The (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Enugu State Chapter, has called on the to expedite action on the long-awaited amendment to the state’s Landlord and Tenant Law, citing mounting hardship among students and residents.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the student body expressed concern over what it described as a prolonged delay in concluding legislative work on the proposed amendment bill, formally titled “A Bill for a Law to Amend the Landlord and Tenant Law, CAP. 101, Laws of Enugu State.” The bill, sponsored by Hon. Okey Mbah, was introduced in 2025 and had passed both first and second readings before being referred to the House Committee on Housing.
NANS acknowledged the Assembly’s initial efforts, noting that the bill raised widespread expectations of reform within the housing sector. According to the association, the proposed legislation contains provisions aimed at addressing exploitative tenancy practices. These include capping agency and legal fees at 10 percent of annual rent, abolishing non-refundable caution fees, mandating certification for property agents, establishing clear eviction procedures, and empowering a regulatory body to oversee tenancy activities.
Despite this progress, the group lamented the absence of further updates on the bill’s advancement, warning that the delay is worsening the plight of tenants—particularly students.
The association highlighted growing reports of arbitrary rent increases across , with some landlords allegedly justifying the hikes based on ongoing infrastructural improvements introduced by Governor . These improvements, which include better road networks, enhanced water supply, and improved security, were intended to raise living standards.
However, NANS argued that such developments are now being leveraged to impose excessive rental charges, placing additional financial pressure on students already grappling with economic challenges.
“What should ordinarily be celebrated as the dividends of good governance is, for many students, translating into increased financial strain,” the statement noted.
The student body therefore urged the Speaker and members of the Assembly to prioritize the passage of the bill, emphasizing that timely legislative action would help restore fairness, transparency, and accountability in the state’s housing sector.
NANS further reiterated its willingness to engage constructively with lawmakers and other stakeholders to ensure that the interests of students are protected.
“The welfare of students remains paramount, and we trust in the Assembly’s sense of responsibility to act in the best interest of the people,” the statement concluded.