The Plateau State House of Assembly has approved a bill to regulate tenancy agreements and promote better relations between landlords and tenants in an effort to slow down the growing problem of rent-related disputes and the exorbitant increase in housing costs across the state, particularly in the Jos metropolis. The bill is now being considered for a second reading.
During Friday’s plenary session, the “Tenancy Bill 2026” legislation, which aims to “promote fairness, ensure proper documentation of tenancy agreements, and curb unlawful evictions,” passed its first obstacle.
Hon. Theodore Bala Mayaki, who represents the Quaan-Pan South Constituency in the Assembly, emphasised the significance of the proposed law in resolving persistent challenges in tenancy cases throughout the state while introducing the resolution for the second reading.
As a representative of Jos North North Constituency, Hon. Adamu Aliyu emphasised his strong support for the measure and called it a “significant step towards protecting the rights of both landlords and tenants.” Aliyu also seconded the resolution.
Aliyu elaborated by saying that the measure, if approved, will put a stop to the arbitrary evictions that cause problems and instability in neighbourhoods, as well as the necessity for written lease agreements.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, ordered the Clerk of the House to reread the bill after members had debated it extensively; thereafter, the measure proceeded to second reading without resistance.
Subsequently, it was sent to the appropriate committee for additional legislative review and public feedback.