Rent in Lagos explode: a nightmare for the tenants!

Rent in Lagos explode: a nightmare for the tenants!

in Lagos, the economic capital of Nigeria, has experienced rents in recent years. The inflation, which for many is a daily judicial court, has risen the prices for living space. According to the information from RFI increased by up to 200%. This affects both the rich and the arms in the city, which includes a population of around 20 million people.

The Situation is no longer portable for many people. For example, Bartholomew Idowu, an employee in the transport sector, plans to move by 28 % from 350,000 Naira to 450,000 Naira per year due to an increase in his rental price. He is not alone: ​​Around 3,000 people in Lagos search for accommodation every day because they can often no longer afford to stay in their own apartment. According to Yemisi Odusanya, an author and blogger, her rental price in the district of Lekki has increased by an incredible 120 %, which makes it difficult for her to find an appropriate alternative for her family.

causes of the rent explosion

The rising rental prices are not without cause. Economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, such as the release of the Naira and the end of fuel subsidies, have led to an economic shock. Even if the annual inflation dropped to 24.48 % in January 2025, the pressure on rents remains noticeable. This was reported la croix .

From 2019 to 2024, rents in Lagos have increased by an impressive 91.32 %. These figures were charged by an analysis of 2-room apartments in various districts of the metropolis, whereby the prices vary greatly depending on the district. In EPE, rents were 350,000 Naira, while Ikoyi is the most expensive region with 10,000,000 Naira. In the popular district of Ikorodu, the increase was an impressive 60 % from 250,000 Naira to 400,000 Naira. As reported.

The lack of affordable living space

The construction costs also rise rapidly. The prices for building materials, in particular cement, more than doubled from 2,400 Naira in 2019 to 5,500 Naira in 2024. For many, it is not possible to find a suitable home because the market is strongly geared towards high -priced properties. The "Take-IT-Back Movement" initiative has repeatedly protested against the exorbitant rental prices and pointed out that living is a fundamental human right.

Actually, there has been a law in Lagos since 2021 that enables monthly rent payments, but reality looks different. The majority of the landlords still require rent in advance one to two years before, which is heavily burdened by tenants. For example, Emmanuel Osaswa, an employee with a salary of 78 euros, has difficulty paying an annual rent in advance.

The problems on the housing market in Lagos are not just a question of money; They influence the entire social system and the educational landscape. Many families are forced to move into less suitable residential areas, which not only endangers their quality of life, but also the training of their children. The challenges are comprehensive and it remains to be seen how the government and society will react to these pressing questions.