Ebonyi Govt Bans House and Land Agents to Curb Exploitation
The Ebonyi State Government has announced a ban on house and land agents, effective January 1, 2026, in a bid to curb soaring rents and protect residents from exploitation. According to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the decision is aimed at stopping agents from charging exorbitant fees, sometimes as high as ₦500,000, for properties they don’t even 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.
The governor stated that the ban is designed to reduce the cost of housing and shops, ensure fairer access to accommodation, and promote transparency in housing transactions. The government plans to introduce new systems to regulate direct transactions between property owners and tenants
The move has received mixed reactions, with some residents welcoming it as a bold step towards making housing more affordable, while others have raised questions about its potential impact on the real estate sector. According to reports by AMC News24 and Standard Post, 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. #Ebonyi Govt Bans House and Land Agents to Curb Exploitation#
