Ahead of further legislative actions on the proposed Landlord/Tenancy Bill, Delta Assembly House of Assembly has pledged thorough scrutiny to ensure it meet modern housing needs in the state and protect the rights of all parties.
The Chairman of the House Joint Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Girl Child Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Support Services, and the Committee on Urban Renewal, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, gave the assurance in her opening remarks during the public hearing on the bill held at the Delta Assembly Complex in Asaba.
Declaring the session open, Hon. Anyafulu explained that the bill is to provide a clear legal framework for the housing sector by outlining the responsibilities, rights, and obligations of landlords, tenants, and agents in Delta State.
The Lawmaker noted that the proposed legislation would repeal the existing Rent Control and Recovery Law of 1977 to reflect current realities in the state’s housing sector and tenancy system.
According to her, the Assembly is committed to a transparent and inclusive process, emphasizing that stakeholders’ views and recommendations will be carefully reviewed before the final passage of the bill.
“The proposed law covers a wide range of issues, notably the relationship of landlords and tenants. Contracts to create a tenancy. Rent: Payment for use and occupation, rent control etc. In a nutshell, the Bill seeks to provide an enabling environment for a Housing Sector that serves the needs of everyone — landlords, agents and tenants, laying the foundation for a stable, happy and peaceful society”, Anyafulu said.
The Lawmaker maintained that the importance of housing, its role, and contribution towards the social, economic, and political life of the state cannot be overemphasized, stressing that the contributions of stakeholders is key to the making of the bill.
“Let me emphasize that your contributions are important and will be deeply appreciated by the committee. Distinguished stakeholders, this is democracy in action. The public hearing is your opportunity to participate in decision-making and the governance of the state.
“This bill is a win-win one. It seeks to provide the framework for an efficient and far-functioning Housing Sector that will protect and serve the interests of everyone, tenants, landlords, agents, and governments’ Anyafulu stressed
Representatives from the Customary Court of Appeal, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Urban and Regional Planning, Association of Tenants and Agents, and the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors were among stakeholders who made presentations, calling for the amendment of certain clauses to strengthen the proposed law.
Other lawmakers in attendance included the House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, Hon. Oloye Pereotu, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Hon. Austine Uroye, Hon. Mathew Omonade, and Hon. Bernard Odior.
Also present were officials from relevant ministries, and a cross-section of housing stakeholders from within and outside Asaba.