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Former Minister for Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has called for a review for the tenancy laws and for a mandate to the landlords to collect rents monthly.
Fashola made this call during the launch of his book titled: “Nigerian Public Discourse: The Interplay of Empirical Evidence and Hyperbole,” held in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the former governor of Lagos state highlighted the challenges faced by tenants, especially the burden of paying rents for extended periods.
He emphasized the need to discourage tenants from paying rents for up to three years or more, stating that such practices impose overwhelming financial pressure on them.
Fashola also drew attention to the issue of housing surplus in rural areas contrasting with the housing deficit in cities, which often forces individuals into renting houses.
He suggested reducing the duration of rent payments, proposing a shift from the current practice of three years to one year, or ideally to six months, aligning it with people's pay cycles.
In addition to his insights on housing, Fashola underscored the importance of accurate data for national planning, describing it as the most valuable currency in the world, essential for ensuring adequate provision of basic needs like food, water, shelter, and energy.
The book launch featured a review of Fashola's work by Opeyemi Agbaje, an author and academic, followed by a panel discussion on the significance of data in development. Panelists including Tolu Ogunlesi, Mrs Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, and Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie agreed on the critical role of data-driven policies in effecting impactful changes in society.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included Presidential Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, representing President Bola Tinubu; former APC Interim National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande; Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat; former Deputy Governor Sarah Sosan; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaaechi, and other notable personalities from various sectors.
