Nigerians seeking accommodation in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are facing a severe housing crisis exacerbated by exploitative house agents who have turned the process into a nightmare.
Known for its scenic landscape, political significance, and economic opportunities, Abuja attracts thousands in search of a better life. However, securing housing in the city has become a daunting task due to high costs, infrastructural strain, and fraudulent practices by real estate agents.
A Broken Housing Market For many, the dream of finding a comfortable home quickly turns into frustration and disappointment. The demand for housing far exceeds supply, making it easy for unscrupulous agents to take advantage of desperate renters. With the government and private developers unable to bridge this gap, Abuja’s infrastructure is overstretched, forcing many residents to relocate to neighboring states like Nasarawa and Niger.
Even those who can afford the high rents struggle through an exhausting search process filled with scams, misleading property listings, and hidden charges. The emotional toll of navigating this broken system is overwhelming, with renters forced to choose between waterlogged estates, overpriced homes, or apartments far from their workplaces.
The Inspection Fee Scam One of the biggest frustrations renters face is the mandatory inspection fee imposed by agents. Many unsuspecting individuals pay these fees, only to be shown apartments that have already been rented out.
Abdul Abubakar, a victim of this practice, shared his ordeal: “The number of times I have been scammed is alarming. Some agents have turned this into a business, collecting fees from multiple people under false pretenses. They keep showing the same house to different people while pocketing the inspection fees.”
Another renter, Mike Okonkwo, described how his desperation led him to pay a commitment fee based solely on an agent’s photos, only to discover the apartment was in terrible condition. “The kitchen and bathroom were in disrepair, with damp walls and broken facilities,” he lamented.
Tenants Share Their Struggles Amina Sule, frustrated by the housing market, criticized the exploitation by agents. “It’s disappointing that everything in this country turns into an opportunity for scams. Finding a place to live shouldn’t be this hard,” she said.
Similarly, Kehinde Adeoye described the housing market as a “cash cow” for agents due to the lack of regulatory oversight. “Without strict regulations, these agents operate with impunity, leaving tenants with no legal recourse,” he said.
Anniefiok Essien, who recently moved to Abuja, shared his struggles: “I moved into a two-bedroom apartment in Mararaba after paying N850,000. The agent took an extra N150,000 and promised repairs that were never done. During the rainy season, the walls got soaked. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
Extortion at Every Step For many renters, the exploitation doesn’t stop at inspection fees. Some encounter multiple agents claiming ownership of the same property, leading to confusion and financial losses.
Paul Igoche described a scenario where six different agents showed up as he attempted to finalize his rent payment. “Everyone claimed to be the main agent, each demanding a share of the fees,” he said.
Couple Judith and Ameh Peter, who recently moved to Abuja, detailed their frustration with the house-hunting process. “We used several housing apps, but agents still charged us excessive inspection fees—sometimes as high as N3,500 per viewing. On top of that, they misled us about property locations,” they explained.
A Call for Change Many residents are now calling for urgent government intervention to regulate Abuja’s chaotic housing market. Sunday John likened housing agents to “bloodthirsty sharks” and urged renters to remain vigilant. “The inspection fee practice has become a legalized scam. We need to stand up against this exploitation,” he asserted.
Ifeyinwa Ubani, who recently moved to Abuja, expressed disappointment over the lack of formal rental agreements. “I was charged a 20% agent fee, but there was no legal contract or lawyer present. This level of informality is unacceptable,” she said.
Michael Akor emphasized the dangers of unregulated agents, including cases of fraud and even kidnapping. “A one-room self-contained apartment that used to cost N80,000 now goes for N350,000 due to agent inflation. Some tenants are even kidnapped in the process,” he warned.
Finding a Way Forward Experts suggest the government must establish stricter housing regulations to curb the excesses of rogue agents. Measures such as mandatory licensing, transparent pricing, and a legal framework for tenant protection could help restore sanity to the market.
Akor urged potential renters to remain cautious, verify property details thoroughly, and avoid making payments without proper documentation. “The government should also invest in affordable housing projects to ease the burden on low-income earners,” he concluded.
As Abuja’s housing crisis deepens, tenants are left to navigate an increasingly hostile market where shelter, a basic necessity, has become a luxury fraught with financial and emotional risks.
