Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has announced that beginning in 2026, house and land agents will no longer be allowed to operate in the state.
The Governor made the declaration as part of his administration’s strategy to tackle the growing cost of accommodation and the exploitative practices of some real estate agents.
He explained that the decision was reached following concerns that agents contribute significantly to the sharp rise in rental prices, making housing less affordable for ordinary residents.
Nwifuru assured Ebonyi people that the government is committed to creating a fair and affordable housing market. He also revealed that the state will introduce new systems to regulate housing transactions directly between property owners and tenants to ensure transparency.
The ban, set to take effect in 2026, has already sparked conversations among stakeholders, with many residents welcoming the move, while others have raised questions about its potential impact on the real estate sector.