PUNCH
Looking for residential accommodation is a herculean task for residents of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, who fall to exploitative estate agents, ESTHER BLANKSON writes
Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, is known for its beautiful landscape, tree-lined boulevards and bustling metropolis. It is the seat of Nigeria’s administrative and political power. Home to various embassies, government parastatals, private companies and universities among other amenities like stadiums, hotels and an airport, Abuja embodies the promise of a better life for many migrants who flock to the city in search of opportunities.
Yet, for those who seek shelter away from home, the dream can quickly turn into a nightmare. The housing market in Abuja has become a minefield where unsuspecting renters fall victim to the deceitful tactics of housing agents who exploit their desperation.
Apart from the fact that the government and private estate developers have not been able to bridge the gap between supply and demand resulting in poorly constructed buildings, the pressure on infrastructure has overstretched the city, forcing many to the neighbouring states such as Nasarawa and Niger.
Not only is it a problem to find affordable housing but the cost of a home in Abuja is also way higher than its monetary value. It includes an incredibly long period of hunting and for most people, the physical and mental stress of choosing between waterlogged estates or a house unreasonably far from their workplace is daunting. But that is only a tip of the challenge as the road from inspection to final payment is lined with many crooked agents.
Mike Albert, a resident of Abuja, is just one of the many casualties of this housing crisis. Upon moving to the city last year, he eagerly began his search for a one-bedroomed apartment. However, his experience with housing agents was a far cry from what he had expected. Pushy and evasive, the agents refused to give him straight answers to his questions.
His worst mistake was allowing his desperation to get the better of him when he eventually paid a commitment fee for a property based solely on the agent’s description and photos. It turned out to be a disaster: the property was in a dire state with damp walls and broken facilities in the kitchen and bathroom. Regrettably, Mike’s story is not unique. Many renters in Abuja face similarly daunting challenges in their quest for a home.
