Lagos rent has surged, forcing families like Abosede Sanya’s to struggle to stay in their homes.
Her two-bedroom flat in Mushin Olosha jumped from ₦800,000 to ₦1.5 million in just one year.
Despite a 20% income increase, her budget stretched, and moving would add agency fees, lease agreements, and repair costs.
Consequently, she decided to stay.
Lagos Rent Skyrocketing
Abosede’s story mirrors thousands of tenants across Lagos, from Ogba to Ikorodu, who face rent spikes and few options to escape them.
For instance, in Ogba, a two-bedroom flat that rented for ₦400,000 now goes for ₦800,000, says agent Temidayo Ademosu.
Moreover, upgraded units fetch between ₦1.5 million and ₦2 million.
Nationwide Impact
Some landlords wait three years before reviewing rent, but many adjust earlier because of inflation and economic pressures.
In Ikorodu, Daniel Kanmi pays ₦150,000 annually, while neighbours have doubled their rents to ₦300,000.
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Similarly, in Igbogbo, Samuel Etefia’s three-bedroom apartment rose from ₦700,000 to ₦1.05 million after renovations.
Even in Akute, Ogun State, landlords raised rents over 100%, making Michael Gbenga pay ₦650,000, up from ₦320,000 in two years.
High relocation costs — including agency fees, lease renewals, and repairs — force many tenants to remain, despite tight budgets.
The crisis spreads nationwide.
In Abuja, landlords increased one-room flats from ₦400,000 to ₦750,000.
Likewise, in Port Harcourt, landlords now rent three-bedroom apartments in Rumuokoro between ₦800,000 and ₦900,000, and they plan further increases.
Housing Shortfall
Lagos’ population grew from 21 million in 2016 to 24 million in 2025, yet formal rental households remain at 1.38 million.
Therefore, the city needs about 227,576 new homes annually, but developers deliver far fewer.
Landlords argue that they must set rents to cover maintenance, market rates, and inflation, whether buildings are old or new.
Although laws cap arbitrary hikes, weak enforcement leaves tenants trapped in a worsening housing crisis.
