# Nigeria's House of Representatives Advances FCT Tenancy Regulation Bill New legislation aims to curb exploitative rental practices and excessive advance payments in Abuja. - **Source:** [Premium Times Nigeria](https://www.premiumtimesng.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9026fe2c-75bf-4527-9691-9ef04ea5be7b ## Legislative Progress in Abuja The Nigerian House of Representatives has advanced the Federal Capital Territory Advance Rent Regulation and Tenants’ Protection Bill, 2026, to a second reading. Sponsored by Paul Nnamchi and Ahmed Doro, the proposal seeks to establish a formal framework to govern rental transactions and curb exploitative practices within the capital city's housing market. ## Addressing Financial Pressures Lawmakers highlighted that current rental demands, often requiring multiple years of upfront payment, place severe financial strain on residents. These practices negatively impact household savings and business operations. The bill aims to create a more transparent system that balances the commercial interests of property owners with the fundamental need for affordable shelter. ## Core Regulatory Provisions Section 4 of the 17-page bill prohibits landlords and estate agents from compelling tenants to pay more than 12 months of rent in advance. This restriction applies to both residential and commercial properties. However, the legislation permits voluntary payments exceeding one year if initiated by the tenant without any form of coercion. ## Debate Over Market Freedom The proposal sparked intense debate among legislators regarding the extent of government intervention. Some members argued that the rental market should operate as a free-market system, warning against potential constitutional conflicts. Others maintained that housing is an essential human need that requires state oversight to prevent abuse by landlords and unregistered agents. ## Commercial Real Estate Challenges Chinedu Ogah noted that securing office space in areas like Wuse is prohibitively expensive, with annual costs reaching 30 million naira excluding agency fees. Supporters argue that clear regulations would help stabilize these costs and create a more predictable environment for investors, ultimately fostering greater confidence in the Abuja real estate sector. ## Terminology and Scope Concerns Some lawmakers questioned the use of the word 'prohibit' in the bill's title, suggesting 'regulate' would be more appropriate. While there were calls to extend the bill's application nationwide, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu clarified that the current proposal is specifically designed for the Federal Capital Territory to address its unique housing challenges. ## Constitutional and Legal Perspectives Patrick Umoh raised concerns regarding property rights and freedom of trade, suggesting the bill requires further consultation. Conversely, supporters cited Section 16 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the state to promote citizens' welfare. They argued that the National Assembly has a clear duty to ensure adequate shelter for all Nigerian citizens. ## Supply and Demand Imbalance Wale Raji emphasized that while regulation is necessary, the underlying issue remains the significant gap between housing supply and demand. He argued that legislative efforts must be accompanied by increased investment in social housing to effectively address the root causes of rising rents and the resulting overcrowding in Abuja’s suburban areas. ## Next Steps for Legislation The bill is now headed for a public hearing, where stakeholders, housing professionals, and interested groups will provide input. This stage allows for further scrutiny of the bill's provisions, including dispute resolution mechanisms and estate agent oversight. Lawmakers aim to refine the text before it proceeds to the final passage stage. ## Balancing Interests and Rights The legislative process reflects a broader tension between protecting vulnerable tenants and respecting the rights of property owners. Proponents insist the bill is not anti-investment but rather a necessary measure to ensure fairness. The final version will likely reflect a compromise between strict prohibition of advance payments and flexible, mutually agreed-upon rental terms. ## Significance for Urban Residents If enacted, this legislation could significantly alter the rental landscape in Abuja, providing legal recourse for tenants facing unfair eviction or excessive financial demands. By formalizing the relationship between landlords and tenants, the government hopes to improve living standards and ensure that housing remains accessible to the city's diverse workforce. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/922734-abuja-rent-reps-advance-bill-to-protect-tenants-from-exploitation.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._