Delta Lawmakers Receive Report On Proposed Landlord–Tenant Bill

The Delta State House of Assembly Joint Committee on Housing, Women Affairs and Girl Child Entrepreneurship, Humanitarian Support Services, and Urban Renewal on Tuesday presented its report on the proposed Landlord and Tenant Bill.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the bill seeks to repeal the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law of 1977, which currently governs landlord–tenant relations in the state.
The report was presented during plenary by the committee chairman, Bridget Anyafulu, after weeks of legislative scrutiny and stakeholder engagement.

Presenting the report, Anyafulu said the committee “carried out a comprehensive review of the proposed legislation” after it was referred to it by the House.

She explained that the committee also organised a public hearing where relevant stakeholders—including landlords, tenants, housing experts, and civil society groups—made submissions.

The House subsequently received the committee’s report following a motion moved by the Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by the member representing Bomadi Constituency, Oboro Preyor.

Receiving the report, the Speaker, Dennis Guwor, announced that further legislative consideration of the bill would be deferred to April 7.

He explained that the bill would be deliberated upon at the Committee of the Whole House for detailed clause-by-clause consideration.

When passed, the proposed legislation is expected to introduce reforms aimed at protecting tenants from exploitation while ensuring that landlords receive fair returns on their investments.

The bill also seeks to address the rising cost of housing, particularly in urban centres, by establishing clearer regulations to guide rental agreements and dispute resolution between landlords and tenants.