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Escalating Cost of House Rent in South-East Nigeria: A Call for Urgent Government Intervention- Ndubuisi Anaenugwu

By
bvichannel1
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In Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, shelter ranks just after food as a fundamental requirement for human survival.Governments across the world recognize this reality and deliberately design policies to ensure that citizens can afford a roof over their heads. In many economies, minimum wage structures are calibrated to reflect the cost of living—particularly housing, whether through rent or mortgage.

In recent years, however, the cost of house rent across South-East Nigeria has risen at an alarming and unsustainable rate, placing immense pressure on residents—especially low- and middle-income earners.

Major urban centres such as Enugu, Owerri, Awka, Aba, and Abakaliki are increasingly experiencing a housing crisis that is steadily eroding living standards and deepening economic hardship.

What was once considered affordable housing has now become a luxury. A single-room self-contained apartment that previously cost about ₦100,000 per annum now goes for ₦400,000 or more. Self-contained apartments that were once ₦150,000 now command as high as ₦800,000.

In Awka, a three-bedroom flat in areas such as Commissioners’ Quarters can cost up to ₦2,500,000 annually, with additional service charges of about ₦200,000( Note that the national minimum wage is N840,000 per annum) . In Onitsha, a two-bedroom flat averages ₦500,000 per annum, even in relatively less expensive areas like Mgbuke, Awada, and Nkpor—still burdensome when compared to prevailing income levels.

This trend is not only unsustainable but socially destabilizing.
Several factors are responsible for this sharp escalation. Rapid urbanization remains a key driver, as increasing numbers of people migrate to cities in search of better economic opportunities.

Unfortunately, this population growth has not been matched with corresponding housing development, resulting in a widening gap between demand and supply—and inevitably, higher rents. Compounding this is the lack of reliable housing data; state governments have not been sufficiently intentional about tracking residential stock and projected demand.

Equally significant is the rising cost of building materials. Cement, iron rods, roofing sheets, sand, laterite, labour, and other construction inputs have witnessed steep increases due to inflation, exchange rate volatility, and high transportation costs. Landlords, seeking to recoup their investments, transfer these costs directly to tenants through higher rents.

Moreover, the weak enforcement of effective regulatory frameworks has worsened the situation. In many parts of the South-East, landlords fix rents arbitrarily, with little or no oversight. Weak tenancy laws (and in some states, their outright absence) have enabled exploitative practices such as excessive advance payments—often one to two years—unjustified rent hikes, and hidden charges.

The consequences are far-reaching. Many families are forced to relocate to substandard housing on the outskirts of cities, increasing transportation costs and reducing overall quality of life. Young people, including students and early-career professionals, are increasingly unable to secure decent accommodation. Overcrowding and the proliferation of informal settlements are rising, posing serious health and security risks. In extreme cases, the psychological toll has led to tragic outcomes.

This growing crisis demands urgent and deliberate government intervention. Housing must be treated as a central pillar of social welfare and economic stability. Recent public engagements by some state leaders suggest a worrying underestimation of the scale of the problem, as well as a lack of clear, actionable housing policies. While reliance on market forces is a legitimate economic philosophy, housing—given its social importance—cannot be left entirely to market dynamics.

Well-designed housing policies, including measured rent regulation, can help stabilize the market and curb arbitrary pricing. Contrary to common fears, effective regulation can also attract investment by creating a more predictable and structured environment for developers.

Governments should actively partner with private developers through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to deliver affordable housing at large scale. Strategic incentives—such as tax reliefs, subsidized land, and support for local building materials—can stimulate private sector participation and reduce construction costs.

Access to housing finance must also be expanded. Many Nigerians are unable to build or purchase homes due to limited access to affordable mortgage systems. Strengthening housing finance institutions and introducing flexible, single-digit interest mortgage schemes will significantly ease pressure on the rental market.

Equally important is the strict enforcement of tenancy laws. Regulatory authorities must ensure fairness and transparency in landlord-tenant relationships, including reasonable rent increments and standardized payment structures.

In conclusion, South-East governors must, as a matter of urgency, collaborate with the private sector to develop large-scale, high-density housing projects—including multi-storey residential buildings—to accommodate low-income earners while creating employment opportunities for the youth. There is also a need for strategic engagement with the Federal Government to review wage policies, potentially incorporating productivity-based and hourly remuneration structures to better align incomes with the rising cost of living.

The time to act is now. Housing is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Any society that neglects this fundamental need risks deepening inequality, social instability, and economic decline.

