The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has disclosed that the state legislature is putting finishing touches on a Rent Control Law aimed at regulating house rents, agency fees, and other practices within the housing sector.
Udeze made the revelation on Wednesday during a media briefing at his office in Awka to mark the third anniversary of the 8th Anambra State House of Assembly.
According to the Speaker, the proposed legislation goes beyond rent regulation and is designed to address concerns surrounding the activities of property agents and other challenges affecting tenants and landlords across the state.
“The rent control law is receiving finishing touches. It is not just about rent control; it will also address issues relating to agents and other practices in the housing sector. We are optimistic that when it comes into effect, it will bring relief to residents and restore sanity to the system,” Udeze stated.
Reviewing the Assembly’s performance over the past three years, the Speaker expressed gratitude to God and commended lawmakers for their commitment to legislative duties. He noted that the 8th Assembly has recorded significant achievements in its efforts to improve governance and enhance the welfare of Anambra residents.
Udeze revealed that the Assembly has passed about 45 bills since its inauguration, with 42 already signed into law by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The legislation includes private members’ bills and 22 executive bills. He added that the House has also considered over 90 motions and received more than 100 petitions, with about 16 already resolved.
Among the landmark laws highlighted by the Speaker were the Local Government Administration Law and the Homeland Security Law. He explained that the Local Government Administration Law was enacted to strengthen local government autonomy and improve financial management through a consolidated account system.
Addressing concerns about legislative independence, Udeze insisted that the House is not a rubber-stamp institution.
“The House is independent, but not autonomous. We work in synergy with the Executive arm in the overall interest of the people, but that does not mean we merely endorse every proposal placed before us,” he said.
On security matters, the Speaker noted that the Homeland Security Law was introduced to tackle security challenges in the state and underwent thorough legislative scrutiny before its passage.
He attributed much of the Assembly’s success to its cordial working relationship with the executive arm under the “One State, One Agenda” policy of the Soludo administration.
Udeze also outlined plans to modernize legislative operations through digitization initiatives, including the establishment of a digital library, deployment of technology-driven tools, and construction of an additional administrative block for the Assembly.
He further advocated improved welfare packages and continuous capacity-building programmes for Assembly staff and lawmakers, particularly newly elected members.
Expressing optimism about the future, the Speaker said the Assembly remains committed to strengthening democracy, encouraging greater public participation in lawmaking, and enacting policies that will accelerate development across Anambra State.
“This is not business as usual. We were elected to serve the people, and our focus has been on creating the right legal framework to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of transforming Anambra State.
“We have every reason to celebrate our achievements. Our goal is to provide a conducive environment for progress and sustainable development. We are here to serve the people and ensure that Anambra continues on the path of growth,” Udeze added.
