Nigeria Senate proposes mandatory ID for Abuja apartment rentals

The Nigerian Senate has resolved to initiate legislation that would require prospective tenants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to provide valid identification before renting apartments. Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to draft the bill for consideration by the National Assembly.

The move aims to curb criminal activities and enhance security. Akpabio expressed concern that property owners often rent to strangers without verifying their identities, occupations, or backgrounds, making it difficult for security agencies to trace suspects after crimes occur. He noted that inadequate documentation allows perpetrators to leave no trace, sometimes using phone numbers that do not belong to the actual occupants.

The directive came during a debate on a report regarding the protection of Nigerians from human trafficking to Libya. The report was presented by Aniekan Bassey, chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, and involved multiple committees including Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Foreign Affairs.