The Ebonyi State Government has announced a ban on house and land agents, effective January 1, 2026, in a move aimed at reducing soaring rents and protecting residents from exploitation.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru said the decision seeks to stop agents from charging outrageous fees, sometimes as high as ₦500,000, for properties they do not own.
“I don’t want to see or hear anything about house or land agents in Ebonyi State from 2026,” Governor Nwifuru declared.
“This exploitation must stop. No agent should collect any money from anyone seeking accommodation again,” he emphasized, as quoted in Nation’s Curiosity and 9News Nigeria.
According to the governor, the ban is intended to reduce housing and shop rental costs, ensure fairer access to accommodation, and enhance transparency in property transactions.
The government plans to introduce new systems that will regulate direct dealings between landlords and tenants.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. While many residents welcomed it as a bold step towards affordable housing, others have expressed concerns over its potential effect on the real estate sector.
Reports from AMC News24 and Standard Post indicate that the ban aligns with ongoing efforts by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly to regulate landlords and housing practices, aiming to ease the burden on low- and middle-income earners struggling with high accommodation costs.
