GROUP PETITIONS GOV. ALIA, SEEKS RENT CONTROL TO EASE HOUSING BURDEN IN BENUE. (PHOTO).

 GROUP PETITIONS GOV. ALIA, SEEKS RENT CONTROL TO EASE HOUSING BURDEN IN BENUE 

30th January, 2026     

 Concerned citizens in Benue State have formally appealed to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia to urgently address the rising cost of residential accommodation across major towns in the state.

The appeal, submitted on Jan. 28, 2026, through a legal team, called for the implementation of rent control measures to cushion the hardship faced by residents, particularly low- and middle-income earners.

Titled “An Appeal for the Implementation of Rent Control in Benue State,” the letter was brought pursuant to Section 4(1) of the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law, 1977, Laws of Benue State. The petitioners confirmed that the letter was duly received and acknowledged by the state government.

The group expressed confidence that Governor Alia, described as a leader committed to positive impact and people-oriented governance, would give the appeal favourable consideration.

According to the petitioners, Benue State is largely populated by civil servants, small-scale business owners, farmers and other struggling residents who are increasingly unable to cope with the current cost of housing, especially in urban centres such as Makurdi and Gboko.

They noted that ongoing insecurity in parts of the state has forced many rural dwellers to relocate to towns, further driving up demand and rent prices beyond the reach of the average citizen.

“Today, about 80 per cent of Benue people j afford the prevailing house rent in Makurdi and Gboko,” the group stated, urging the state government to intervene in the interest of the common man.

The appeal also acknowledged recent efforts by the Alia administration to revive moribund industries and establish new enterprises as part of broader job creation and economic recovery plans.

The group concluded by calling on the government to match these initiatives with policies that protect residents from exploitative housing costs, while offering prayers for the continued success of the governor and progress of Benue State.