RismadarVoice Reporters
September 30, 2026
The Delta State House of Assembly has commenced fresh legislative action on a bill seeking to regulate the relationship between landlords and tenants and establish procedures for the recovery of premises across the state.
The Delta State Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill, 2026, passed its first reading during plenary on Wednesday following its reintroduction after amendments.
If enacted, the proposed legislation would replace the existing Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law, which dates to 1977, with an updated framework for tenancy matters in Delta State.
The sitting was presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor.
The motion seeking leave to reintroduce the bill was moved by the Leader of the House and member representing Aniocha North State Constituency, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by the member representing Burutu I State Constituency, Hon. Anthony Alapala.
Guwor explained that the proposed legislation had previously been considered by the House but was withdrawn to allow amendments to be incorporated before its reintroduction.
An earlier version of the legislation had undergone legislative scrutiny and a public hearing, with stakeholders including landlords, tenants, estate professionals and government officials invited to contribute to the process.
The proposed law is intended to provide a more contemporary legal framework governing tenancy relationships and the recovery of premises while balancing the interests of property owners and tenants.
The existing law contains provisions covering rent, tenancy agreements and procedures for recovering possession of residential premises.
The second reading of the reintroduced bill has been deferred to a subsequent legislative sitting, when lawmakers are expected to debate its general principles before further consideration.
