The House of Representatives has decried the arbitrary rent increases in Nigeria, calling for no more than 20 per cent of the existing rent, irrespective of infrastructure improvements or other factors.

This followed a motion by the member representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, Bassey Akiba, on the Need to Regulate Arbitrary Rent Increase and Protect Tenants from Exploitation.

The House is urging the Federal Government to prioritise investing in affordable housing initiatives, ensure access to low-cost housing for citizens, and reduce pressure on the rental market.

Meanwhile, the House has passed a resolution asking the Inspector General of Police and the Controller General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to direct policemen at checkpoints operating in plain clothes to be fully kitted with proper identification.

The lawmakers expressed concern that the lack of identification for the security officials was not in line with international practices and did not allow for officer accountability.