The Ebonyi State Government has announced plans to ban the activities of house agents and land agents starting in 2026, in a move aimed at stopping exploitation in the housing sector.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who made this known during a recent public address, said many agents have been taking advantage of people looking for accommodation by charging large fees—sometimes up to ₦500,000—for houses or land they don’t even own.
He said the state will no longer allow these agents to continue causing hardship for residents, blaming them for pushing up rent prices and making housing harder to access.
From next year, no agent will be allowed to collect money from anyone looking for a house or land in Ebonyi State,” the governor reportedly said. “We want to stop these unfair practices and ensure that people deal directly with the rightful property owners.
The announcement comes after growing complaints from the public about how difficult and expensive it has become to find a place to live, especially in the capital city, Abakaliki. Many residents say that agents are making the situation worse by adding extra costs and acting without proper legal backing.
To address the issue, the Ebonyi State House of Assembly is currently working on a Rent Regulation Bill submitted by the governor. The bill has already passed its second reading and has been sent to a special committee for more review. The committee will meet with landlords, tenants, and agents to find a better and fairer way to manage housing and rent in the state.
While many people have welcomed the planned ban, some real estate agents have raised concerns. They say the government should consider regulating and licensing agents instead of banning them completely, warning that it could lead to more confusion in the housing market.
Despite the concerns, the state government says it is determined to protect residents from unfair treatment and will do what it takes to make housing more affordable.
If the ban goes into effect, Ebonyi will be one of the first states in Nigeria to take such a strong step against agent-led housing exploitation. The outcome could influence how other states deal with similar problems.
