By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a law regulating scrap trading, residential rent and property agency fees across the state.
The Ebonyi State Sale of Scraps, House Rent, and Agent Fees Regulation Law 2026 was passed on Tuesday.
The law took effect immediately after the Assembly approved it on August 11.
It prohibits the unlicensed buying, selling, possession, transportation and disposal of metal and electrical scraps.
Anyone who violates the provision could face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to N500,000, or both.
The law also empowers the state to regulate residential rents.
Landlords must comply with rent tariffs prescribed by Governor Francis Nwifuru and cannot charge above the approved limits.
Landlords who fraudulently obtain possession orders through misrepresentation or concealment of facts could also face up to two years in prison.
The new law caps property agency fees at two per cent of the gross transaction value.
It applies to both professional and non-professional agents.
Estate agents operating in Ebonyi State’s capital must also register with the Ministry of the Capital City.
The House said the legislation would help curb public infrastructure vandalism, environmental degradation and exploitative practices in the property market.
Speaker Moses Odunwa said the law would restore order to the property market and protect public infrastructure and private property.
The Assembly also adopted the Auditor-General’s report on the state’s 2025 consolidated financial statements.
It further confirmed nine nominees appointed by Governor Nwifuru to serve at the Amasiri Development Centre in Afikpo Local Government Area.
