Ebonyi State Governor Bans Real Estate Agents from 2026, Cites Exploitation in Housing Sector
By Kelechi Ugo
Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced a sweeping policy change set to take effect from January 2026, banning the activities of house and land agents across Ebonyi State.
In a bold statement, Governor Nwifuru expressed deep concern over what he described as the exploitative practices of real estate agents, blaming them for the consistent rise in rental prices for houses and shops in the state.
"From 2026, I don’t want to see or hear anything about house or land agents in Ebonyi State," the governor declared. "These agents are the reason why rents keep going up every day. How can someone collect nearly half a million Naira just to show another person’s property — property that isn't even theirs?"
He stressed that his administration is committed to serving the interests of the common people, not enabling profiteering at their expense. As part of the new directive, the governor stated that agents should not collect any money — "not even shi-shi" — from individuals seeking accommodation.
The announcement is expected to spark discussions across the state’s housing and real estate sectors, as stakeholders await clarity on how rental and property transactions will be handled moving forward.
While the move is being praised by some as a step towards making housing more affordable, others are raising questions about enforcement and the potential impact on those who earn a living through legitimate property services.
Governor Nwifuru, however, remains resolute: “I am here for the good people of Ebonyi State, and from next year, all these exploitative practices will stop.”
