
“This exploitation must stop. No agent should collect any money from anyone seeking accomodation again”, the governor declared.
The ban, which has generated widespread reactions, is welcomed by many residents who see it as bold move to curb exploitation in real estate sector and make housing more affordable to the people.
This development also aligns with ongoing efforts by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, which has expressed concerns about the rising rents and deliberated on bills to regulate landlords and housing practices.
The Assembly intervention are aimed at easing the burden on low and middle-income earners struggling with high cost of accomodation.
The ban is expected to reshape the property market in Ebonyi, with direct transactions between landlords and tenants likely to become the new norm.
-9News Nigeria.
