Everyone’s experience of their initial days in boarding school varies widely. Reflecting on mine, it was far from pleasant. On the very first Sunday, the Senior Prefect outlined the school’s strict rules and regulations, including detailed bye-laws. By the time he finished, I felt as though I was stepping into a confinement rather than a place of learning.
The rigid enforcement of bell schedules, prohibitions against crossing lawns, and restrictions on which corridors to use felt suffocating for someone who had just left the watchful eyes of parents, expecting newfound independence in a boarding house. Additionally, the suspension of the usual “first come, first served” principle in favor of seniority was disheartening. At Igbobi College during my time, seniority was highly respected, provided there was no physical mistreatment.
After several nights of tears and the realization that escape was impossible, I began to adjust. Gradually, I understood that the strict system was designed to maintain order. More importantly, it fostered ambition, as I realized that passing my promotion exams would elevate me to senior status within nine months, granting me certain privileges. These benefits would grow as I advanced through the ranks. This process of “paying your dues” in school mirrors the journey through life.
Growing up, elders often prayed that a child would find success in their chosen path without losing humility or forgetting their roots. In earlier decades, owning a car and building a home were the most tangible symbols of achievement. While car ownership has become more common today, homeownership remains a significant milestone. Retiring without owning a home, still beholden to a landlord, was seen as a sign of an unfulfilled career, especially in times when people were buried in front of their own houses.
Recently, I engaged in a lengthy discussion with a State Editor of a newspaper, bonding over politics and our profession. Journalism is unique in that many reach influential positions at a relatively young age, gaining access to powerful figures. However, not everyone capitalizes on this advantage, and some eventually lose these connections, fading into obscurity.
I have witnessed former colleagues, once considered successful, now performing for smaller audiences just to make ends meet. Some live in cramped, substandard housing, and tragically, a few have died homeless. Against this backdrop, it was uplifting to hear this Editor speak proudly of his home in Abuja. His landlord’s relentless rent hikes forced him to reconsider his lifestyle. Previously, he had taken a political role as a break from journalism, living comfortably in a well-located rental property aligned with his status.
When his landlord doubled the rent within three years, he realized this path was unsustainable. He shared the disciplined approach and sacrifices involved in building his own home, which has since appreciated in value. As the Yoruba proverb goes, “a da ni l’oro fi agbara ko ni” – adversity often imparts valuable lessons. Just as a junior student is motivated to study hard to escape the dominance of seniors, this Editor was driven to become a landlord by the challenges posed by his landlord. Many of us aspire to be landlords for the security and relief it offers from unpredictable rent increases and exploitative landlords.
However, becoming a landlord is fraught with obstacles. From acquiring legitimate land and obtaining government approvals to dealing with unscrupulous contractors and problematic tenants, the journey is complex. Consequently, many find it easier to rent, avoiding issues like land disputes, maintenance headaches, and bureaucratic red tape. Yet, renting in prime areas of Lagos and Abuja is increasingly unsustainable due to frequent and steep rent hikes, compounded by inflation and high demand for quality housing.
Desperation drives many home seekers to accept rents beyond their means. Unfortunately, deception is rampant: tenants, agents, and landlords alike engage in fraudulent practices. This cycle of dishonesty underscores the urgent need for effective regulation, especially in urban centers.
Lagos State is reportedly working on a new Tenant/Landlord Bill, which would be the second such legislation in about ten years. For this law to succeed, the government must understand why the previous tenancy law under the Fashola administration failed to gain traction. Impunity pervades the housing sector, starting with government agencies themselves. Regulators must first enforce discipline within their ranks before addressing others’ misconduct.
Efficient and fair arbitration processes could resolve many disputes, including those involving government bodies. Simplifying property transactions would reduce abuses and encourage honest investors to participate in the housing market. Ultimately, the most transformative solution lies in substantial government investment in housing to meet the population’s needs. The fundamental economic principle of supply and demand will always outweigh even the best-intentioned laws.