Senate President Godswill Akpabio has proposed a new law that would require tenants to provide valid identification, including their National Identification Number (NIN), before renting houses, apartments, shops and other properties across Nigeria.

 

The proposal was raised during Senate proceedings on October 27, 2026, as lawmakers considered measures aimed at preventing human trafficking, slavery and other human rights abuses in the country.

 

Akpabio expressed concern over the practice of landlords renting out their properties without properly verifying the identities of prospective tenants, warning that the situation could create difficulties for security agencies investigating criminal activities.

 

According to the Senate President, the absence of proper identification records could make it challenging to trace individuals who occupy properties and may subsequently become involved in criminal activities.

 

Akpabio Wants Landlords to Adopt Banks’ KYC Policy

 

To address the situation, Akpabio proposed introducing an identity verification system similar to the Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements operated by banks and other financial institutions.

 

Under the proposed arrangement, landlords would be expected to establish the identities of prospective tenants and maintain appropriate records before allowing them to occupy their properties.

 

The measure could apply to different categories of rented properties, including residential buildings, commercial shops and short-let apartments.

 

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Akpabio argued that extending identity verification to the rental sector could help authorities establish who occupies particular properties when security concerns arise.

 

Senate Leader Directed to Prepare Proposed Legislation

 

Following the discussion, the Senate President directed Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to work on preparing the necessary legislative framework to give effect to the proposal.

 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was identified as an initial focus for the proposed measure.

 

However, details of the proposed legislation, including the specific identification documents landlords would be required to collect and how tenant information would be stored, are yet to be established.

 

Proposal Raises Questions About Tenants’ Privacy

 

If eventually passed into law, the proposal could introduce new responsibilities for landlords and property managers, while requiring prospective tenants to provide additional personal information before securing accommodation or commercial spaces.

 

It could also generate discussions around data protection, privacy and the responsibilities of landlords in handling sensitive personal information.

 

For now, Akpabio’s proposal remains at the discussion and drafting stage and has not become law. Its final scope and requirements will depend on the bill presented before the National Assembly, subsequent deliberations and the legislative process.