APC Chieftain Joe Igbokwe Condemns Soaring Rents, Warns of Crime Spike in Lagos
In a stark warning, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Joe Igbokwe has condemned the dramatic rise in house rents across Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, asserting that greedy landlords are pushing residents to commit crimes such as theft just to afford accommodation. Igbokwe shared his concerns in a detailed post on his official Facebook page, where he called for immediate government action to regulate the housing market and curb what he describes as exploitative practices by property owners.
Landlords Accused of Exacerbating Economic Hardship
According to Igbokwe, landlords in Lagos are "killing and choking Lagosians" with exorbitant rental fees, showing no mercy or empathy in their pursuit of profit. He highlighted that many landlords are charging high rents for properties built as far back as the 1970s, without significant upgrades or renovations. This situation, he argues, is not only inhuman but also detrimental to local businesses, as the high cost of housing drains resources that could otherwise be invested in economic activities.
Igbokwe emphasized that the lack of control over rental prices has created a crisis, with tenants struggling to make ends meet. He shared photos from recent protests in Lagos against high rents, illustrating the growing public discontent. In his post, he wrote, "Landlords are pushing Nigerians to steal in order to rent a house. Lagos landlords are something else. They are greedy, they show no mercy, they are vicious, no empathy, no mercy etc."
Call for Government Intervention
The APC chieftain urged the Lagos State Government (LASG) to take swift action to address this scourge, which he believes is fueling criminal behavior and social instability. He suggested that regulatory measures are needed to prevent landlords from exploiting tenants, especially in a city where housing demand far exceeds supply. Igbokwe's comments reflect broader concerns about affordability and livability in Nigeria's commercial capital, where rapid urbanization has intensified housing challenges.
This issue ties into larger discussions about economic inequality and governance in Nigeria. As rents continue to climb, many residents face difficult choices between paying for shelter and meeting other basic needs. Igbokwe's outcry adds to a chorus of voices calling for reforms in the real estate sector to ensure fairer practices and protect vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
