The Chairman of the Ogun Youth Assembly, Habeeb Whyte, has appealed to the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, to urgently intervene in the state’s housing sector, citing the rising cost of accommodation and what he described as exploitative practices by estate agents.

Speaking to journalists in Abeokuta on Wednesday, Whyte expressed concern over the “unfair and exploitative” actions of some agents, which he said have worsened the struggles of Nigerians already battling economic hardship.

He noted that several tenants and house seekers have raised complaints about skyrocketing rents and hidden charges.

He also stressed that urgent regulations are needed to protect both tenants and prospective landlords.

“People are complaining about the high cost of housing. Some agents demand outrageous inspection fees and other hidden charges, only to take people to houses they don’t even like—or in some cases, properties they have no authority to rent out.

“This is unfair to many Nigerians struggling to make a living,” Whyte said.

The youth leader called on Abiodun, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, and the Commissioner for Housing to work together to establish policies that would regulate the sector.

He urged the government to create a framework that sets clear guidelines for estate agents, including standardised inspection fees, transparent service delivery, and affordable rent models to ease the burden on residents.

“Housing is a fundamental human need, and as such, the government has a duty to ensure citizens are not exploited by individuals who place profit above the well-being of the people,” he added.

Whyte further assured that the Ogun Youth Assembly will continue to advocate on issues affecting young people and the general public, noting that accommodation challenges directly impact productivity, welfare, and the overall quality of life.

Recent figures spanning late 2023 into early 2024 estimate Nigeria’s housing shortfall at roughly 28 million units, with about N21 trillion required to bridge the gap.

The deficit is largely driven by a population boom that continues to outpace housing development, pushing property costs beyond the reach of many, especially low- and middle-income households struggling to access affordable accommodation.