Deji Adeyanju Urges Tinubu to Declare Housing Emergency Over Rising Rents

As Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis continues to stretch household budgets, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the nation’s housing sector, arguing that skyrocketing rents have become a national emergency. In an open letter, Adeyanju described the rental market as a place where ordinary Nigerians appear to compete in an annual “Survival Championship,” with landlords, estate agents and mysterious service charges seemingly collecting more medals than tenants. His appeal comes amid growing concerns over soaring rents in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja, where housing affordability has become a major public issue.

Adeyanju: When Rent Becomes a National Sport

According to Adeyanju, the housing crisis has moved beyond inconvenience and now threatens the welfare and dignity of millions of Nigerians. He urged the Federal Government to introduce reforms, regulate excessive fees charged by agents, limit advance rent demands, and expand affordable housing projects across the country.

In the satirical version of events, frustrated tenants reportedly began checking whether landlords now issue Olympic certificates alongside tenancy agreements. Some joked that after paying two years’ rent in advance, agency fees, legal fees, service charges and caution fees, the only thing left unpaid was the oxygen inside the apartment. Meanwhile, landlords were humorously described as “real estate magicians” capable of turning modest apartments into luxury palaces simply by changing the rental price.

State of Emergency… or State of Endurance?

Housing experts have repeatedly warned that rising inflation, limited housing supply and increasing construction costs have combined to worsen Nigeria’s rental market, particularly in urban centres. Public discussions have also focused on the need for stronger tenant protections and more affordable housing policies.

In the fictional satire, Nigerians wondered whether the proposed state of emergency would arrive before the next rent increase. Some claimed landlords had already started rehearsing fresh speeches explaining why a leaking roof should now qualify as a “premium waterfront experience.” Others joked that estate agents were preparing new invoice categories, including “Viewing Air Fee” and “Standing at the Gate Charge,” just to keep up with inflation.

As debate over Nigeria’s housing crisis grows louder, Adeyanju’s appeal has added fresh momentum to calls for housing reforms and better protection for tenants. Whether the Federal Government responds with sweeping reforms or simply another committee remains to be seen. OGM News NG will continue monitoring developments as this story unfolds.