Kogiflame
His Excellency,
Alh. Usman Ododo Ahmed
Governor of Kogi State
Through the Office of the Commissioner for Urban Development and Housing
URGENT INTERVENTION NEEDED ON RISING RENT PRICES IN LOKOJA
Dear Governor,
I am writing to draw your attention to a pressing issue that is currently affecting residents of Lokoja, particularly concerning the sudden and significant increase in house rents in the metropolis following recent road construction initiatives.
While we commend your administration’s efforts to enhance infrastructure and improve living conditions in Kogi State, the resultant spike in housing costs has become a serious concern. Many landlords and real estate agents are leveraging these developments to unjustifiably raise rents, often by exorbitant amounts. For instance, some landlords have increased rents from ₦150,000 to ₦250,000, while other areas, such as New Zango, Barrack, and Pamisade, now see rents soaring between ₦450,000 and ₦500,000. In a state where there are no companies dominated by civil servants and hustlers.
Such drastic increases not only burden the residents but also tarnish the image of your government’s commitment to good governance and social welfare. It is crucial to restore order and fairness in the housing market to protect the interests of both tenants and landlords.
Government Intervention:
1. Regulation of Rent Prices: Establish a fixed price range for rents in Lokoja based on location and area to ensure affordability and prevent exploitation.
2. Engagement with Stakeholders: Organize a meeting with landlords, agents, and community representatives to discuss reasonable pricing structures and repercussions for non-compliance.
3. Public Awareness Campaign: Inform residents about their rights as tenants and encourage reporting of unfair rent increases.
I urge you to act swiftly to address this matter. Your proactive intervention will not only stabilize the housing market but will also reinforce the perception of your administration as responsive to the needs of the people.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue. I look forward to your prompt action and the positive changes this will bring to our community.
Sincerely,
Tenants
