A concerned citizen of Cross River State, Comrade Arikpo Desire James, has called on the state government and House of Assembly to urgently intervene in what he describes as a worsening housing crisis in Calabar, the state capital.
In an open letter addressed to Governor Bassey Otu and the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, James expressed deep frustration over the soaring cost of rent in Calabar, accusing landlords of exploiting the lack of regulation in the housing sector to impose arbitrary and unaffordable rental prices.
According to James, tenants in the city are now being forced to pay between ₦250,000 and ₦800,000 annually for often substandard and deteriorating buildings that lack basic amenities such as running water, waste management, and electricity.
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He argued that this trend has made decent accommodation unaffordable for many, especially low-income earners and young people.
“As a concerned Cross Riverian, I am appalled by the exorbitant rents being charged for substandard accommodations,” he wrote. “This is unacceptable and has led to a significant burden on tenants.”
James warned that the situation, if left unchecked, could have dangerous social implications. He claimed that some young people, unable to meet the high cost of rent, are turning to prostitution and other illicit activities as a means of survival.
He urged the state legislature to establish a housing regulatory agency to monitor the quality of rental properties and set standards for rent pricing, in a bid to restore order and fairness to the real estate sector in Calabar.
“The current situation is unsustainable and has far-reaching implications for the state’s economic and social development,” he added. “The high cost of rent can discourage investment, hinder economic growth, and lead to social unrest.”
James called on the government to prioritize the welfare of Cross Riverians by enacting legislation that will protect tenants from exploitation and foster a more livable, inclusive city.
As of press time, the Cross River State government and House of Assembly have yet to issue an official response to the petition.
