Senate Moves to Compel Landlords to Verify Tenants’ NIN Over Kidnapping, Human Trafficking

Akpabio seeks tougher tenancy laws as lawmakers target unverified rentals, short-let apartments and alleged trafficking networks

The Nigerian Senate has moved to tighten tenancy regulations, proposing measures that would require landlords to verify the identities of prospective tenants, including through their National Identification Numbers (NIN), as part of efforts to combat human trafficking, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The proposed measures followed the consideration of a report on protecting Nigerians from human trafficking, slavery and human rights abuses in Libya, with lawmakers calling for stronger legislation, improved security coordination and tougher enforcement against trafficking networks.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio argued that landlords who rent properties to individuals whose identities have not been properly established could inadvertently provide accommodation for criminal activities.

He called for a review of existing tenancy laws to ensure that tenants can be properly identified and traced when necessary by relevant authorities.

The Senate also proposed legislation to regulate short-let apartments, expressing concern that unverified rental arrangements could be exploited by criminals seeking to conceal their identities and evade detection.

Beyond tenancy regulations, the lawmakers directed relevant agencies, including the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to investigate alleged trafficking networks.

The agencies were also urged to examine recruitment arrangements, financial transactions and travel plans allegedly connected to the trafficking and exploitation of Nigerians abroad, particularly in Libya.

The lawmakers further called for investigations into travel agencies allegedly involved in facilitating human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable Nigerians.

Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal disclosed that he had initiated similar legislative efforts while serving as Speaker of a State House of Assembly. He advocated measures covering tenant registration, rent control, security checks and proof of property ownership.

The Senate also called for stronger enforcement of existing anti-trafficking laws and increased funding for NAPTIP to strengthen its capacity to investigate cases, rescue victims and prosecute offenders.

Another proposal was the establishment of a National Reintegration and Protection Programme for returning trafficking victims and vulnerable Nigerians, aimed at supporting their recovery and reducing their exposure to further exploitation.

The proposed tenancy reforms could introduce additional responsibilities for landlords and property managers, particularly those operating short-let apartments. However, the details of any new legal requirements, including how NIN verification would be implemented and what safeguards would protect tenants’ personal information, would need to be established through the relevant legislative process.

The initiative places renewed attention on the need to tackle human trafficking through coordinated investigations, effective border and travel monitoring, stronger victim protection and accountability for individuals and organisations found to be facilitating the crime.