Nigerians across major cities are expressing growing frustration over skyrocketing house rents, as accommodation costs in Lagos and Abuja continue to rise far beyond the reach of average income earners.
In Lagos neighbourhoods such as Lekki, Surulere, and Ikeja, annual rents for two-bedroom apartments now range from ₦1.5 million to ₦4 million, while upfront payments, agency fees, and legal charges often push total costs to between ₦2.5 million and ₦6 million.
These figures sharply contrast with Nigeria’s ₦70,000 monthly minimum wage, and exceed the average annual income of many workers.
Families Forced to Relocate or Share Homes
Sudden rent increases of 50 to 70 per cent have forced many families to renegotiate with landlords, move to cheaper outskirts, return to rural communities, or share apartments with relatives and friends.
With Nigeria’s housing deficit estimated at 15 to 20 million units, experts say limited supply has worsened competition and driven up prices.
Critics also accuse estate agents and speculators of manipulating the market to inflate demand.
Social Media Users React
The rising cost of housing has sparked intense debate online.
@_ellaru wrote:
“A salary of 200k which is 2.4M a year can’t get you a good apartment on the mainland still…”
@Morris_Monye said:
“I believe the Lagos rent bubble will burst soon. Lagosians simply don’t earn enough.”
@lanreadelowo added:
“We need more housing in Lagos… Seeing people struggle with rent is insane.”
@thatguytelvin commented:
“If you want a comfortable apartment now, you must have millions.”
@callmetobiloba noted:
“People with legal jobs can’t afford these rents.”
Meanwhile, an Abuja resident, @Nedumcity_, shared:
“₦1.5m can’t get a two-bedroom in Wuse. I was told to bring ₦3m plus fees.”
Expert Accuses Lagos Government of Inaction
Founder of Fair Housing, Ayodele Adio, has accused the Lagos State Government of failing to respond effectively to the deepening housing crisis.
Speaking on ARISE News, Adio described the situation as a “fundamental betrayal” of young Nigerians.
“There has been no response at all… housing has shifted from a public good to a tradable commodity,” he said.
He argued that public-private partnerships have focused mainly on luxury developments, excluding low and middle-income earners.
Luxury Housing vs Ordinary Nigerians
Adio warned that while many residents struggle to pay rent, luxury apartments remain vacant as speculative investments.
He said:
“Working and middle-income people now have the short end of the stick… it is almost impossible to own a home in Lagos.”
He cautioned that excluding citizens from property ownership could worsen poverty and social instability.
Calls for Policy Reforms
Experts and citizens are calling on the government to introduce:
- Rent caps linked to inflation
- Stricter regulation of short-term rentals
- Mandatory affordable housing in luxury estates
- Improved public transportation
- Increased public housing projects
They insist that only strong political will and policy-driven solutions can resolve Nigeria’s worsening housing crisis.
