Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for a law compelling landlords to verify the identities of prospective tenants, warning that rented properties could be used as hideouts by kidnappers, human traffickers and other criminal elements operating across the country.
Akpabio made the proposal during plenary on Tuesday while senators considered recommendations aimed at protecting Nigerians from human trafficking, slavery and other human rights abuses, particularly in Libya.
He argued that landlords must take greater responsibility for knowing the people they accommodate and providing relevant information to security agencies when criminal investigations involve their properties.
The Senate President proposed a Know-Your-Tenant policy that would require landlords to obtain verifiable identification and relevant personal information from prospective tenants before handing over their properties. The measure, he said, would help establish the identities of occupants and make it easier for law enforcement agencies to trace individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities.
Under the proposed arrangement, prospective tenants could be required to present recognised identification documents, including a National Identification Number (NIN) or other acceptable means of identification, subject to the provisions of the eventual legislation. Such information would be intended to help establish the identity of occupants when necessary, particularly where rented premises are linked to kidnapping, trafficking or other serious offences.
Akpabio argued that landlords should not rent their properties to individuals without making reasonable efforts to establish who they are. He maintained that proper identification would strengthen accountability and help prevent criminals from concealing their identities while using rented accommodation to plan or execute illegal activities.
Drawing a comparison with the banking sector, where financial institutions are required to verify customers’ identities, the Senate President advocated a similar approach in the property-rental sector. He suggested that a formal identification process for tenants could provide security agencies with useful information during investigations and reduce the opportunities available to criminals seeking accommodation without leaving verifiable details.
The proposed policy could also extend to short-let apartments and other temporary accommodation, which may be rented for brief periods. Akpabio’s argument was that property owners and operators should exercise due diligence when admitting occupants, particularly where inadequate identification could make it difficult to establish who used a property during a criminal operation.
The Senate President urged Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to work towards developing the necessary legislation, with the Federal Capital Territory identified as an initial focus. The proposed law would require legislative consideration before its specific requirements, enforcement mechanisms and penalties could be established.
Akpabio also raised the issue of consequences for property owners whose premises are used for criminal activities. Recalling his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State, he referred to anti-kidnapping measures introduced during his administration, including provisions for the forfeiture of property associated with kidnapping offences.
He argued that stronger sanctions could discourage landlords from neglecting activities taking place on their premises and prevent criminal suspects from using residential buildings as operational bases. His remarks placed property owners’ responsibilities at the centre of the proposed approach to crime prevention.
The proposal has raised an important legal distinction between a property being used by a tenant to commit a crime and a landlord knowingly assisting or facilitating that offence. Any forfeiture or demolition provision would need a clear legal basis and appropriate legal procedures; a tenant’s alleged criminal conduct does not, by itself, establish that the landlord is guilty or that the property automatically belongs to the government.
The Know-Your-Tenant proposal formed part of broader Senate deliberations on human trafficking and the exploitation of Nigerians abroad. During the same proceedings, the Senate called for a comprehensive investigation into suspected trafficking networks and travel agencies allegedly involved in recruiting, transporting and exploiting vulnerable Nigerians, particularly those taken to Libya.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate directed the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate suspected trafficking networks and associated travel agencies.
The investigation is expected to examine recruitment activities, financial transactions and travel arrangements that may have facilitated the exploitation of Nigerians.
The lawmakers also called for stricter enforcement of existing anti-trafficking laws, increased funding for relevant agencies, stronger diplomatic engagement with Libya and a coordinated programme to protect and reintegrate Nigerians returning home after being trafficked. The recommendations highlighted the need to combine law enforcement with victim support and measures to prevent further exploitation.
Akpabio’s proposal for a Know-Your-Tenant law adds another dimension to the Senate’s efforts to address criminal activities, with the proposed identification requirements intended to improve accountability in the rental sector.
However, the proposal remains subject to the legislative process, and the precise obligations on landlords, acceptable identification documents and possible penalties would depend on the final provisions of any law enacted.
