# Lawmakers push formal ID for Abuja apartment rentals

> Senate requires tenants in Abuja to show ID before renting apartments to curb crime.
- Title: Lawmakers push formal ID for Abuja apartment rentals
- Summary: Senate requires tenants in Abuja to show ID before renting apartments to curb crime. Nigerian lawmakers plan to mandate tenant identification for rental…
- Keywords: senate, abuja, tenancy, identification, renting, lawmakers, nigeria, federal capital territory, crime prevention, know your tenant, news, politics
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/920774-lawmakers-move-to-make-formal-identification-compulsory-for-renting-apartments-in-abuja.html
- Author: Abdulqudus Ogundapo
- Published: 2026-10-27T17:23:57+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: senate, abuja, tenancy, identification, renting, lawmakers, nigeria, federal capital territory, crime prevention, know your tenant, news, politics
## Senate moves to require tenant ID
The Senate on Tuesday resolved to initiate legislation requiring tenants in the Federal Capital Territory to present valid identification before renting apartments.
## Senate President directs bill drafting
Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, to draft the bill for consideration by the National Assembly.
## Akpabio cites security concerns
Akpabio expressed concern that many property owners rent out properties to strangers without obtaining adequate information about their identities.
## Akpabio explains crime impact
He argued that the lack of proper documentation makes it difficult for security agencies to trace suspects when crimes are committed.
## Akpabio describes tenant risks
Akpabio said people enter properties with nefarious intentions and commit crimes while living in the house.
## Akpabio proposes KYC approach
He proposed adopting an approach similar to the banking sector’s Know Your Customer policy, requiring verification of tenants’ identities.
## Akpabio links to shop rentals
He said the proposed legislation could also cover the rental of shops and other commercial spaces.
## Akpabio details shop tenant requirements
Akpabio said people renting shops should provide verifiable identification, including a driver’s licence or international passport.
## Akpabio explains security benefits
He said the lack of reliable tenant information could leave property owners unable to identify or help locate people who used their premises for crimes.
## Akpabio recalls Akwa Ibom measures
To support his argument, Akpabio recalled measures his administration introduced to tackle kidnapping when he was governor of Akwa Ibom State.
## Akpabio describes shoplet risks
He said people who want to do shoplifting should have clear identities to help security agencies trace them if implicated in criminal activities.
## Proposed law’s impact on rentals
If enacted, the law would require landlords in the FCT to verify prospective tenants’ identities before letting out their property.
## Law aims to trace criminals
The proposal is intended to help security agencies trace people suspected of committing crimes from their residential addresses.
## Law could deter criminal activity
The law could deter criminals from using rented apartments and commercial premises as bases for criminal activities.
## Effectiveness depends on details
However, its effectiveness would depend on the legislation’s details, including how identities would be verified and compliance monitoring.
## Potential privacy concerns
The proposal could raise concerns about privacy, the security of tenants’ personal information, and landlords using the requirement to discriminate.
## Data protection compliance needed
The Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 provides a framework for lawful, secure handling of personal information.
## Law remains in drafting stage
The proposal remains in the drafting stage and would need to go through the legislative process before becoming law.
## Key takeaway

Nigerian lawmakers plan to mandate tenant identification for rental properties in Abuja to prevent criminal activity.