Exploring inhibiting factors to affordable housing provision in Lagos metropolitan city, Nigeria

The document “Exploring Inhibiting Factors to Affordable Housing Provision in Lagos Metropolitan City, Nigeria” investigates the various barriers that hinder the provision of affordable housing in Lagos, a city grappling with significant housing challenges due to rapid urbanization and population growth. The study aims to identify these inhibiting factors and propose actionable recommendations to improve housing accessibility for low-income earners.

Context of Housing in Lagos

Lagos is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, with a population exceeding 14 million. The rapid urbanization has led to an acute housing crisis, characterized by a deficit of over three million housing units. Many residents, particularly those from low- and moderate-income backgrounds, struggle to find affordable housing options. The report highlights that about 70% of Lagos’s population lives below the poverty line, with many forced into informal settlements lacking basic amenities.

Further reading:
[PDF] Challenges of Housing Delivery in Metropolitan Lagos – CORE core.ac
Housing crisis in Lagos | Heinrich Böll Stiftung | Abuja office – Nigeria ng.boell

Methodology

The study employs a quantitative research design, utilizing surveys to gather data from low-income earners in Lagos. A purposive sampling technique was used, achieving a high response rate of 75.3%. The researchers conducted descriptive and exploratory factor analyses on the collected data to identify and categorize the inhibiting factors affecting affordable housing provision.

Identified Inhibiting Factors

The study identifies 37 inhibiting factors clustered into seven main components that obstruct affordable housing development:

1. Land Access and Security of Tenure: The difficulty in accessing affordable land and issues related to land tenure security significantly impede housing development. The bureaucratic processes involved in land acquisition are lengthy and costly, discouraging potential developers.
2. Socioeconomic Constraints: Low purchasing power among residents, coupled with high unemployment rates, limits the ability of individuals to afford decent housing. Many households allocate over 40% of their income to housing costs, far exceeding the UN recommended threshold of 20%.
3. Conventional Materials and Technologies: The reliance on conventional building materials and construction technologies often leads to increased costs. There is a need for innovative materials that are both cost-effective and locally sourced.
4. Unpredictable Internal Factors: Internal factors such as political instability, corruption, and inconsistent policy implementation create an unpredictable environment for housing development.
5. Absence of Innovative Frameworks and Supply Chains: The lack of a structured framework for affordable housing development hampers effective planning and execution. An efficient supply chain is crucial for reducing construction costs and ensuring timely project completion.
6. Community Collaboration: There is often insufficient collaboration between community stakeholders, including local governments, non-profits, and residents. Engaging communities in the planning process is essential for addressing their specific needs.
7. Urbanization Factors: Rapid urbanization leads to increased demand for housing but outpaces supply, resulting in overcrowding and the proliferation of informal settlements.

Recommendations

The document concludes with several recommendations aimed at overcoming the identified barriers:

1. Enhancing Land Accessibility: Streamlining land acquisition processes and improving security of tenure can encourage more developers to invest in affordable housing projects.
2. Innovative Financing Solutions: Developing alternative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships or microfinance options, could provide necessary capital for affordable housing initiatives.
3. Promoting Sustainable Building Practices: Encouraging the use of non-conventional materials and sustainable construction techniques can reduce costs while improving environmental outcomes.
4. Strengthening Policy Frameworks: Establishing clear policies that support affordable housing development is crucial for creating a more predictable environment for investors.
5. Fostering Community Engagement: Involving local communities in decision-making processes can ensure that housing solutions are tailored to meet their needs effectively.
6. Addressing Socioeconomic Challenges: Implementing programs aimed at improving income levels among low-income earners will enhance their ability to afford decent housing.

Conclusion

The study highlights that addressing the affordable housing crisis in Lagos requires a multifaceted approach that tackles both systemic barriers and immediate challenges faced by low-income residents. By implementing the recommended strategies—focusing on land access, innovative financing, sustainable practices, and community engagement—stakeholders can work towards creating a more equitable housing landscape in Lagos metropolitan city. This comprehensive understanding of inhibiting factors not only informs policymakers but also provides a framework for future research and intervention strategies aimed at alleviating the pressing need for affordable housing in one of Africa’s largest urban centers.

Also Read: Affordable Housing & Homelessness: Challenges Across the OECD

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