The Nigerian Senate has called for stricter tenancy regulations that would require landlords to properly verify the identities of prospective tenants, including through their National Identification Numbers (NIN), as part of efforts to tackle kidnapping, human trafficking and other criminal activities.
The lawmakers also called on relevant security agencies to investigate travel agencies allegedly involved in the trafficking and exploitation of Nigerians abroad, particularly those who may be using deceptive recruitment schemes to lure victims into dangerous situations.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate directed the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies to investigate suspected trafficking networks, financial transactions and travel arrangements linked to the crimes.
The lawmakers further proposed legislation to regulate short-let apartments, expressing concerns that poorly monitored rental arrangements could provide criminals with hiding places and allow them to evade security checks.
These resolutions followed the consideration of a report on measures to protect Nigerians from human trafficking, slavery and human rights abuses in Libya.
Speaking on the issue, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the need for landlords to know the identities of the people renting their properties. He warned that renting out houses to unidentified individuals could unknowingly expose property owners to criminal activities.
Akpabio therefore urged the government to review existing tenancy laws to ensure that tenants can be properly identified and traced when necessary.
Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal also supported the move, revealing that he had initiated similar legislation while serving as Speaker of a State House of Assembly. He called for proper tenant registration, rent control measures, security checks and verification of property ownership.
Beyond tenancy reforms, the Senate called for stronger enforcement of anti-trafficking laws and increased funding for NAPTIP to improve its ability to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable Nigerians.
The lawmakers also advocated the establishment of a National Reintegration and Protection Programme to support returning trafficking victims and help vulnerable Nigerians rebuild their lives.
The proposed measures are aimed at strengthening security, improving accountability in the rental sector and preventing criminal networks from exploiting gaps in Nigeria’s existing laws.
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