Ndubuisi Anaenugwu
Ambassador General
Good Governance Ministry (GGM)
Email: ggovernanceministry@gmail.com

US Orders Embassy Staff to Leave Nigeria Amid Heightened Security Concerns

By
Queen Madu
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The US has heightened its travel warning for Nigeria, advising Americans to reconsider travel to the country due to security concerns. The US Department of State has placed 23 Nigerian states under its “Do Not Travel” category, citing terrorism, crime, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

The states listed include:
– Northern states: Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa
– Southern states: Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt)
– Other high-risk states: Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara

The US has also authorized the departure of non-emergency embassy staff and their families from Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation. The advisory warns of widespread crime, including armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping, and notes that Americans are often targeted due to perceived wealth.

The Nigerian government has expressed concern over the advisory, but has assured that it is taking steps to address security challenges.

Amara Okoye Of ABS Lays Father To Rest In Igboukwu, Aguata Council Area

By
Joseph Albert
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Amara Okoye Of ABS Lays Father To Rest In Igboukwu, Aguata Council Area

Management and staff of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Onitsha, joined their colleague, Amara Okoye of the News and Current Affairs Department, alongside family members, friends, and sympathisers, to lay her father, Late Mr. James Anagboso, to rest in his compound in Ihuekili, Ezihu Village, Igboukwu, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The burial ceremony commenced with a special service held at his residence, officiated by the priest and congregation of Holy Trinity Anglican Parish, Igboukwu, and the event attracted dignitaries and well-wishers from within and outside the country.

In her condolence message, the Director of News and Current Affairs, ABS, Mrs. Chinyelu Obiejesi, urged the family to take solace in the impactful life and legacy their father left behind, noting that the loss of a father is always a significant blow to a family.

She described Amara as a peaceful and dedicated staff member whose humility and selfless nature endeared her to management and colleagues, as reflected in the turnout of ABS staff at the burial.

In separate interviews with ABS, the first son of the deceased, Mr. Okwukwe Anagboso, and his daughter, Amara Okoye, said their father lived a fulfilled and impactful life, evident in the values he instilled in his children and the calibre of individuals who came to pay their last respects.

They described their late father as a peace-loving man who cared deeply for the well-being of others and provided his children with a solid foundation that has helped them excel in their various endeavours.

The family expressed appreciation to all who came to support them in bidding their father farewell and prayed that God would reward them and meet them at their points of need.

Late Mr. James Anagboso, aged 75, is survived by his wife, six children, and many grandchildren.

Credit: ABS Facebook

Atiku, Obi, Mark, Amaechi Lead Protest Against INEC’s Decision

By
Queen Madu
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“Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, David Mark, Rotimi Amaechi, and other prominent opposition figures led a massive protest, dubbed “#OccupyINEC”, at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, on April 8, 2026. The protest was in response to INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership, citing a Court of Appeal ruling.

The protesters, including Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, and Dino Melaye, demanded that INEC respects the party’s internal democracy and recognizes the leadership headed by David Mark. They carried placards with messages like “Tinubu, why are you afraid?”, “Judges must give justice”, and “Let democracy breathe”.

Atiku Abubakar stated that the protest aimed to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and prevent authoritarianism. Peter Obi emphasized the need to protect democratic values, while Rotimi Amaechi urged Nigerians to defend their future and resist political manipulation.

The ADC alleges that INEC’s decision is part of a broader effort to prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general election. The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the situation as a “dangerous contradiction” and urged INEC to reverse its stance.

The protest highlights growing concerns about INEC’s impartiality and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

How I Addressed “Problematic Garnishee Orders” In Anambra – Former Attorney General, Ifemeje

By
Joseph Albert
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… says Anambrarians are litigious

Former Anambra Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, has said that her four years in office were not a bed of roses but very challenging, as there were many contentious cases she represented the state in up to the Supreme Court and “problematic garnishee orders” to contend with when she came on board.

Addressing members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Aguata Branch, during a meeting she hosted, Professor Ifemeje, who described Anambrarians as litigious, explained that she tackled the garnishee order problem head-on and succeeded in drastically reducing to the barest minimum the number of garnishee order attachments on government accounts through negotiations and expeditious minuting of hearing notices to the appropriate legal departments of the Ministry of Justice for proper legal representation by state counsel.

She listed her achievements in office to include transformative digitalization and full end-to-end automation of the justice sector, facilitating the drafting of 25 landmark executive bills and their subsequent passage into law, championing the establishment of specialized courts such as the Sex and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Small Claims Courts, and the establishment of an SGBV unit in the Attorney General’s Chambers for diligent prosecution.

