The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a sweeping law regulating scrap trading, residential rent, and property agency fees, with immediate effect. The legislation, formally cited as the Ebonyi State Sale of Scraps, House Rent, and Agent Fees Regulation Law 2026, was adopted on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, following a clause-by-clause review in the Committee of the Whole House.
Key Provisions of the New Law
Under the new law, buying, selling, possessing, transporting, or disposing of metal and electrical scraps without a licence is now a criminal offence. Offenders face up to two years' imprisonment, a fine not exceeding ₦500,000, or both. This measure targets the rising theft of public infrastructure and private property in municipal areas.
On housing, rent tariffs will be set by Governor Francis Nwifuru for applicable property categories, and landlords are barred from charging above those prescribed caps. Landlords who use fraud, misrepresentation, or deliberate concealment of facts to obtain a possession order risk up to two years' imprisonment.
Agency Fees Capped at 2%
Agency fees for real estate transactions are now capped at 2% of the gross transaction value, covering both professional and non-professional agents. All estate agents operating within the capital city must register with the Ministry of the Capital City to ensure accountability.
House Leader Kingsley Ikoro urged colleagues to pass the bill quickly, arguing it was essential for protecting public infrastructure and shielding vulnerable tenants from exploitation. Several members voiced support, including Victor Nwoke (Abakaliki North), Nwodo Nwodo (Ebonyi North West), Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali (Afikpo East), Friday Ogbuewu (Ezza South), and Celestine Ogba (Onicha East).
Speaker's Remarks and Other Business
Speaking after the bill passed its third reading, Speaker Moses Odunwa said: "Scrap dealers have shown a brazen lack of restraint, causing widespread havoc to critical public infrastructure and private property. This law restores sanity to our property market and prioritises overall public safety."
In separate proceedings, the Assembly adopted the Auditor-General's Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Ebonyi State Government for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, finding it consistent with standard accounting principles. The House also screened and confirmed nine nominees put forward by Governor Nwifuru to serve as Coordinator and Management Committee members for the Amasiri Development Centre in Afikpo Local Government Area, following the state government's reinstatement of the centre.
The law takes immediate effect, and its implementation will be overseen by relevant state agencies, with the Ministry of the Capital City responsible for agent registration.
