senate-know-your-tenant-nin-verification-human-trafficking
Senate Proposes ‘Know Your Tenant’ Law, NIN Verification to Fight Human Trafficking, Kidnapping
*IMPORTANT NEWS:* The Nigerian Senate has called for stricter tenancy laws that would require landlords to verify the identities of tenants, including through the National Identification Number (NIN), as part of broader efforts to combat human trafficking, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
The resolution was reached on *Tuesday, October 27, 2026*, during plenary after consideration of a joint report on protecting Nigerians from trafficking, slavery and human rights abuses in Libya. The report was presented by the Senate Committees on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations; Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters; Foreign Affairs; and Special Duties.
Senate President *Godswill Akpabio* said landlords who rent properties to unidentified individuals could inadvertently provide cover for criminals.
_"Know your tenant. Let’s make the necessary law for the FCT, for instance. People enter people’s properties with very nefarious intentions,"_ Akpabio said, comparing it to the banking sector's Know Your Customer (KYC) policy.
The Senate also proposed:
- *Regulation of short-let apartments* – requiring valid ID to prevent criminals from evading detection.
- *Investigation of travel agencies* allegedly involved in trafficking by NAPTIP, Police, Immigration, EFCC and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Review of the *Trafficking in Persons Act 2015* and *Child Rights Act 2003*.
- Increased funding for NAPTIP and a National Reintegration Programme for victims.
Contributing, Senator *Aminu Tambuwal* supported the proposal, advocating legislation covering tenant registration, rent control and security checks, citing Lagos State's existing tenancy law as a possible model. Senator *Adams Oshiomhole* noted trafficking is an organized business that must be tackled at its source.
Akpabio recalled that as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, he signed an anti-kidnapping law prescribing the death penalty and forfeiture of properties used for kidnapping.
The Senate clarified that a nationwide law has not yet been enacted — further legislative action will be required, starting with the FCT.
*This article originally appeared on Imo Media Hub.*
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