ASABA — In response to rising concerns over unregulated house agents and lack of transparency in property rentals, a call has been made to the Delta State Government to adopt a technology-driven solution to sanitize the housing sector.
Speaking on the need for innovation in housing management, Pharm Prince Okinedo, proposed a structured digital platform that would streamline the rental process, eliminate exploitation, and enhance transparency for residents and property owners alike.
According to the proposal, the State Government should assign either the Ministry of Housing or the Ministry of Urban Renewal to coordinate the initiative.
A pilot scheme is suggested for Asaba, the state capital, where all house agents would be accredited and given unique identification numbers to operate legally.
Central to the plan is the development of an official online platform, which would serve as a one-stop hub for all rental activities.
Accredited agents and property owners would be required to register, list their properties, and upload detailed promotional content—including videos and price breakdowns.
The platform, proposed to be built with support from the Ministry of Science and Technology, would ensure all listings comply with government-approved pricing.
“Once listed, designated officers will review property costs based on a standard pricing system. Only approved listings will be available to the public,” I explained.
Prospective tenants would create personal accounts on the platform to browse listings based on their preferences and budgets.
Upon selecting a property, they would submit an online “expression of interest” form.
This would notify both the agent and property owner, who would then facilitate a property inspection, free of charge except for logistics borne by the tenant.
If satisfied, tenants would proceed to make payments at the government-approved rate, including VAT and a fixed agent fee, all through the platform, ensuring full transparency and reducing fraud.
He said: “This system may not be perfect at the start but can be refined over time with legislative support. It is scalable and offers a sustainable solution to long-standing issues in the housing sector,” he noted.
The proposal is expected to spark discussions within government circles, especially at a time when citizens are demanding more accountability and ease in securing accommodation.
If implemented, Delta State could become a model for other states looking to modernize their housing systems.
It would be recall that The Story had earlier published that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called on real estate stakeholders to urgently reduce skyrocketing rent costs across the state.
However, concerned residents and housing advocates have urged the governor to go beyond verbal appeals and instead present an executive bill to the Delta State House of Assembly to address rent regulation through legislative action.
