Plateau Residents Protest Rising Housing Costs Amid Economic Hardship
Residents of Plateau State, particularly those in Jos, are expressing frustration over the astronomical hike in housing and rental costs, which have made accommodation increasingly unaffordable.
A recent survey conducted in Jos revealed widespread concerns, with several tenants sharing their struggles with skyrocketing rent prices. Kachollom Michael, a hairstylist who has been renting her salon for N120,000 for several years, revealed that her landlord recently imposed a 15% rent increase, further straining her finances. Michael explained that the cost of living was already tough, and the added rent hike might force her to close her business.
“I might be forced out of business because of unaffordable accommodation,” Michael said, appealing to the Plateau government to intervene and curb the activities of property agents, whom she accused of exploiting tenants. “If not, they will force people to start stealing to feed in the state,” she added.
Similarly, Naomi Elijah, a teacher and single mother, shared her own experience of the rising costs. Elijah had to relocate to a more affordable area in Jos due to the increasing rent in Rayfield, where she had previously lived. She also called on the authorities to intervene before the situation worsens further.
Kitkabam Manasseh, an agent with Aduwamai and Company Limited, one of the largest property management firms in the area, defended the rent hikes, attributing them to the overall increase in the cost of living across the country. He explained that the price increases were not solely the fault of the agents or landlords but were part of broader economic challenges affecting all sectors of society.
Manasseh also argued that tenants should be patient and adapt to the current economic reality, stressing that the government was partly responsible for the rising cost of living. He mentioned that he was unaware of any specific government housing schemes aimed at alleviating the housing situation in Plateau.
As the cost of living continues to rise across Nigeria, Plateau residents are urging the state government and relevant authorities to step in and address the housing crisis before it becomes a further burden on the populace.
