Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has announced a sweeping ban on house and land agent businesses across the state, effective January 2026.
The governor said the decision was necessary to curb exploitation, rent inflation, and arbitrary charges imposed by middlemen on property seekers. Under the new directive, agents will no longer be allowed to collect or fix prices for properties they do not own.
Governor Nwifuru attributed the rising cost of housing in Ebonyi to the activities of agents, who often charge excessive fees — sometimes up to ₦500,000 — merely to show prospective tenants properties that are not even theirs.
“I don’t want to see or hear anything about house or land agents in Ebonyi State from 2026. I am here for the good people of Ebonyi. This exploitation must stop. No agent should collect any money from anyone seeking accommodation again,” the governor declared.
The move also aligns with the Ebonyi State House of Assembly’s ongoing efforts to regulate the housing sector. Lawmakers have expressed concerns about rising rents and are already deliberating bills aimed at protecting tenants and regulating landlords.
These interventions are expected to ease the burden on low- and middle-income earners, who often struggle to find affordable accommodation in the state.
Governor Nwifuru’s bold step marks a turning point in Ebonyi’s housing sector and signals a strong commitment to protecting residents from exploitation.