The Council of Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Abuja has faulted the position of the Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Fashola, on his comment that landlords of private property should start charging monthly rents. President and Chairman of the Council of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Abuja, Chief Emmanuel Wike said this while briefing reporters at the first council meeting of the institute.
Fashola had at the opening ceremony of the 15th Abuja Housing Show, urged landlords of private property to start charging their tenants monthly, quarterly or half-year rents, instead of the current practice of charging one, two to three years of advance rents. He noted that in the post-COVID-19 era, most tenants are owing, rents or facing eviction.
The government said it was evident that most houses available for sale or rent belong mostly to individuals and private companies, compared to those the state or the Federal Government could provide. But Wike said as a major stakeholder in the housing sector, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers view the suggestion of Fashola from a different perspective.
His words: “Housing remains one of the basic challenges for ordinary Nigerians, especially those living in urban centres. Speaking recently in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN identified exorbitant amounts of rent, ranging from two to three years demanded by landlords and property owners before they let out their properties as the major cause.
He outrightly dismissed the 17 million housing deficit currently branded in Nigeria for lacking scientific proof.
“The Honourable Minister also called for legislation on the monthly rent payment suggested. As a major stakeholder in the Housing sector, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers view the suggestion of the Honourable Minister from a different perspective. The Institution intends to visit him as soon as possible to deliberate and harmonize positions on the matter.
“It may not be easy for the government to control what they do not own. You will find out that the majority of the houses we are talking about are individual or corporate ownership. Most of them are not owned by the government. So how is it possible for the government to now begin to dictate the rate property owners will collect. We are aware that rent control has been in existence since 1972 and it has never worked and it will be difficult for it to work. We will discuss with the minister and come up with something reasonable for the society.”
On the issue of the escalating insecurity, Wike said the institution is worried over the continuous loss of lives and property across the country.
