The National Union of Tenants of Nigeria (NUTN) has raised concerns over the sharp increase in house rents in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, warning of a looming housing crisis.
The union described the situation as alarming, noting that many residents are now struggling to cope with the rising cost of accommodation, which has significantly impacted their standard of living.
In a letter addressed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the union’s Executive Secretary, Ceaser Enwefah, said a large percentage of residents spend a disproportionate share of their income on rent, leaving little for other basic needs.
According to him, rental prices across various categories of housing have reached unprecedented levels. Self-contained apartments now cost about ₦800,000 annually, while one-bedroom flats go for around ₦1.5 million. Two-bedroom apartments range between ₦2 million and ₦2.5 million, while three-bedroom flats cost as much as ₦4 million.
He warned that if the trend continues, rents could rise even further before the end of 2026, potentially pushing more residents out of the state capital.
Enwefah noted that findings from a recent study by the union showed a sharp increase in rental costs between 2023 and 2025. For instance, a single room that cost about ₦60,000 in 2022 now goes for up to ₦180,000, while self-contained units have surged from ₦150,000 to about ₦800,000.
The union attributed the increase to several factors, including a growing housing deficit, demolition of buildings for infrastructure projects, activities of unregulated agents, and the conversion of residential buildings to commercial use.
It warned that the situation could lead to widespread displacement, increased poverty, and social tension if urgent steps are not taken.
The union therefore urged the state government to intervene by regulating estate agents, enforcing housing policies, and increasing access to affordable housing through strategic development initiatives.
It also called for sanctions against violators and the creation of a housing data system to monitor rent trends, stressing that immediate action is needed to prevent a full-scale housing crisis in the state.
