Kogi tenants raises alarm over recent hick in house rent.

… Say’s Yahoo boys suddenly flooded many areas.

By Divine Sam

The residents of Kogi State are facing significant hardship due to a sharp increase in house rents, worsened by the influx of suspected internet fraudsters, known as “Yahoo Boys,” who are willing to pay exorbitant rents. This has led to a housing crisis, especially for low-income civil servants and families struggling to afford accommodation amidst the broader economic challenges in Nigeria.

Historically, the state government and previous administrations had provided housing for civil servants, but this support has been lacking in recent years, leaving many vulnerable residents at the mercy of landlords. Reports indicate that rents have doubled or even tripled, with single-room rents now ranging from N80,000 to N100,000, and two- or three-bedroom flats exceeding N600,000. This has placed immense pressure on families, with many struggling to balance rent and basic living costs.

Additionally, some landlords now prefer renting to “Yahoo Boys” because of their ability to pay higher rents upfront, often demanding two years’ rent in advance. This practice has raised concerns about the promotion of cyber fraud in the state, as landlords prioritize quick profits over community welfare. The Chief Executive Officer of Good Trust Estate Management, Peter Suleiman, has called for government intervention, suggesting that policies be introduced to regulate rent increases and prevent landlords from exploiting tenants, particularly by renting to criminals.

In response, the Kogi State government has warned landlords against renting to Yahoo Boys, threatening sanctions, including the demolition of houses linked to criminal activities. The government has also acknowledged the need for more affordable housing options, with plans for new housing developments, particularly for civil servants. However, for the moment, residents are calling for urgent action to relieve them from the financial burden of rising rent prices and improve housing conditions in the state.