By HOSEA NYAMLONG
Shelter is an essential aspect of a man’s life which provides personal safety, security, protection from the weather, and survival in the case of any natural disasters, etc
The importance of shelter cannot be overemphasised because of its efficiency and efficacy in providing privacy, encouraging self-independence from the community, reducing the vulnerability of man to harm. There is no gainsaying, having shelter, generally improves a person’s quality of life.
Recently, Jos metropolis has witnessed a shortage of affordable houses, and the exorbitant rent drives high demand for accommodation, leaving citizens who need houses at the mercy of the landlords.
On this note, METRO FOCUS correspondent went around Jos and Bukuru metropolis to sample the opinions of tenants and landlords on the effect of the high increase in rent and other contributing factors.
It was gathered that the unprecedented rapid growth in population has made urban areas in Jos to encroach into some of the rural areas as a result of rural-urban migration. As a consequence, business opportunities, educational development, new development areas, economic growth, good weather conditions, tourist attractions, and transportation routes have become commonplace in the state. This is because the state is the gateway to the northern part of the country.
Meanwhile, the influx of people into the Jos metropolis has also led to a high pressure on basic needs and other social amenities which is beyond the reach of an average citizen.
METRO FOCUS engaged an expert in property development who refuses his name to be in print. He said that there are many contributory factors that are responsible for the increase of rent within the Jos metropolis and environs. This includes the balkanization of the Jos city centre, depending on where properties are located and areas that are closer to the city and many others.
According to the expert, properties that have good location with social amenities like water, good roads, electricity, security, tend to have higher charges of rent compared to areas that have less of the social amenities.
He added that recently, the increase was as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy by the present government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, last year during his inaugural speech, on May 29th, 2023. Prices of goods and services skyrocketed as a result of the subsidy removal, adversely affecting the livelihood of the citizens.
As a result of that, many landlords had to increase their rent to enable them to meet up with the current economic realities. Explaining further, he said new houses, apartments that are built recently are charging higher rent due to the current prices of building materials in the market.
It is noteworthy that not only building materials are on the increase, everything in Nigeria has no stable price in the market.
Over the years, settlement in Jos had been stratified between the rich class, middle class or safe zones for Christians, Muslims and slums.
Categorically, there are no government layout, where citizens can leverage on. Usually, these are cheaper compared to the private individuals or organisations that deal with the buying and selling of land within the city and environs.
Another factor is the population rate that is on the increase because of the peaceful nature of the state and the clement weather that attracts a lot of people across the country into the state.
Due to the influx of people into the state, demand for accommodation has become the order of the day either in the high brow areas or slums. While some citizens don’t mind the exorbitant rent, due to their status, some can not afford to pay for the high rent because their current economic reality cannot meet up with the challenge.
An unfortunate situation is that landlords of old buildings that have seen better days in some locations within the city centre, jack up their rent fee, due to high demand from residents that are mostly not from the state but are here for business purposes.
The worst case scenario is the case of landlords who eject their old tenants from their apartment to enable them to get new tenants who will pay more for their houses to get more money from the new tenants coming to occupy their property.
It was also gathered that the economic hardship in the country has made many landlords or property owners to increase their rent to enable them meet up with the economic reality and their daily needs.
Tenants on the other hand, are complaining that the means of getting money nowadays is very difficult. Civil servants, federal, state and local government are complaining that the government is yet to increase their salary but they have to deal with the high cost of basic necessities of life. They said that the take home pay cannot take them home any longer.
The expert alluded to the fact that property owners or landlords should know that property investment is a long term investment that one does not expect to reap the benefits or profit within a short period of time. The value of a property depends on the finished work on the property with good facilities.
Furthermore, investigations revealed that there are some properties within the metropolis that are being rented out to people without having good facilities like toilets, bathrooms, car park, security fence, gates and door, etc.
Similarly, with the rate of development taking place within the city and environs on a daily basis, it is noticeable within these areas like Rikkos, Lamingo, Rayfield, Jenta Adamu, Bauchi Ring Road by pass, Farin-Gada, Anguldi Zawan, Kwata-Zawan, Dadin Kowa-Kangang, Dong, Tudun-Wada, Rantya and Dura, buildings are seen springing up on a daily basis.
METRO FOCUS engaged Deborah Akila, Auwalu Kabir, Mutapha Sani, Abiodun Tawio, Olufemi Tunde, Botsha Amos, Alheri Johnson,Isaiah Obi in a chat. They said that the sudden exorbitant rent is worrisome,considering the economic hardship being experienced. They pointed out that most of the houses that the landlords are demanding an increase in rent are not up to standard. Some of the apartments don’t have good toilets and bathrooms facilities and yet such a huge amount of money is charged.
Properties within the city centre have experienced an increase in demand due to the influx of people in search of a better life in Jos as a result of the inflation in the economy of the country.
It was observed that most of the residences within the metropolis are being sold out to business merchants, who at the end of the day, convert such buildings to shopping malls and shops, taking the place of residence.
However, it was suggested that the government should look into the state of the economy, because at the moment, houses or apartment are no longer seen as shelter, but as a symbol of economic wealth and power among others.
Sadly, a large number of citizens today don’t have the financial strength to own a decent apartment or to rent a good house. The situation is alarming and is getting worse day by day.
METRO FOCUS gathered that the increase in rent depends on the location where properties are situated within the metropolis. And the gap between the rich and poor continues to widen.
The expert appealed to landlords to consider their tenants, especially at this critical time. He believes that with time , they would surely get what they have invested in the property business.
He called on landlords to ensure that all the necessary facilities needed are provided for the tenants to enjoy their stay. Tenants on the other hand, should also ensure they take good care of such facilities and maintenance should be their top priority.
Government agencies that are saddled with the responsibility of supervising buildings and environment should ensure that approvals are made before commencement of any construction work.
On a final note, tenants should report to the relevant authorities where landlords fail to provide the necessary facilities for their convenience. Government should ensure any development within the metropolis has good facilities in order to have healthy people and be environmentally friendly.
