Housing development in Nigeria

This study discusses the multiple roles of housing in Nigeria"s economy and identifies key issues to be incorporated in the development of such a policy. Against a background discussion of the emerging focus of development philosophy on a basic needs approach to housing, the role of housing in the Nigerian economy is analyzed from five points of view: housing as a consumption good; the effect of housing in augmenting productivity in the resident labor force; housing as a source of employment and income generation; the impact of housing on capital formation; and housing as a macroeconomic factor. Construction in Nigeria is crucial to both the housing sector and the economy, contributing to both GNP and to gross fixed capital formation at an increasing rate in recent years. Quality of housing ranges from spacious homes to crowded slum dwellings. The main types of housing are distinguished by construction materials, and the use of a specific type depends on regional differences in climate -- highlighting implications for planning material standards for housing. Quality of housing also incorporates factors such as sewerage services, water closets, and electricity, and data indicate that housing and access to services increases with family income. Data suggest that Nigerians spend a smaller proportion of their income on housing than in most developing countries, but data omissions make these atypical figures suspect. Of serious concern in urban areas is the gap which exists between current housing production costs and the ability of low-income families to pay for housing. Although the situation may improve in the long run with rises in income, the short-term need is to reduce production costs and make housing more accessible to the poor. A policy toward achieving this goal should include choosing housing material standards which are more appropriate for a particular region, improving land management and efficiency in both the building and housing production sectors, and increasing access of the poor to financing. Included is a 19-item bibliography (1955-1981).