Akpabio, Tambuwal, Oshiomhole Back Stronger Tenant Checks, Regulation of Short-Let Apartments
The Nigerian Senate has called for stricter tenancy laws requiring landlords to verify the identities of prospective tenants, including through the National Identification Number (NIN), as part of efforts to combat human trafficking, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The lawmakers also urged the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant agencies, to investigate travel agencies allegedly involved in the trafficking and exploitation of Nigerians abroad.
The resolutions followed consideration of a report on protecting Nigerians from trafficking, slavery and human rights abuses in Libya, presented by the Senate Committees on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations; Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters; Foreign Affairs; and Special Duties.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said landlords who rent properties to unidentified individuals could inadvertently create opportunities for criminals to operate undetected. He called for a review of existing laws to ensure tenants can be properly identified and traced when necessary.
Former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, supported the proposal, advocating legislation covering tenant registration, rent control and security checks. He also stressed the need for landlords to establish proof of ownership of their properties.
Tambuwal urged the National Assembly to encourage state legislatures to adopt similar measures, while Senator Babangida Hussaini, representing Jigawa North-West, cited Lagos State’s existing legislation as a possible model.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, in his contribution, highlighted the organised nature of human trafficking, noting that international networks and foreign collaborators are often involved. He called for efforts to address demand for trafficked persons in destination countries while dismantling criminal networks.
The Senate also proposed legislation to regulate short-let apartments, warning that unverified rental arrangements could be exploited by criminal elements seeking to evade detection.
Beyond tenancy regulation, the lawmakers called for stronger enforcement of existing anti-trafficking laws, including the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, and the Child Rights Act, 2003.
They further urged the Federal Government to increase funding for NAPTIP and other relevant agencies to strengthen investigations, prosecutions and support for victims.
The Senate also called for the establishment of a National Reintegration and Protection Programme for returning victims and other vulnerable Nigerians. The proposed programme would be coordinated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in collaboration with NAPTIP.
The proposed measures form part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s response to human trafficking, protect vulnerable citizens and improve cooperation among security agencies and government institutions.
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