Former Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has called for a review of tenancy laws to compel landlords to collect rents monthly. Speaking at the launch of his book titled “Nigerian Public Discourse: The Interplay of Empirical Evidence and Hyperbole” in Lagos, Fashola highlighted the overwhelming burden on tenants caused by advance payment of rents, often spanning three years or more.
He emphasized the need to reduce the duration of rent payments, suggesting they coincide with monthly salaries to ease financial strain on tenants. Fashola stressed the importance of accurate data in addressing societal challenges and called for its utilization in policy formulation and planning.
The book, reviewed by author and academic Opeyemi Agbaje, delves into various issues including corruption, poverty, governance, and the Nigerian constitution. Agbaje commended Fashola for providing thoughtful analysis and debunking myths, urging Nigerians to seek accurate facts and statistics to counter hyperbole.
At the book launch, a panel of experts discussed the significance of data in development, emphasizing its role as a basis for policy formulation. The event was attended by dignitaries including Fashola’s wife, representatives of the Federal Executive Council, Lagos Deputy Governor, and other notable personalities.
