Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for legislation requiring landlords to verify the identities of prospective tenants as part of efforts to strengthen security and regulate Nigeria’s rental housing market.
Akpabio raised the proposal during Senate deliberations on October 27, 2026, expressing concern that poorly documented rental arrangements could make it easier for criminals to evade identification.
He argued that some landlords rent out properties without obtaining adequate information about occupants, making it difficult for security agencies to trace individuals when crimes occur.
“A lot of people just give their properties to strangers. They don’t even have any papers to know where they come from,” Akpabio said.
He also warned that some individuals allegedly use telephone numbers belonging to other people when renting properties, complicating investigations.
“We are making a law that tenants must rent houses with their NIN,” he stated.
Drawing comparisons with banking regulations, the Senate President described the proposal as a form of tenant verification.
“As you know in the bank, they say, know your customer; this one we can say, know your tenants,” he added.
Akpabio urged lawmakers to consider legislation that would initially cover the Federal Capital Territory, with recognised identification, potentially including the National Identification Number, forming part of the proposed verification process.
Tambuwal Backs Broader Tenancy Regulation
Senator Aminu Tambuwal also supported wider reforms to Nigeria’s rental housing system.
His proposed areas of focus include tenant registration, rent control, security checks and verification of property ownership.
The discussions extend beyond security concerns to longstanding challenges affecting renters, including fraudulent property transactions, excessive charges and disputes over rental deposits.
A more structured tenancy system could introduce clearer responsibilities for landlords and tenants while improving documentation and accountability.
SimpleRooms Promotes Digital Rental Solutions
Private-sector technology is also emerging as part of the conversation around rental sector reforms.
SimpleRooms, a Nigerian rental platform, promotes zero-commission property listings, direct engagement between landlords and tenants, transparent transactions and improved rental documentation.
The platform provides property listings, landlord support, referencing and rental documentation services.
Its founder, Biodun Olusesan, said the company’s objective is to make property rentals more accessible and transparent.
“Our mission is to empower Nigerians by providing a direct, transparent, and cost-effective way to manage rental properties,” Olusesan said.
The platform’s approach highlights how digital services could complement government regulation by improving access to rental information and supporting documented transactions.
Proposed National Tenancy Scheme Seeks Tenant Protection
Mentoring Commandant Alistair, a good governance and leadership advocate, has also championed a proposed National Tenancy Scheme aimed at protecting renters through documented transactions and independent dispute resolution.
According to the proposal, the initiative has been discussed with the Federal Ministry of Housing and its directors.
The organisers intend to pursue wider engagement under the ministry’s new leadership and present the proposal to the National Assembly.
Mentoring Commandant said tenant identification should go hand in hand with protections for people seeking accommodation.
“Knowing your tenant is important, but knowing that tenants’ wellbeing is protected is equally essential. Nigeria needs a rental system where landlords are verified, tenants are accountable, and nobody loses simply because they are looking for somewhere to live,” he said.
The proposed framework would draw on international tenancy and landlord-protection practices while considering Nigeria’s housing conditions.
Nigeria’s Rental Market Faces Opportunity For Reform
The renewed legislative debate presents an opportunity to address several weaknesses in Nigeria’s rental housing system.
Combining responsible identity verification with digital rental services, documented agreements and accessible dispute-resolution procedures could improve transparency across the sector.
However, effective tenancy regulation would also need to protect tenants’ personal information, prevent discriminatory practices and ensure that identification requirements do not create additional barriers for people seeking accommodation.
For lawmakers and housing stakeholders, the challenge is to develop a framework that balances security, landlord accountability and tenant protection while supporting a more transparent and accessible rental market.
