Nasarawa State Moves to Curb Soaring Rent Prices

The Nasarawa State Government has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at regulating the escalating cost of house rents across the state's 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Mr. Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Public Affairs, disclosed this during a bi-monthly press conference on Monday in Lafia, where he highlighted the administration's sectoral achievements.

Ahemba was responding to growing public concern over arbitrary and indiscriminate increases in rent by landlords. He assured residents that the government is actively collaborating with the House of Assembly to enact a law that will establish fair rental practices.

According to Ahemba, the proposed law is designed to protect tenants from unjustified hikes and ensure that rents charged are reasonable. He also noted that the government is taking direct action to increase housing supply, citing the recent flag-off of a housing estate for civil servants in the Akurba community of Lafia. He promised that similar projects would be replicated in other LGAs to ease the housing deficit.

On the issue of poor electricity, Ahemba stated that the recent inauguration of the Nasarawa State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NASERC) is a key step toward improving the worsening power supply situation in the state.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Ahemba addressed questions regarding the governorship seat. He confirmed that Governor Abdullahi Sule supports the push to zone the position to the Nasarawa West Senatorial District, citing the need for equity and justice.

He explained the historical zoning pattern, stating, "The governor was a beneficiary of zoning when former Governor Umaru Al-Makura zoned it to the Nasarawa North Senatorial District. Nasarawa West produced a governor from 1999 to 2007, followed by Nasarawa South for 12 years from 2007 to 2019, and now Nasarawa North from 2019 to date."

However, Ahemba clarified that while zoning is a principle of fairness, the government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not prevent any qualified member from any part of the state from contesting the primaries.

Ahemba also used the opportunity to commend security agencies for their efforts in curtailing kidnapping and other crimes to the barest minimum. He assured the public of the government's commitment to protecting lives and property and appealed to citizens to report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.

(NAN)