For a growing number of young adults in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, the path to marriage is being blocked not by a lack of love, but by an increasingly hostile and expensive housing market. A recent investigation has uncovered that soaring rental costs are forcing many prospective couples to put their wedding plans on indefinite hold.
The Crushing Weight of Rent on Marriage Plans
In interviews conducted with residents aged between 25 and 35, a clear and distressing pattern emerged. Five out of seven individuals expressed that the dream of starting a family is being suffocated by accommodation costs that far outpace their earnings. Shehu Mustapha, one respondent, captured the sentiment bluntly, stating, "Rent is killing our marriage plans."
The core issue, as explained by the young residents, is a severe mismatch between income and housing expenses in the civil-service-driven city. Azeez, another interviewee, pointed out the disparity: "The rent people are paying in Ilorin now does not reflect the kind of jobs available here. Most people are earning modest salaries, yet landlords are charging as if this is Lagos or Abuja." This economic pressure makes saving for marriage and a new home nearly impossible for many.
'POP Houses' and Agent Fees: Drivers of the Crisis
Young residents identified specific factors they believe are artificially inflating rents. A primary culprit is the trend of 'POP houses'—properties fitted with decorative plaster of Paris ceilings. Tenants allege that the mere presence of POP is used to justify significant rent hikes, even on older buildings.
Compounding the problem are the additional fees required to secure an apartment. One resident described the cumulative cost as overwhelming: "By the time you add agent fee, agreement, caution fee, and rent, it's frightening. Sometimes the agent fee alone is almost the same as one year's rent." This financial barrier places independent accommodation out of reach for many.
Changing Social Norms and the Family House Stigma
Beyond pure economics, shifting social expectations are intensifying the housing crisis for those hoping to marry. There is a growing, and often non-negotiable, demand from prospective partners to have a private apartment before wedding plans can proceed. The era of newlyweds starting their life together in a family house is rapidly fading.
One young man highlighted this new reality: "Before, couples could manage in a family house and plan ahead. Now, the first question is, 'Where will we stay?' If you don't have your own apartment, discussions stop there." This pressure has turned housing into a critical prerequisite for marriage, creating a significant stall in family planning for an entire generation.
The interviewees warned of broader social consequences if the trend continues, with delayed marriages becoming more widespread. They emphasized that housing is no longer just about shelter but is directly impacting family formation and future stability.
Legislative Push for Rent Control
In response to nationwide tenant exploitation, Nigeria's House of Representatives has previously urged federal and state collaboration to regulate rents. A resolution moved by lawmaker Bassey Akiba called for measures to cap rent increases, suggesting a limit of no more than 20 percent even after public infrastructure upgrades.
The resolution condemned landlords for "wanton exploitation" and directed relevant committees to monitor compliance while advocating for greater investment in affordable housing. This legislative move underscores the recognition that fair rental practices are essential for social well-being amid the country's economic pressures.
