By Solomon OKPO
AKWA IBOM, Residents of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, are grappling with a sharp rise in house rents, a development that is compounding the economic hardship faced by households across income levels.
Findings by The Evangelist reveal that rent increases in several parts of the city have surged by over 100 per cent within a short period, placing unprecedented pressure on tenants, particularly low and middle-income earners.
Many residents expressed frustration over what they described as arbitrary and excessive hikes by landlords, noting that the increments are not matched by improvements in housing quality or infrastructure.
A cross-section of tenants who spoke to The Evangelist said the situation has forced families to reconsider their living arrangements, with some downsizing to smaller apartments, relocating to less developed areas, or sharing accommodation to cope with the rising costs.
“This increase is unbearable,” a civil servant lamented. “In less than two years, my rent has doubled without any corresponding upgrade in the property. It is becoming difficult to survive.”
Another resident, a small business owner, described the trend as a “silent crisis,” warning that if left unchecked, it could worsen urban poverty and strain social stability.
Housing analysts attribute the surge in rents to a combination of factors, including inflation, rising cost of building materials, increased demand for accommodation in urban centres, and limited government intervention in the housing sector.
They warned that without urgent policy measures to regulate the housing market and expand affordable housing schemes, the situation may deteriorate further.
As the pressure mounts,
stakeholders are calling on the Akwa Ibom State Government to step in with practical solutions, including rent control policies and incentives for developers to invest in low-cost housing.
For many residents in Uyo, Eket however, the reality remains stark, the dream of affordable housing is fast slipping out of reach.
