PIBCID Raises Alarm Over Rising Housing Costs, Agents’ Extortion in Kogi on International Women’s Day
A non-governmental organisation, Participation Initiative for Behavioral Change in Development (PIBCID), has raised concerns over the rising cost of housing and alleged exploitation by house agents in Kogi State, warning that the situation is worsening the vulnerability of women and low-income families.
The organisation made the call in a statement issued and signed by the Executive Director of PIBCID, Akande Racheal Remilekun,
to mark the International Women’s Day 2026, themed “Give to Gain.”
PIBCID urged the Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, and other relevant stakeholders to urgently address the growing housing crisis in the state, which it said have become a serious concern to citizens of the state.
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According to the group, the sharp increase in house rents and the alleged extortion by landlords, and house agents have made it increasingly difficult for vulnerable residents, especially widows, women with disabilities, students, orphans and low-income earners, to secure decent accommodation.
“Access to safe and affordable housing is a basic human need and a key component of dignity, stability and economic security,” the organisation said, noting that rising housing costs in the state capital and other parts of the state have placed a heavy burden on residents.
The group stressed that women are among the worst affected by the housing crisis, adding that many single mothers, widows and women with disabilities often struggle to provide safe accommodation for themselves and their children.
As a result, PIBCID said many women are forced to live in overcrowded spaces, unsafe neighbourhoods or face the risk of homelessness. For women with disabilities, the organisation noted that the challenge is compounded by both financial and structural barriers in accessing suitable housing.
PIBCID warned that the ripple effects of the housing crisis could threaten the safety and dignity of women, disrupt children’s education, increase exposure to exploitation and gender-based violence, and weaken family stability.
The organisation therefore called on government at all levels to take urgent action by investing in affordable housing schemes targeted at low-income families, women and persons with disabilities.
It also recommended the promotion of inclusive housing policies that ensure accessibility and safety for women and persons with disabilities, as well as stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to expand affordable housing options.
Other measures proposed include the regulation of house agents and landlords to curb extortion, enforcement of penalties for illegal charges, the introduction of stronger rent control policies and the conduct of annual housing risk assessments to better understand the challenges faced by vulnerable groups.
PIBCID emphasised that housing should provide security and dignity rather than become a source of exploitation.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we urge government authorities, civil society organisations and community leaders to work together to end exploitation in the housing sector and ensure that every citizen has access to safe, affordable and decent housing,” the organisation said.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MARCH 8TH 2026)
