Nollywood actress and entrepreneur Lilian Esoro has expressed frustration over a fresh rent increase for her business premises, revealing that her landlord is demanding as much as ₦50 million.
The actress shared her concerns on social media while reacting to a viral video of a woman who claimed her house rent in Banana Island, Lagos, was increased by over 392 percent.
According to Esoro, she is facing a similar challenge and fears the new demand could force her to shut down her business.
“God help me! God help us all,” she wrote.
“My business has also just been served an increment notice yet again to ₦50,000,000.”
The actress questioned the justification for massive rent hikes, especially when landlords have made little or no improvements to their properties.
She argued that many business owners are already struggling with Nigeria’s tough economic conditions and should not be burdened with arbitrary increases.
“With everything that is going on, I am forced to ask, this wickedness is to what end?” she asked.
“Same house you already bought and own in the last decade, with no renovations or anything done on the building, you go ahead and increase the rent on occupants just because you feel like it.”
Esoro disclosed that her business has suffered from repeated relocations over the last seven years due to rising rents, noting that such disruptions can hurt businesses and affect employees who depend on them for survival.
She also warned that excessive rent demands are pushing many entrepreneurs to either relocate constantly or shut down entirely.
“Forcing people to either move business address frequently, which isn’t good for any business, or worse, shut down years of hard work and leave staff without jobs.”
The actress appealed to landlords to show compassion and empathy, stressing that wealth and possessions are temporary.
“Never be the reason for someone else’s tears or misery just because you have the power now. There is more to life. Show a little empathy and kindness.”
Expressing her exhaustion, Esoro admitted that she is already dealing with personal challenges and may no longer have the strength to continue running the business under the current circumstances.
“Like how? What am I selling? I can’t anymore.”
“I am already dealing with a lot this period. Now to add this to my issues really isn’t something I can deal with. Nigeria, Lagos, you win. I am done.”
“Zero empathy, zero regulation.”
