NGO Decries Rising Housing Costs, Estate Agents’ Excesses In Kogi

A non-governmental organisation, Participation Initiative for Behavioral Change in Development (PIBCID), has raised concerns over the rising cost of housing and alleged exploitation by estate agents in Kogi State, warning that the situation was worsening the vulnerability of women and low-income families.

The organisation made the call in a statement issued by its executive director, Akande Racheal Remilekun,  to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.

PIBCID urged Governor Usman Ododo and other relevant stakeholders to urgently address the growing housing crisis in the state, which it said had become a serious concern to residents.

According to the group, with the sharp increase in house, estate agents have made it increasingly difficult for vulnerable residents, especially widows, women with disabilities, students, orphans and low-income earners, to secure decent accommodation.

“Access to safe and affordable housing is a basic human need and a key component of dignity, stability and economic security,” the organisation said, noting that rising housing costs in the state capital and other parts of the state had placed a heavy burden on residents.