By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Delta State House of Assembly has assured residents that the proposed Landlord and Tenant Bill currently before it will undergo rigorous legislative scrutiny to ensure it meets modern housing needs and protects the rights of all parties.
This assurance was given by the Chairman of the House Joint Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Girl Child Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Support Services, and the Committee on Urban Renewal, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, during a public hearing on the bill held at the Assembly Press Centre, Asaba.
Declaring the session open, Hon. Anyafulu explained that the bill aims to provide a clear legal framework for the housing sector by outlining the responsibilities, rights, and obligations of landlords, tenants, and agents in Delta State.
She noted that the proposed legislation would repeal the existing Rent Control and Recovery Law of 1977 to reflect current realities in the state’s housing and tenancy system.
According to her, the Assembly is committed to a transparent and inclusive process, emphasizing that stakeholders’ views and recommendations will be carefully reviewed before the final passage of the bill.
Representatives from 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 were among stakeholders who made presentations, calling for the amendment of certain clauses to strengthen the proposed law.
Other lawmakers in attendance included the House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, Hon. Oloye Pereotu, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Hon. Austine Uroye, Hon. Mathew Omonade, and Hon. Bernard Odior.
Also present were representatives of the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, officials from relevant ministries, and a cross-section of housing stakeholders from within and outside Asaba.
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