Others include the creation of a website for hosting all Anambra laws online once the revised laws currently before the House of Assembly are authenticated, which will enable Anambrarians to have easy access to the laws, as well as the construction of four judges’ quarters and six court halls.

Professor Ifemeje explained that the online hosting of all Anambra laws will enable Anambrarians to have easy access to the laws, while expressing the belief that the four judges’ quarters and six court halls, which are 95% completed, would pave the way for the employment of more judges to quicken the dispensation of justice in Anambra.

Welcoming the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to her base, the NBA Aguata Chairman, Barrister Chijioke Nwankwo, noted that the branch is proud of her for performing well in office and representing members without any scandal.

Thanking Professor Ifemeje for visiting her “constituency,” the NBA First National Vice President, Barrister Sabastine Anyia, and former NBA Aguata Branch Chairman, Barrister David Umeobika, said the former Attorney General was very humble and easily accessible while in office, adding that she has the potential to serve as Attorney General of the Federation and in other higher positions.

Barrister Umeobika, in particular, noted that Professor Ifemeje rendered unblemished service to Anambra that would be remembered for a long time in the state’s history, especially her use of technology in justice delivery, describing it as “an imprint on the sand of history.”

On his part as “an insider” in the government, a member of the NBA Aguata Branch, Barrister Chuks Ezewuzie said that what Professor Ifemeje listed at the event as her achievements in office was just the tip of the iceberg.

Cancer Fraud: Nigerian Medical Association Denies Connection With Blessingceo

By
Queen Madu
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The Nigerian Medical Association has strongly denied any connection to the “Stage 4 cancer” report being circulated online by media personality Blessing

CEO.

According to the association, after reviewing the document, they found clear signs that it had been altered. They stated that the format, details, and presentation do not match standard medical reports issued by certified hospitals or professionals in Nigeria.

The NMA made it clear that no verified doctor or medical body under them issued such a report. They emphasized that medical records are sensitive documents that follow strict professional and ethical standards, and anything outside that should be questioned.

They also warned that sharing false health information, especially about serious illnesses like cancer, can mislead the public, create panic, and damage trust in the healthcare system.

The association advised Nigerians to always verify medical claims from reliable and official sources before believing or sharing them online.

This issue has continued to generate reactions on social media, with many calling for accountability and urging influencers to be more responsible when sharing sensitive information.

mazitundeednut

Tinubu in Jos Confirms ‘Don’t Vote for Me’ Prediction on Power Supply

By
Queen Madu
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During the 2023 campaign, President Tinubu made a clear electoral promise: “If I don’t give you constant electricity in four years, don’t vote for me for a second term.”

When he took office in 2023, Nigeria had a power supply of over 4,000 megawatts and lower tariffs. Today, the electricity power supply is less than 4,000 megawatts on the average, and Nigerians are paying higher tariffs. Nigeria currently has the lowest per capita electricity consumption in the world, with a rate below 30% of the African average. Africa’s average is 617kwh, Nigeria’s is 144 kWh. This means that Nigerians consume least electricity than other Africans.

In a glaring display of disregard for promises and a lack of trust, President Tinubu, during a brief airport stopover to visit grieving families of the Jos attack on Thursday, April 2, 2026, stated that one of the reasons for his 10-minute stay was that the airport had no electricity. “You have no light here I fly out in ten minutes” At a time when Nigerians are enduring days without power, our leaders cannot even stay a few minutes without it.

Now is the time to stop incompetent leaders—those lacking the capacity and compassion—who prioritise their own comfort over the well-being of the people and make empty promises.

A new Nigeria is POssible.

– PO

ADC Party Demands The Immediate Removal of INEC Chairman

By
Queen Madu
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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging a coordinated plot to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark, accused INEC of acting with bias and undermining democratic principles through its recent actions concerning the party’s leadership crisis.

The development follows INEC’s announcement on Wednesday that it had delisted key ADC officials, including Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, citing a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case before a trial court.

INEC, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the move was in compliance with the court’s ruling.

But Mark rejected the Commission’s interpretation, alleging a deliberate attempt to destabilise the ADC and weaken opposition Politics.

The agenda is very clear: to create a situation where, in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the only option left for the people, despite the widespread suffering and wanton killings going on across the country,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria’s current economic hardship and insecurity are “direct consequences of the failure of this government,” adding that the ruling party fears a free and fair contest.

