Students Warn Delta Over Rising Rent Crisis in Asaba

(Delta State. Photo by Nation News)

The Anioma Student Body has called on the Delta State Government to urgently tackle the rising cost of house rents in Asaba, the state capital, warning that the trend is pushing residents out of their homes and threatening the state’s appeal to investors.

In a statement issued yesterday, the group’s President, Comrade Whyte Angel, described the persistent rise in rents across the capital as a growing socio-economic crisis affecting students, civil servants, artisans, traders and young professionals.

The body said rising accommodation costs, compounded by prevailing economic hardship, had left many tenants unable to meet new rental demands, forcing some to relocate while discouraging prospective residents and investors from settling in Asaba.

The group warned that if left unaddressed, the escalating rent situation could hinder economic growth and deepen hardship for residents.

It called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to direct relevant ministries and agencies to investigate the root causes behind the persistent rent hikes and implement measures to curb arbitrary increases.

The student body also urged the Delta State House of Assembly to enact legislation regulating rent increases, protecting tenants from exploitation, and ensuring fairness between landlords and tenants.

It further appealed to government to engage landlords, estate developers and other stakeholders in developing sustainable housing policies aimed at promoting affordable accommodation and preserving Asaba’s appeal to residents, businesses and investors alike.

The group stressed that housing remains a basic necessity rather than a luxury, and expressed confidence that the state government would act swiftly to address growing concerns over accommodation costs in the capital.