By Erewunmi Peace

The Cross River State House of Assembly has taken steps to address the rising cost of accommodation in the state, moving to ban or regulate housing agents accused of inflating rent prices beyond the reach of average residents.

The resolution followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised by Hon. Davies Etta, representing Abi State Constituency, during a plenary session in Calabar. The lawmaker decried what he described as “unreasonable and exploitative” rental charges in the state capital and other major towns.

According to him, many landlords and housing agents have continued to demand exorbitant payments, often quoting as much as ₦1.5 million for a self-contained apartment and ₦2 million or more for flats in areas such as Marian Road, Parliamentary Extension, and State Housing Estate.

The Assembly resolved to introduce legislation that would regulate rent prices, curb sharp practices by property agents, and establish clear guidelines for property leasing across the state.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the motion, describing it as timely and in the interest of Cross River residents battling economic hardship. He directed the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development to begin consultations toward drafting the proposed law.

While the ban on agents is yet to be formally enacted, the Assembly’s move signals the state government’s intention to restore fairness, affordability, and transparency to the housing market.