ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State House of Assembly has assured that the proposed Landlord/Tenancy Bill will undergo rigorous legislative scrutiny to ensure it aligns with modern housing realities and adequately protects the rights of both landlords and tenants in the state.
Chairman of the House Joint Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Girl Child Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Support Services, and the Committee on Urban Renewal, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, gave the assurance in her opening remarks during the public hearing on the bill held at the Assembly Complex, Asaba.
Declaring the session open, Hon. Anyafulu explained that the proposed legislation seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the housing sector by defining the duties, rights, and obligations of landlords, tenants, and agents across Delta State.
She noted that the bill aims to repeal the outdated Rent Control and Recovery Law of 1977, replacing it with a modern law that reflects current realities in the housing and tenancy system.
“The proposed law covers a wide range of issues — the relationship between landlords and tenants, tenancy contracts, rent payments, rent control, and the use and occupation of property,” Anyafulu said. “In essence, the bill seeks to create an enabling environment for a housing sector that serves everyone — landlords, agents, and tenants — laying the foundation for a stable, happy, and peaceful society.”
The lawmaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to transparency and inclusiveness in the legislative process, emphasizing that the inputs of all stakeholders would be thoroughly considered before the final passage of the bill.
“Your contributions are important and will be deeply appreciated by the committee,” she stated. “This public hearing represents democracy in action — an opportunity for all stakeholders to actively participate in shaping policies that impact our daily lives. This bill is a win-win effort that will strengthen the housing sector while protecting the interests of all parties.”
Hon. Anyafulu further underscored the crucial role of housing in the social, economic, and political development of the state, describing it as a fundamental pillar for human welfare and community stability.
Representatives from the Customary Court of Appeal, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Urban and Regional Planning, the Association of Tenants and Agents, and the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers made submissions at the hearing, recommending specific amendments to strengthen the proposed law.
Other lawmakers in attendance included the House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi; Hon. Oloye Pereotu; Hon. Ferguson Onwo; Hon. Austine Uroye; Hon. Mathew Omonade; and Hon. Bernard Odior.
Also present were officials from relevant ministries, agencies, and a cross-section of housing sector stakeholders from within and outside Asaba, who commended the Assembly for its proactive approach to modernizing the state’s housing legislation.
