By Adenike Lawal
Frustrated by skyrocketing rent in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), residents are calling on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to impose heavy taxes on unoccupied houses to curb the housing crisis.
With self-contained apartments now costing up to N1 million and one-bedroom flats ranging from N2 million to N2.5 million, many civil servants and low-income earners are being forced out of the city.
The lack of regulation has allowed landlords to hike rents arbitrarily, leaving several properties vacant while tenants struggle.
Residents argue that taxing unoccupied houses will push owners to rent them out, increasing housing supply and stabilizing prices.
They urge the government to act swiftly to protect citizens from exploitation and prevent further displacement.
