Ebonyi Assembly passes bill regulating scrap trade, rents, agent fees.

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a new law designed to curb vandalism, environmental damage, and exploitative practices within the state. Titled “The Ebonyi State Sale of Scraps, House Rent and Agent Fees Regulation Law, 2026,” the bill awaits the governor's assent to become official legislation.

The law imposes strict regulations on the metal and electrical scrap trade, prohibiting its purchase, sale, possession, transportation, or disposal by unlicensed dealers. It sets penalties for violations, including imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to ₦500,000. The legislation also targets landlords who engage in fraudulent practices to gain possession of properties, imposing similar penalties.

Furthermore, the bill standardizes house rents according to categories set by the governor and caps estate agent fees at a maximum of two percent of the property transaction's gross amount. All estate agents operating within the state capital are required to register with the Ministry of Capital City to ensure transparency and professionalism in real estate dealings.

During the plenary session, House Leader Kingsley Ikoro emphasized the bill's importance in combating vandalism of critical infrastructure and addressing arbitrary rent increases. Several lawmakers, including Victor Nwoke, Aloysius Nwodo, Oluchukwu Ezeali, Friday Ogbuewu, and Celestine Ogba, supported the legislation, deeming it timely and essential for restoring order.

The Assembly also approved the state Auditor-General's report on the consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2025, confirming compliance with accepted accounting principles. Additionally, nine nominees for coordinator and member positions were screened and confirmed.

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This legislation is very important to us as a people because it will help check vandalism of critical assets, environmental degradation and exploitative practices in the housing sector.