The Ebonyi State Executive Council, led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, has approved two executive bills aimed at regulating housing costs and curbing infrastructure theft. The bills have been forwarded to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for debate and potential passage into law.
Cap on Agency Fees Set at Two Percent
The first bill proposes capping house agency fees at two percent of the total rental value. This measure is designed to protect tenants from arbitrary charges imposed by house agents. Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebeh, disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday, July 22, in Abakaliki, as reported by Channels Television. Omebeh stated that the bill aims to enforce accountability among agents and reduce the financial burden on residents, particularly in Abakaliki where housing costs have become a growing concern.
Regulating Scrap Metal Trade to Protect Infrastructure
The second bill, titled "A Bill for a Law to Regulate the Sale of Metal and Electrical Scraps in Ebonyi State and Other Related Matters," targets the scrap metal trade, which the state government links to vandalism of public infrastructure. If enacted, the bill would impose legal requirements on anyone involved in acquiring, selling, possessing, transporting, or disposing of metal and electrical scrap within the state. The government also cited environmental degradation and public safety as reasons for the legislation.
Next Steps: Debate in State Assembly
Both bills now sit with the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, where legislators will debate and decide whether to enact them into law. The move follows similar efforts in Lagos State, where a tenancy bill was introduced to regulate rent hikes and fraudulent agency practices. Lagos State also plans to enforce a 10% cap on agent fees and accelerate the implementation of monthly and quarterly rent payment systems.
