Following the earlier submission of a rent control bill by Governor Francis Nwifuru, the Ebonyi State House of Assembly has officially taken the next legislative step by passing the bill for second reading during plenary.
The bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Control Rent on Residential and Business Premises in Ebonyi State and for Other Related Matters” (HAB/005/2025), was introduced to the Assembly by the Governor last week. It seeks to regulate the often-unchecked rent demands across the state, especially in urban centers.
Leading the discussion on the floor, the Leader of the House, Hon. Kingsley Ikoro, moved the motion for the bill to proceed to second reading. The motion was supported by Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu, who represents Ikwo North Constituency.
Ikoro described the proposed legislation as a timely response to the challenges faced by tenants in Ebonyi, noting that most landlord-tenant disputes stem from unfair rent practices.
“Tenants are usually asked to pay for two years upfront, only to later face surprise charges. It’s a burden many residents cannot afford,” Ikoro stated, calling on his colleagues to support the bill’s passage.
Hon. Aloysius Nwodo of Ebonyi North added that the rent situation in the state has become a pressing issue, pointing out that unregulated practices have deepened poverty levels and widened the gap between landlords and tenants.
Other lawmakers echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for balance and fairness in rental agreements. They urged that the bill be sent to a relevant committee for detailed scrutiny.
In response, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije-Odunwa, announced the formation of an ad-hoc committee to review the bill thoroughly. Deputy Speaker Hon. Chinedu Onah was named Chairman of the committee, which also includes Hon. Kingsley Ikoro, Hon. Nkemka Onuma, Hon. Arinze Chukwu, Hon. Aloysius Nwodo, Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu, among others.
The House is expected to reconvene after the committee’s report to decide on the next stage of the bill.
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