Rapid urbanization, rising housing demand, weak tenancy regulation, and growing affordability pressures have significantly affected rental housing systems in Abuja. The absence of a comprehensive tenancy framework within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has contributed to exploitative rental practices, excessive advance rent demands, weak tenant protection, and limited access to affordable dispute resolution mechanisms.
This policy brief presents key findings from a comparative assessment of tenancy governance in Abuja and Lagos, with the aim of identifying practical and institutionally feasible reform options for Abuja. While Lagos operates under a relatively structured tenancy framework through the Lagos State Tenancy Law (2011), Abuja relies primarily on the Recovery of Premises Act, which focuses mainly on eviction procedures and provides limited guidance on broader tenancy governance issues….
