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Introduction: Housing Governance in Lagos State
At the centre of this reform conversation is Hon. Ege Olusegun Adebisi, Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly (Ojo Constituency I) and Chairman, House Committee on Housing. His leadership is particularly visible in the ongoing legislative process surrounding the Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill, 2025.
This article examines Lagos housing governance, Hon. Ege’s legislative role, and the key provisions of the proposed Lagos tenancy law.
Lagos Housing Crisis: Demand, Rent Inflation, and Governance Gaps
Lagos faces an estimated housing deficit of over 3 million units, driven by:
- Rapid urbanisation and population growth
- Inflation and rising construction costs
- Limited affordable housing supply
- Weak enforcement of tenancy regulations
Key housing challenges in Lagos include:
- Excessive rent increases (sometimes over 50–80%)
- Two-year advance rent demands
- Illegal evictions and landlord harassment
- Unregulated estate agents charging arbitrary fees
These challenges have made housing governance in Lagos a major public policy issue.
Who Is Hon. Ege Olusegun Adebisi?
Hon. Ege Olusegun Adebisi is a Lagos lawmaker elected in 2023 to the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Ojo Constituency I under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Key Legislative Role
- Chairman, Lagos Assembly Committee on Housing
- Oversees housing policy, tenancy regulation, and public housing programmes
- Leads stakeholder engagement on housing reform bills
- Coordinates public hearings on landlord-tenant legislation
His position places him at the heart of housing law reform in Lagos State.
Overview of the Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill, 2025
The Lagos Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill 2025 is designed to modernise outdated tenancy laws and improve fairness in landlord-tenant relationships.
Core Objectives of the Tenancy Bill
- Protect tenants from illegal eviction
- Regulate real-estate agents in Lagos
- Limit excessive rent and advance payment demands
- Speed up tenancy dispute resolution
- Balance tenant rights with landlord investment protection
Key Provisions of the New Lagos Tenancy Law
1. Illegal Evictions Now a Criminal Offence
Under the proposed law:
- Eviction without a court order is illegal
- Cutting electricity, water, or forcibly locking out tenants is criminalised
- Penalties include heavy fines and possible imprisonment
This addresses widespread illegal eviction practices in Lagos.
2. Court-Supervised Rent Disputes in Lagos
Tenants may:
- Challenge unreasonable rent increases in court
- Remain in possession during disputes
- Access expedited tenancy hearings with defined timelines
This introduces judicial oversight into Lagos rent disputes.
3. Regulation of Estate Agents in Lagos
The bill mandates:
- Registration of all agents under LASRERA
- Agency fees capped at 5% of annual rent
- Issuance of receipts and proper remittance of funds
This professionalises the Lagos real-estate market.
4. Limits on Advance Rent Payments
To reduce tenant burden:
- New tenants: maximum 1 year advance rent
- Existing monthly tenants: maximum 3 months advance
- Violations attract legal penalties
5. Transparency in Service Charges and Deposits
Landlords must:
- Provide itemised service-charge statements
- Refund security deposits unless damage is proven
- Respect tenant privacy and quiet enjoyment
Comparison: Old vs New Lagos Tenancy Law
| Area | Old Tenancy Framework | 2025 Tenancy Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Eviction | Weak enforcement | Court order required |
| Rent increases | Largely unregulated | Court-reviewable |
| Advance rent | Unlimited | Strict caps |
| Agent fees | Unregulated | 5% maximum |
| Enforcement | Minimal penalties | Criminal sanctions |
Impact of the Tenancy Bill on Lagos Housing Market
If passed and enforced, the law could:
- Reduce tenant exploitation in Lagos
- Improve investor confidence
- Stabilise rental pricing
- Strengthen housing governance institutions
- Promote transparency in property transactions
However, enforcement and public awareness will determine its real-world impact.
Hon. Ege Olusegun Adebisi’s Role in Housing Reform
As Chairman of the Housing Committee, Hon. Ege:
- Presided over public hearings on the tenancy bill
- Engaged landlords, tenants, estate surveyors, and legal experts
- Helped shape legislative consensus on housing reform
- Linked constituency concerns with statewide housing policy
His work reflects a growing focus on people-centred governance in Lagos State.
Conclusion: The Future of Housing Governance in Lagos
The Lagos State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill, 2025 represents a major shift toward fairness, accountability, and professionalism in the housing sector. With lawmakers like Hon. Ege Olusegun Adebisi driving the process, Lagos is moving toward a more balanced and transparent rental market.
The success of this reform will depend not just on legislation, but on implementation, enforcement, and civic awareness.
Osita Rich
