Suffocating Rent Charges In Lagos: Social Media Personality, Laura Ikeji Calls On Lagos Governor To Intervene
OpenLife reports that Nigerian entrepreneur and social media personality Laura Ikeji‑Kanu has publicly raised the alarm over the staggering increase in commercial rents in Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of fellow business owners, she called on Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu to urgently address the issue.
In a video that has since gone viral, Laura detailed the shocking rise in her own shop rents:
“My store went from N4 million to N8 million, from N8 million to N13 million, from N13 million to N16 million. The other one went from N3 million to N8 million, from N8 million to N16 million, and now I pay N30 million as rent.”
She described the situation as unbearable, even for someone with multiple income streams:
“I can’t cope, and this is coming from somebody who actually makes money outside business… Things are so bad.”
Laura spoke as a representative voice for Lagos business owners, highlighting the collective frustration:
“To Governor Sanwo‑Olu of Lagos State, we the Business Women Association of Lagos State, whether we are founders or owners of small businesses, we are frustrated.”
The entrepreneur warned of dire consequences if the government does not intervene:
“You will not have any business in Lagos soon because a lot of people would have to move out of Lagos.”
She also criticized the lack of rent regulation and called for immediate action:
“Since you have refused to regulate the rent in Lagos, maybe you should start giving us money for business… So do something.”
Laura’s statements underscore the growing concern over the sustainability of small and medium businesses in Lagos.
Rising rents are threatening livelihoods and could force many business owners to shut down if urgent solutions are not implemented.
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