Igbo Reporter Faces Rampant Discrimination in Lagos Rental Market

A reporter in Lagos, Nigeria, recently faced a disheartening reality while searching for a new place to live. Despite viewing numerous properties across the Alimosho Local Government area, he was met with 17 rejections from landlords, all on account of his Igbo tribal background. The reporter's experience exposes the pervasive discrimination that plagues the city's rental market, where one's tribe has become a determining factor in securing accommodation.

This incident highlights the deeper issues of tribalism and discrimination that persist in Nigerian society, perpetuating social and economic inequalities. If left unchecked, such discriminatory practices can lead to further social unrest and undermine the country's efforts towards national unity and development.

The reporter began his housing search in April, but it quickly became apparent that his Igbo heritage would be a significant obstacle. The first rejection came swiftly, with a landlord bluntly stating, "The landlord said he does not want Igbo." This sentiment was echoed by numerous other landlords and estate agents throughout the reporter's arduous search for a place to call home.

Lagos, the bustlingcommercial capitalof Nigeria, attracts over 600 people daily, according to the Ministry of Housing. However, less than half of these newcomers eventually return to their places of origin. This influx has created a highly competitive rental market, with rent for a three-bedroom apartment in some areas skyrocketing from N450,000 to between N800,000 and N2 million.

Despite Lagos' reputation as a melting pot of cultures and its welcoming spirit, the reporter's experience reveals a disturbing undercurrent of tribal discrimination. Estate agents Fab and Yinks, who assisted the reporter in his search, expressed sympathy for his plight. Upon learning of the rejections, Fab said, "I am so sorry, sir."

The discrimination extends beyond verbal rejections. At one estate agent's office, the reporter encountered a form that included the question, "What tribe are you?" This blatant inquiry into a prospective tenant's tribal background underscores the deeply entrenched nature of the issue and the normalization of such discriminatory practices.

Why this matters: Some landlords attempt to justify their discriminatory actions by citing negative experiences with Igbo tenants. One anonymous landlord claimed, "Sometimes tenants can be difficult. I have had experiences with Igbo tenants who after one or two years of staying in the house will refuse to pay for any bill, water bill or even house rent." Another added, "I am not generalizing every Igbo man or woman is bad, but there are bad eggs among them."

However, these generalizations based on tribal stereotypes are not only offensive but also illegal. Shockingly, the Lagos tenancy law does not explicitly mention discrimination based on tribe, leaving a glaring loophole that allows such practices to persist unchecked. This lack of legal protection leaves individuals like the reporter vulnerable to blatant discrimination without any recourse.

The reporter's experience is not an isolated incident but rather a reflection of a broader issue that plagues Lagos'rental market. The city's growing diversity necessitates measures to combat discrimination and ensure equal access to housing for all, regardless of tribal background. The Lagos state government must take decisive action to address this problem, starting with amendments to the tenancy law that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on tribe.

The reporter's story serves as a sobering illustration that discrimination, in any form, has no place in a modern, progressive society. Lagos, a city celebrated for its rich culture and welcoming spirit, must confront and overcome the challenges posed by tribal discrimination in the housing sector. Only by addressing this issue head-on and implementing necessary legal reforms can Lagos truly live up to its reputation as an inclusive city that embraces diversity.

Key Takeaways

• A reporter in Lagos, Nigeria faced 17 rejections from landlords due to his Igbo tribal background.
• Tribal discrimination is a pervasive issue in Lagos' rental market, affecting access to housing.
• The Lagos tenancy law does not explicitly prohibit discrimination based on tribe, leaving a legal loophole.
• Landlords justify discrimination with negative stereotypes, but this is illegal and offensive.
• The Lagos government must amend the tenancy law to combat tribal discrimination in housing.