Residents Lament Soaring House Rents In Keffi, Karu As Families Struggle To Cope

Some residents of Keffi Local Government Area in Nasarawa State have expressed deep concern over the sharp rise in house rents, saying the escalating costs are making it increasingly difficult for many families to secure decent accommodation.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, residents explained that the persistent rent hikes are putting significant strain on households, forcing many to choose between paying for shelter and meeting essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education.

Across Nasarawa West Senatorial District — especially in Keffi and Karu LGAs — the rising cost of accommodation has become a major source of anxiety. Several tenants told NAN that high rents have reached alarming levels, prompting some families to consider relocating to the outskirts of both towns where rent is relatively cheaper.

Mr. Ben Nwankwo, a Keffi resident, condemned the yearly rent increases imposed by landlords without regard for the prevailing economic hardship. He appealed to the government to introduce rent regulation measures.

“Last year, I paid N130,000 for a two-bedroom flat, but the landlord wants to increase it to N200,000. Some landlords charge between N300,000 and N400,000. The constant increase is worrying,” he said.

Another resident, Miss Saraha Musa, accused landlords of insensitivity, noting that two-bedroom apartments now go for between N350,000 and N400,000, even though salaries remain stagnant.

In Karu, Mr. Caleb Dikko said rent prices have surged since 2023, partly due to the area’s proximity to Abuja, leaving many tenants under intense financial pressure.

He urged landlords to show restraint, saying: “Building takes time, but constant rent hikes without considering tenants’ income levels are unfair. They should recoup their investments gradually.”

Mr. Moses Osoku, also from Karu, observed that those who work in Abuja but live in Nasarawa State are increasingly burdened by high rent. He lamented that the cost of a room and parlour in Auta Balefi has risen from N150,000 to N250,000.

However, a landlord, Mr. Johnson Bello, defended the rent increases, attributing them to the rising cost of building materials, construction, and land acquisition.

“Do you know the current cost of a bag of cement or a trip of sand? Building costs are high. This explains the rising rental fees,” he stated.