Indigenous youths in the Federal Capital Territory have called for urgent legislative action to protect tenants from arbitrary rent increases and other practices worsening the housing crisis in Abuja.
The Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO) said rising accommodation costs had become a major challenge for residents, particularly youths, workers and low-income families.
The organisation’s Executive Director and Supreme Leader of FCT Youths, Commandant Isaac David, made the call on Monday during a press briefing in Abuja.
David linked the housing crisis to rising living costs, limited employment opportunities and stagnant incomes, saying many residents were struggling to keep pace with increasing rents.
“House rent in the Federal Capital Territory is one of the biggest challenges our people are facing today. Every day, rent is increasing. Yet jobs are not there, and salaries are not enough for people to afford decent rent,” he said.
FCT Youths Want Rent Regulation
David said the housing crisis was no longer limited to low-income earners, as workers and young people with regular incomes were also finding it increasingly difficult to meet their housing obligations.
He called for laws and policies that would strengthen tenant protection, regulate rent increases and promote affordable accommodation across the FCT.
“This is a serious burden on families, workers and youths. People work, earn salaries and still struggle to provide a roof over their heads because what they earn is not enough to cope with the rising cost of rent,” he said.
The youth leader also urged authorities to expand affordable housing schemes across the territory, saying housing policies should reflect the economic realities of ordinary residents.
“We need housing that ordinary workers, young people and families can afford. Abuja is the capital of Nigeria, but it must also be a city where ordinary Nigerians can live with dignity,” he added.
Group Renews Call for FCT Assembly
David also renewed the organisation’s call for greater legislative representation for FCT residents.
He argued that the absence of a State House of Assembly had limited the territory’s ability to make laws specifically addressing issues affecting residents.
“Part of this problem is the lack of a State House of Assembly in the FCT. If we had our own State Assembly, it would be their responsibility to make laws that protect tenants, regulate rent and ensure the comfort and welfare of citizens,” he said.
According to him, stronger institutional representation is needed on issues including housing, transportation and other basic necessities.
“The people of the FCT need a stronger voice on matters that affect their daily lives. Housing is not a luxury. It is a basic need,” David said.
Rising Rents Push Residents Further From Abuja Centre
David said rent regulation should form part of broader efforts to reduce the cost of living, particularly for young Nigerians moving to Abuja in search of employment and other opportunities.
He noted that residents were increasingly moving farther from the city centre in search of relatively cheaper accommodation, a development that could increase their daily transportation costs.
“You cannot talk about the welfare of youths without talking about accommodation. A young person who gets a job in Abuja must still pay rent, transport himself to work and take care of other basic needs,” he said.
David also argued that Abuja’s development should not be measured only by infrastructure projects but by whether ordinary residents can afford basic necessities.
“Development is not only about constructing roads and buildings. Development must also mean that the people living here can afford to survive,” he said.
He urged policymakers and relevant authorities to prioritise affordable housing, strengthen tenant protection and address the wider economic pressures contributing to the housing crisis.
