Ebonyi Assembly Passes Law Capping House Rent, Agency Fees, Regulating Scrap Trade

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a new law regulating house rents, real estate agency fees and the buying and selling of metal and electrical scraps across the state.

The legislation, known as the Ebonyi State Sale of Scraps, House Rent, and Agent Fees Regulation Law 2026, was passed during Tuesday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Moses Odunwa, at the Assembly Complex along Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki.

The law took effect immediately after it was passed on August 11, 2026.

Under the new legislation, the buying, selling, possession, transportation or disposal of metal and electrical scraps without the required licence is prohibited. Anyone found guilty could face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to ₦500,000, or both.

The law also introduces limits on residential rents. Landlords are required to comply with standard rent tariffs prescribed by Governor Francis Nwifuru and are prohibited from charging above the approved rates.

Landlords who obtain possession orders through fraud, misrepresentation or concealment of relevant information could also face up to two years’ imprisonment.

The legislation further places a 2% maximum cap on real estate agency fees based on the gross value of a transaction. The cap applies to both professional and non-professional agents.

To promote transparency and accountability, estate agents operating within the state capital are required to register with the Ministry of the Capital City.

Presenting the bill, the Leader of the House, Kingsley Ikoro, urged lawmakers to support its passage, saying it would help protect public infrastructure and vulnerable tenants.

Several lawmakers also supported the legislation, describing it as a necessary response to increasing cases of scrap theft, vandalism and arbitrary rent increases.

Speaking after the bill passed its third reading following clause-by-clause consideration, Speaker Moses Odunwa said the legislation would help restore order in the property market and protect public infrastructure.

In a separate legislative matter, the Assembly adopted the Auditor-General’s Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Ebonyi State Government for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.

The lawmakers also screened and confirmed nine nominees submitted by Governor Nwifuru to serve as coordinator and members of the management committee of the Amasiri Development Centre in Afikpo Local Government Area.

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