Urban Housing in Nigeria for Sustainable Development: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Urban Housing has been laden with host of problems, for which urbanization is seen as a major catalyst. The implication is manifested in high unemployment, over population with crowded housing, proliferation of slums, and squatter settlements, degradation of the environment, highly inadequate infrastructural and social amenities, increasing crimes and social vices and other social issues that could jeopardize development. The pervasiveness of urban housing constitutes serious challenges to city growth and sustainability in Nigeria. This study analyses housing problems using systematic review and observation methods of selected houses and the problems confronting them in Lagos and Ibadan, Southwest, Nigeria. It discusses the concept of sustainable development and through its findings, revealed the despicable living conditions of the urban residents and housing conditions in Lagos and Ibadan cities.The study therefore justifies the need for adequate housing, and provides a basis for official intervention in the urban housing delivery process towards achieving sustainable development in Nigeria.