"I can’t be buying cement for ₦12,000 and you tell me what rent to charge" - Nigerian man reacts as Soludo moves against excessive housing fees in Anambra

• Governor Soludo has warned house agents and estate operators against collecting excessive and illegal fees from tenants beyond agreed rent payments.

• The state government is considering reforms that could regulate agency charges, register real estate agents, and provide channels for tenants to report exploitation.

• Reacting to the move, a Nigerian man argued that landlords already face high building costs, saying the government should not dictate rental prices when cement costs around ₦12,000 per bag.

The Anambra State Government's latest move to regulate rent and tenancy practices has sparked mixed reactions among residents, landlords, and property developers.

A Nigerian man has gone viral after reacting to Governor Chukwuma Soludo's proposed reforms aimed at curbing exploitation in the state's housing sector.

"I can't be buying a bag of cement for ₦12,000 and you tell me how much I will rent my property," the man said, reflecting concerns shared by some landlords who argue that rising construction costs should be considered before any rent regulation is introduced. “If the government wants to crash rent, they should roll out mass housing for low income earners and rent will crash.”

His comment comes shortly after Governor Soludo announced a major crackdown on house agents and estate operators accused of imposing excessive and illegal charges on tenants across Anambra State.

Speaking during a recent address, the governor expressed concern over reports that tenants are often forced to pay multiple fees in addition to their agreed rent.

"I heard that after tenants pay their house rent, agents still collect additional fees from them," Soludo said.

"House agents in Anambra State should get ready… we are coming for them."

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For years, tenants in major cities such as Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi have complained about the high cost of securing accommodation, with agency fees, agreement charges, legal fees and caution deposits significantly increasing the total amount payable.

In some cases, prospective tenants reportedly pay fees that rival or even exceed the annual rent of the property itself.

The governor said his administration is determined to protect residents from exploitation and restore transparency to the state's property market.

The planned reforms are expected to focus on regulating the activities of agents and real estate practitioners rather than imposing direct rent controls on property owners.

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The latest intervention follows a series of controversial but high-profile actions by the Soludo administration against what it describes as exploitative and criminal networks operating within the state.

Over the last two years, the government has intensified actions against suspected fake native doctors accused of promoting fraudulent wealth rituals and criminal activities.

Authorities have also targeted unregistered religious centres and self-acclaimed miracle workers allegedly involved in financial exploitation.

With the housing sector now under scrutiny, the government appears set to extend its reform agenda to tenancy transactions and real estate operations.

Although details of the proposed law are still emerging, government officials have indicated that new measures could include mandatory registration of estate agents, limits on agency commissions and the creation of channels through which tenants can report illegal charges, eviction disputes and withheld caution fees.

Supporters of the move argue that stronger regulation is necessary to make housing more affordable and protect residents from exploitation.

However, some landlords insist that any policy affecting rent must also consider the rising cost of building materials, inflation and the overall cost of property development.

The debate is expected to continue as the state government moves closer to introducing formal tenancy and housing reforms.