The cost of accommodation in the capital Abuja continues to rise in spite of government claims that it is making housing more affordable.

A senior government official, Mr Enabuele, told Leadership Nigeria that two years ago he was paying N500,000 per annum for his two bedroom apartment but his rent has recently surged to N1.2 million.

Investigations by the newspaper have shown that studio apartments in neighbourhoods such as Asokoro, Maitama, Garki II and Wuse II are rented out for between N400,000 to N500,000 per year.

Two and three bedroom apartments in the above areas go for between N800,000 to N1 million, and N1.2 million to N1.5 million per year respectively.

Rent in the towns on the outskirts of Abuja is much lower, although still relatively expensive. A studio apartment in Karu goes for N200,000 a year, while a three bedroom apartment will put you back N600,000 per annum.

Many landlords in Nigeria demand two years rent at the start of the leasing term. In a previous interview with TradeInvestNigeria, Rory Roriston, director of real estate investments, corporate and investment banking at Standard Bank, said this is because of trust issues and forcing the tenant to commit for a full term.

"Another reason could well be the issue that debt is expensive and that the developer needs cash for the development activities. In many cases maintenance is non-existent during the term of the lease and you don’t see the landlord again until lease renewal," he said.