“They know Nigerians will vote them out. This is why they would do anything to hang on to power by hook or crook,” Mark stated.

Providing background to the crisis, the former Senate President explained that the party’s current leadership emerged from a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, which was monitored by INEC.

“In furtherance of this process, a NEC meeting was convened on July 29th, 2025, monitored by INEC officials… the dissolution of the National Working Committee… and the ratification of a caretaker committee… with my humble self as the National Chairman,” he said.

He added that the resolutions were formally communicated to INEC, which subsequently uploaded the names of the new leadership on its portal on September 9, 2025.

Mark also addressed the legal dispute involving Nafiu Bala Gombe, stating that the claimant had earlier resigned from his position before approaching the court.

“It is on record that Gombe resigned… Regardless of his resignation, he decided to approach the courts… seeking to be recognised as the Chairman of the ADC,” he said.

On the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the “status quo ante bellum,” Mark argued that INEC had misapplied the order.

“The crux of the matter is the interpretation of what constitutes status quo ante bellum… there is no legal interpretation or precedent that could possibly lead to the outcome that INEC seeks to foist on our party,” he said.

He further accused the electoral body of acting in bad faith.

“With its action, INEC has left no one in doubt that it has chosen the path of dishonour and has become complicit in undermining Nigeria’s democracy. It can therefore no longer be trusted,” he declared.

Mark warned that INEC’s decision could have far-reaching implications for the party’s participation in upcoming elections, including those in Osun and Ekiti States, as well as its scheduled congresses and national convention in April 2026.

We demand the immediate resignation or sack of the INEC Chairman… and all the National Commissioners. We no longer have confidence in them. We are convinced that they are incapable of conducting any credible election,” he said.

Despite the controversy, Mark insisted that the ADC would proceed with its planned activities, maintaining that there is no legal requirement mandating INEC’s presence for internal party processes.

The ADC has been embroiled in a protracted leadership dispute since 2025, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s structure, a development now compounded by legal battles and regulatory interventions.

(Journalist101)

Electricity Companies Risk the Fate of Water Corporations in South East Nigeria – Ndubuisi Anaenugwu

By
Queen Madu
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Across the South East of Nigeria, a quiet yet troubling pattern is emerging—one that closely mirrors the gradual collapse of public water corporations decades ago. Today, electricity generation and distribution companies (GenCos and DisCos) appear to be drifting along the same path toward irrelevance, inefficiency, and eventual public abandonment.

There was a time when Water Corporations formed the backbone of urban and semi-urban life. Households depended on them for clean, affordable water. However, years of neglect, poor management, inadequate investment, and weak accountability steadily eroded their capacity. Infrastructure deteriorated, pipes ran dry, and public trust evaporated.

In response, citizens turned to boreholes, private vendors, and self-help solutions—creating entirely new business ecosystems and value chains. Today, while Water Corporation offices still exist across the South East, they have largely lost their relevance. Nearly 95% of modern buildings now rely on private boreholes for water supply.

This is the same trajectory that many electricity companies in the region now appear to be following.

Despite the privatization of Nigeria’s power sector, the promised transformation in service delivery has largely failed to materialize. Instead, consumers continue to grapple with estimated billing, erratic supply, dilapidated infrastructure, and a persistent lack of transparency. What was meant to usher in efficiency and investment has, for many Nigerians, become a symbol of disappointment.

It must also be acknowledged that vested interests within both government and the private sector have undermined the privatization process. Critical national assets were handed over to politically connected entities lacking the technical expertise required to manage such a vital utility. To this day, Nigerians continue to bear the cost of those flawed decisions.

Across cities and communities in the South East, individuals and businesses are already adapting—just as they did with water. A recent observation in Onitsha highlights how lithium-based solar systems are rapidly gaining dominance in the energy market. Households, hotels, and small businesses are investing heavily in alternative energy solutions to secure reliable power.

With solar energy requiring minimal regulatory barriers, it is only a matter of time before communities and cooperative societies begin to establish mini solar farms to meet their electricity needs independently.

In essence, people are gradually disconnecting—both psychologically and economically—from the national grid.
This shift is not merely about alternatives; it is fundamentally about trust.
Once public confidence in a service provider collapses, rebuilding it becomes an uphill task.

