Ebonyi Assembly approves new rules for scrap trade, rents, and agent fees

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a new law to control scrap trading, house rents, and estate agent fees. This is to stop exploitation and vandalism.

The law was approved during Wednesday’s plenary session led by Speaker Moses Odunwa. It is called “The Ebonyi State Sale of Scraps, House Rent and Agent Fees Regulation Law, 2026.”

Once Governor Francis Nwifuru signs it, the law will regulate how metal and electrical scraps are sold, possessed, transported, and disposed of. It also aims to standardize house rents and limit high agent fees.

The law bans the buying, selling, possessing for sale, transporting, or disposing of metal or electrical scraps unless done by licensed dealers following the rules set out in the law.

Those who break this law could face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to ₦500,000.

It also says that landlords who take possession of a property through fraud, misrepresentation, or hiding important facts can face up to two years in jail.

Additionally, the law limits agents' fees to no more than two percent of the total amount for a property deal. Starting after the law goes into effect, landlords must follow the standard rents set by the governor for different types of housing.

All estate agents in the state capital must register with the Ministry of Capital City. This is to ensure transparency and professionalism in property deals.

House Leader Kingsley Ikoro presented the bill. He said it would help fight vandalism, protect the environment, and stop unfair practices in the housing market.

“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,” Ikoro said.

In the debate, lawmakers like Victor Nwoke, Aloysius Nwodo, Oluchukwu Ezeali, Friday Ogbuewu, and Celestine Ogba called the law timely. They believe it will help address scrap theft and unfair rent hikes.

The Speaker noted that scrap dealers have caused a lot of problems in society. If the governor agrees to the law, it will help keep the public safe and bring order back to property transactions.

The bill was reviewed clause by clause by the Committee of the Whole. Members fixed grammatical mistakes before passing the law unanimously.