Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Nigeria’s housing sector over soaring rental costs and the growing hardship faced by tenants.
In an open letter dated July 27, 2026, Adeyanju argued that the worsening housing crisis has made decent accommodation unaffordable for many Nigerians, particularly in major cities such as Abuja and Lagos.
He cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution and international human rights agreements, stressing that government has a constitutional obligation to ensure the welfare of citizens and provide access to adequate housing.
According to Adeyanju, the rental market has become exploitative, with landlords and estate agents demanding excessive advance rent, inflated agency charges and arbitrary legal fees, placing an unbearable financial burden on low- and middle-income earners.
He urged the Federal Government to implement urgent reforms, regulate the housing sector, and pursue inclusive urban renewal policies to protect tenants and make housing more affordable.
Adeyanju warned that without decisive intervention, the housing crisis would continue to deepen economic hardship and social inequality across the country.
