Kogi State residents are grappling with a severe housing crisis as rents skyrocket, driven by a housing deficit and economic hardship. The cost of basic accommodations has doubled or tripled, leaving many, particularly civil servants, unable to afford suitable housing.

In a troubling trend, landlords are increasingly opting to rent their properties to suspected internet fraudsters, commonly known as “Yahoo Boys,” who can pay significantly higher rents. This shift is intensifying the challenges for legitimate tenants, as it raises fears of increased crime and exploitation within the housing market.

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In response to these growing concerns, the Kogi government has issued warnings to landlords against renting to individuals engaged in fraudulent activities. Additionally, the government is exploring various policies aimed at tackling the housing deficit, including a proposal to develop 1,000 housing units specifically for civil servants, aiming to alleviate some of the pressure on this vulnerable group.