- Landlords on Notice: Lagos Lawmakers Plan to End ‘Midnight Evictions’ Forever! Evict Without Court? Jail Awaits! Lagos’ New Bill Shakes the Housing Market
A major legal storm is brewing in Lagos as the State House of Assembly considers a bold bill that could permanently end forced evictions without court approval.
Under the proposed law, landlords and property agents will no longer be allowed to evict tenants, lock them out, seize belongings, or disconnect essential services without a valid court order. Any eviction carried out outside the legal process would be declared unlawful and punishable.
Lawmakers say the bill is a direct response to the growing wave of harassment, intimidation, and sudden evictions, especially in low- and middle-income areas of Africa’s most populous city. With Lagos facing intense housing pressure, tenants often find themselves powerless against landlords who bypass the courts.
“This is about fairness, not witch-hunting,” a lawmaker said. “Nobody should be thrown out of their home overnight without due process.”
Tenant groups have welcomed the move, calling it long overdue, while many residents say it could finally end the fear of surprise evictions. However, landlords and real estate stakeholders are raising alarms, warning that the law could discourage investment, increase rent, and make it harder to recover properties from defaulting tenants.
Legal experts caution that the real test will be judicial efficiency, noting that slow court processes could create new tensions if eviction cases drag on.
As the bill heads for public hearings, one thing is clear:
If passed, this law could redefine renting in Lagos—and permanently shift the balance of power between landlords and tenants.
💬 Is this tenant protection or landlord punishment? The debate is on.
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- Tenants Breathe, Landlords Panic: Lagos Proposes Law to Ban Forced Evictions. Housing Earthquake in Lagos: New Bill Could Stop Evictions Without Court Approval
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