The Delta State House of Assembly has pledged a comprehensive review of the proposed Landlord/Tenancy Bill to ensure it aligns with modern housing needs and adequately protects the rights of all parties involved.
Chairman of the House Joint Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Girl Child Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Support Services, and Urban Renewal, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, gave the assurance while declaring open a public hearing on the bill at the Assembly Complex in Asaba.
Hon. Anyafulu explained that the proposed legislation seeks to establish a clear legal framework governing the housing sector by defining the responsibilities, rights, and obligations of landlords, tenants, and agents across Delta State.
She noted that the bill, when passed, would repeal the existing Rent Control and Recovery Law of 1977 to reflect current social and economic realities in the state’s housing and tenancy system.
Reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, the lawmaker emphasized that stakeholders’ submissions and recommendations would be critically examined before the bill’s final passage.
“The proposed law addresses key aspects such as landlord-tenant relations, tenancy agreements, rent payment, and rent control.
In essence, it aims to provide an enabling environment for a functional housing sector that serves the needs of all, landlords, agents, and tenants, thereby promoting social harmony and stability,” Anyafulu stated.
She further stressed the vital role of housing in the state’s social, economic, and political development, describing stakeholder engagement as central to the legislative process.
“Your contributions are invaluable. This hearing reflects democracy in action, your opportunity to participate in governance and policymaking.
“The bill is designed as a win-win framework that safeguards the interests of tenants, landlords, agents, and government alike,” she added.
Stakeholders who made presentations at the hearing included representatives of the Customary Court of Appeal, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Urban and Regional Planning, Association of Tenants and Agents, and the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors, among others.
They proposed amendments to certain clauses to further strengthen the bill.
Also present were the House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and other members including Hon. Oloye Pereotu, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Hon. Austine Uroye, Hon. Mathew Omonade, and Hon. Bernard Odior, alongside officials from relevant ministries and a broad spectrum of housing stakeholders from within and outside Asaba.
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