Governor Chukwuma Soludo's push to regulate housing fees in Anambra State has drawn sharp criticism from a Nigerian man who argues that soaring construction costs, with cement priced at ₦12,000 per bag, make it unfair for the government to dictate rental charges. The man's reaction, which went viral on social media, highlights a growing tension between tenants seeking affordable housing and landlords grappling with inflationary pressures in the building sector.
Landlord's viral response to Soludo's housing reforms
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on June 21, 2026, user @nnamdi2much wrote: "I can't be buying a bag of cement for ₦12,000 and you tell me how much I will rent my property. If the government wants to crash rent, they should roll out mass housing for low income earners and rent will crash." The comment came shortly after Governor Soludo announced a crackdown on house agents and estate operators who impose excessive and illegal fees on tenants beyond agreed rent.
The Anambra State Government is considering reforms that could regulate agency charges, require registration of real estate agents, and provide channels for tenants to report exploitation. The governor stated: "House agents in Anambra State should get ready. Laws on rents and tenancy will soon be out. I learnt that after tenants pay their house rent, agents still collect additional fees from them."
Rising construction costs vs. tenant exploitation
Property developers argue that unless the government directly subsidizes building materials or builds public mass housing, capping or regulating private real estate returns is unsustainable. The cost of cement, a key building material, has surged to around ₦12,000 per bag, reflecting broader inflation in Nigeria's construction sector. This makes it difficult for landlords to maintain properties while also facing potential rent controls.
For years, tenants in major Anambra cities such as Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi have complained about high costs of securing accommodation. Agency fees, agreement charges, legal fees, and caution deposits significantly increase the total amount payable. In some cases, prospective tenants reportedly pay fees that rival or even exceed the annual rent of the property itself.
Soludo's broader reform agenda
The housing sector intervention is part of a wider reform agenda by the Soludo administration, which has previously targeted exploitative practices in other areas. Over the last two years, the government has intensified actions against suspected fake native doctors accused of promoting fraudulent wealth rituals, as well as unregistered religious centres and self-acclaimed miracle workers involved in financial exploitation.
With the housing sector now under scrutiny, the government appears set to extend its reform agenda to tenancy transactions and real estate operations. Proposed measures could include mandatory registration of estate agents, limits on agency commissions, and creation of channels for tenants to report illegal charges, eviction disputes, and withheld caution fees.
Mixed reactions to proposed tenancy regulations
Supporters of the move argue that stronger regulation is necessary to make housing more affordable and protect residents from exploitation. However, some landlords insist that any policy affecting rent must also consider the rising cost of building materials, inflation, and the overall cost of property development. The debate is expected to continue as the state government moves closer to introducing formal tenancy and housing reforms.
The man's viral comment also questioned the commitment of successive governments to mass housing projects, asking: "After Jakande, which governor in Naija has embarked on mass housing projects?" This reference to the late Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande, known for his extensive public housing programmes, underscores a perception that affordable housing initiatives have been neglected.
