By David Onwuchekwa
Tears, frustration and quiet displacement have become the daily reality of thousands of tenants not only in Nnewi but across Anambra State, as house rents continue to rise at an alarming and unsustainable rate.
What was once seen as a localized challenge in major commercial towns has now spread to Awka, Onitsha, Ekwulobia, Ihiala, Ogidi, Nkpor, Obosi, Agulu and several other communities, leaving low- and middle-income earners gasping for breath.
Across the State, findings reveal a troubling pattern of rapid and often indiscriminate rent increments. Residents speak in hushed tones about alleged closed-door understandings among some landlords and property agents, resulting in uniform and steep upward reviews that appear disconnected from prevailing economic realities.
In Nnewi, a three-bedroom flat with basic facilities that rented for about ₦120,000 per annum five years ago now goes for between ₦800,000 and ₦900,000. Some house owners and their agents are even now quoting N1million plus for 3-bedroom apartment this 2026.
A two-bedroom apartment that previously cost ₦60,000 to ₦70,000 now attracts between ₦600,000 and ₦800,000 annually.
In Awka, the State capital, modest self-contained apartments now go for between ₦350,000 and ₦500,000 per annum in areas that were previously considered affordable.
Two-bedroom flats in some parts of Onitsha, Nkpor and Obosi now command ₦700,000 to over ₦1 million annually, depending on location. Even in semi-urban communities such as Nnobi, Oba, Ozubulu, Awka-Etiti and Agulu, rents have doubled or tripled within a short period.
These increases represent an exponential surge that has far outpaced wage growth, business profits and the general living conditions of ordinary citizens. The minimum wage and average earnings of civil servants, artisans, traders and factory workers simply cannot sustain the new rental regime.
Worrisomely, the trend cuts across both new and old buildings. Many landlords of aging structures have joined the upward review despite the absence of renovations or improvements that could justify such steep increments.
In several cases, tenants are asked to pay drastically increased rents under threat of eviction, even when basic amenities such as water supply, access roads, drainage and security remain inadequate.
The housing pressure is particularly harsh on non-indigenes who form a significant portion of the State’s workforce. Anambra thrives on commerce, manufacturing, transportation and small-scale enterprises powered by people from different parts of Nigeria.
Yet many of these contributors now face displacement, relocating to distant communities or even neighbouring states where accommodation is relatively affordable. The long commute that follows increases transportation costs, reduces productivity and strains family life.
Young couples and newly employed graduates are among the worst hit. What should be the foundation years of stability have turned into seasons of uncertainty. Some families are forced to downsize abruptly from three-bedroom apartments to one-room self-contains.
Others have had to move their children to less expensive schools due to rising transportation and living costs.
The ripple effects are already visible. Businesses struggle to retain staff who can no longer afford to live close to their workplaces. Informal settlements are gradually expanding as people search for cheaper shelter.
Social tension quietly builds when basic needs such as housing become difficult to secure. It is important to acknowledge that landlords also operate within a challenging economic climate.
The cost of building materials, land acquisition, taxes, and maintenance has risen significantly in recent years. However, investment in residential and commercial buildings is a long-term venture and should not be treated like short-term trading aimed at instant windfall profits. Housing is a basic necessity, not a luxury item.
There is an urgent need for a balanced and humane approach. Government cannot remain a silent observer while a critical sector of social welfare spirals beyond the reach of the average citizen.
We therefore call on the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to urgently examine the spiralling cost of house rents across the State.
A comprehensive housing policy review, strengthened rent control regulations, improved access to affordable housing schemes and incentives for developers who provide low-cost housing should be considered.
We also appeal to traditional rulers across Anambra, including His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III (Igwe Nnewi), and other respected monarchs, to use their moral authority to engage landlords, estate agents and community leaders in constructive dialogue.
Traditional institutions remain powerful voices in shaping communal values and can help promote moderation and social responsibility.
Professional bodies such as estate surveyors’ associations must equally uphold ethical standards and discourage exploitative practices. Transparency in property valuation and tenancy agreements is essential to restoring fairness in the system.
Anambra State prides itself as the Light of the Nation, a hub of industry, education and enterprise. That reputation cannot be sustained if housing becomes an unbearable burden on the very people who power its economy.
The time to act is now. A proactive, compassionate and well-regulated housing framework will not only protect tenants but also ensure long-term stability, productivity and inclusive growth across Anambra State.
