Nigerian actress Lilian Esoro has joined the growing chorus of voices condemning exorbitant rent increases in Lagos, declaring she is fed up with the situation. Her reaction came after a Nigerian entrepreneur sparked online outrage by revealing that rent on a property in Banana Island had skyrocketed by 392.31%.
Lilian Esoro Shares Personal Experience
Taking to her Instagram story, Esoro lamented that her own business had recently been served a rent increase notice, pushing the annual rent to a staggering ₦50 million. She described the trend as unbearable for residents and business owners, especially when landlords raise rents without making any improvements to the property.
"Same house you already own, with no renovations done, and you increase the rent just because you can. On what ground?" she questioned, expressing disbelief at the rationale behind such hikes.
Impact on Businesses and Residents
Esoro argued that frequent rent hikes force businesses to relocate, shut down, or lay off workers, leaving many people struggling to survive. She described the practice as a lack of empathy and urged landlords to consider the consequences of their decisions on tenants and business owners.
"Some landlords really need to do better. Show a little empathy and kindness," she said, calling for a more humane approach to property leasing.
Public Reactions
The actress's comments have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many Nigerians sharing similar experiences of rent hikes across Lagos. The entrepreneur who initially posted about the 392.31% increase noted that such trends are making it difficult for middle-class families and small businesses to afford housing in the city.
As the cost of living continues to rise, many are calling for government intervention to regulate rent increases and protect tenants from arbitrary pricing.
