The housing shortage in Kogi State has reached a critical point, with skyrocketing rental prices sparking frustration and hardship among residents in Lokoja and beyond.
Years of limited housing development, coupled with increased migration and urban growth, have left residents struggling to secure affordable homes.
The previous administration, led by former Governor Yahaya Bello, did not initiate any major housing projects, creating a housing gap that continues to burden Kogi’s residents. In response, current Governor Usman Ododo has announced plans for a 1,000-unit housing project in partnership with the Federal Housing Authority. This Renewed Hope Housing Project (RHHP) aims to curb the housing crisis by increasing affordable options for the state’s rapidly growing population.
The high demand for housing in Lokoja has given landlords the upper hand, leading many to increase rent to unprecedented levels. “I used to pay N35,000 for a single room, and now it’s suddenly N90,000,” said Lokoja resident Abdullahi Umar. With the state’s strategic location attracting people from nine neighboring states, the competition for housing is fierce, especially as some landlords prioritize higher-paying tenants over long-term residents.
Governor Ododo’s administration is focused on breaking ground on the new housing units and implementing regulatory measures to protect tenants. If successful, these efforts could offer relief to residents and stabilize Kogi’s strained rental market.