Electricity companies, much like the defunct Water Corporations, are increasingly perceived not as service providers but as burdens—entities that bill consumers without delivering commensurate value. The cost of electricity has become unbearable for many. How does a civil servant earning less than ₦70,000 monthly sustain an electricity bill of ₦40,000? How do tariff band classifications (Band A, B, C, D,E) justify the glaring inequality in access and pricing?
If left unchecked, GenCos and DisCos risk becoming practically obsolete—existing only through regulatory protection and forced patronage rather than genuine consumer demand.

The broader economic implications are significant. Energy insecurity discourages investment, cripples small businesses, and widens socio-economic inequality.
However, this outcome is not inevitable.
The recent constitutional shift moving electricity from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List presents a critical opportunity. South East governors must aggressively leverage this reform to develop localized, efficient power solutions. Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, through his partnership with Geometric Power, is already demonstrating what is possible. Early signs indicate improvements in power supply in Aba and Umuahia, though much work remains.
The region is richly endowed with energy resources. Enugu possesses vast coal deposits, while Imo and Anambra have significant natural gas reserves. Strategic investment in gas infrastructure and regional power projects could drastically reduce the cost of electricity for consumers.
At the same time, electricity companies must prioritize universal metering to eliminate estimated billing, invest in modern infrastructure, and adopt customer-centric models that emphasize reliability, affordability, and transparency. Regulators must also rise to the occasion—enforcing performance standards, ensuring accountability, and protecting consumers from exploitation.

The lesson from the Water Corporations is unmistakable: when institutions fail to serve the people, the people will find alternatives—and move on.

Electricity stakeholders in the South East must now make a choice: reform and remain relevant, or continue on a path that leads to gradual extinction. The warning signs are already clear. Ignoring them would be a costly mistake.

Ndubuisi Anaenugwu
Ambassador General
Good Governance Ministry (GGM)
Email: ggovernanceministry@gmail.com

Statement on the Cost of Political Party Nomination Forms in Nigeria

By
Queen Madu
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Update: APC has officially disowned the widely circulating nomination fees

The recently announced APC nomination fees raise serious questions about the future of democratic participation in Nigeria.

At ₦200 million (approximately $130,000) for the presidency, ₦150 million ($97,000) for governorship, ₦100 million ($65,000) for the Senate, ₦70 million ($45,000) for the House of Representatives, and ₦20 million ($13,000) for State Assemblies, these fees have moved beyond administrative cost recovery into the realm of exclusion.

At a minimum wage of ₦70,000, a Nigerian worker would need 238 years to afford a presidential form and 24 years to afford a State Assembly form.

This is not a system designed for participation; it is exclusionary.

It gets worse. Data from NDIC shows that over 97% of Nigerians have less than ₦500,000 in their bank accounts. Yet we are setting the entry fee at ₦20 million or more.

Who exactly is this democracy designed for?

Assuming just 4 aspirants per seat, nomination fees could generate about ₦223.68 billion across the Senate, the House of Representatives, and State Assemblies.

That is 74% of what we budget to build schools, 56% of health capital spending, and more than the entire police capital budget in the 2015 budget.

In effect, the cost of accessing political office in one party is now competing with what Nigeria invests in education, health, and security.

That should trouble us.

And it is entirely avoidable. If parties were properly organised, 800,000 members paying ₦25,000 a year (about ₦2,000 monthly) would generate ₦20 billion annually, excluding donations.

Parties can be sustainably funded by their members and supporters, not by turning nominations into a high-priced gateway that excludes the majority.

Globally, this approach is an outlier. Across South Africa, Brazil, India, and Mexico, candidates emerge through internal democratic processes, not financial barriers.

If these systems demanded ₦200 million upfront, it is unlikely leaders like Lula, Modi, Clinton, or Obama would have emerged.

The signalling is disturbing. We are saying that leadership in Nigeria is not about ideas, competence, or service. It is about money.

That is dangerous. It also offends the spirit of Section 14(2)(c) of the Constitution, which requires participation by the people in their government, and it sits uneasily with Article 13 of the African Charter, guaranteeing free political participation and equal access to public service

I therefore urge the APC, as the governing party, to reconsider these fees and set a standard that strengthens, not weakens, our democracy.

I also call on all political parties in Nigeria to resist the growing tendency to convert nominations into luxury items accessible only to the wealthy or their sponsors.

Nigeria cannot build a representative democracy if access to the ballot is priced beyond the reach of its citizens. The pathway to leadership must remain open, competitive, and fair.

This is bigger than APC or any other party. It is about whether Nigeria remains a democracy in practice, or only in theory.

Osita Chidoka
28 March 2026

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