| Content | APPRAISAL OF MODERN STRATEGIES FOR HOUSING DELIVERY
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Housing shortage is one of the most serious developmental challenges presently confronting Nigeria. Stakeholders and industry operatives in building technology are unanimous in their opinion that the process of housing delivery in Nigeria needs a change of strategy. In this study, the researcher is examining modern ways that could be explored to meet the nation’s housing deficit which stands around 17million units (Akeju, 2012). Although Nigeria with a population of over 160 million people has been identified as the largest market in Africa for everything, including real estate, growing demand for decent shelter has continued to meet leaner supply of housing units.Over the years, successive governments in the country had tinkered with policies in a bid to achieve its mass housing objective but due to lack of reasonable commitment to it, achieving the goal has remained elusive (FRN, 2007). Experts who gave analytical insight into the problem of housing delivery in Nigeria called for a declaration of a state of emergency in the housing sector, saying innovative thinking and modern strategies could bring about better outcomes that will enhance housing delivery process in the country. It is a known fact that financing of housing projects remained one of the biggest problems in the sector that is militating against housing delivery. Akeju (2012) is of the opinion that the major issue in housing delivery is funding, getting appropriate funding. There is money flowing everywhere but the right type of money needed for long term project like housing is not available. Something that can really work for affordable housing can be akin to what the Federal Mortgage Bank offers which cannot go round. Modern strategy in housing delivery in Nigeria will reiterates the government’s priority to tackle overcrowding and the ambitious target to reduce severe overcrowding in rented housing apartments (Bush, 2004). Alongside making funding available for larger homes, with at least higher number of bedrooms, and a long-term commitment to deliver the familysized affordable homes should be identified in a strategic plan for housing delivery (Easton, 2006). There are many strategies needed to facilitate massive housing deliveryin Nigeria but modern and technologically-inspired large scale housing schemes – schemes and sites with thousands of housing units could play a significant role in the delivery of the large number of houses the Nigerians needs.Theexperience of the last 20 years suggests that the level of demand for new homes over the next decade will not be met by piecemeal incremental developments. In Nigeria today, there is a shortage of housing for low-income earners and constantly growing housing demands (due to increase in population) that are not met. Unfortunately, banks are reluctant to provide mortgage facilities to low-income earners. In order to solve the housing/mortgage challenges faced by the Nigeria populace, the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) was established to promote home ownership and increase the availability and affordability of mortgage loans to Nigerians.In spite of the incorporation of NMRC in June 24, 2013, not much has changed. The apathy of banks towards mortgage transactions still lingers, understandably, because of the risk of default. To buttress this, 66,402 Nigerians applied for mortgages during the recent Nigerian Housing Finance Programme. Only 10,000 Nigerians were selected. However, the interest rates by primary mortgage institutions that participated in the programme were alarming (14.5% -19%).It is suggested that a cue be taken from other countries where the cost of mortgage for first time home buyers are low, with small down payments and easy terms especially, a single digit interest rate.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The problem of housing delivery is of great concern in many countries. This problem is especially prominent in Nigeria. The challenge as been magnified as a result of a myriad of issues, not least, a high population growth rate, shortage of necessary skills and disintegrated supply chain. There is need for Nigerian government and stakeholders in the building industry to rise up to housing needs of Nigerians in quality and quantity. Some researchers has advocated other modern methods of construction like dry construction has strategy to mass housing delivery. However, the researcher is examining how modern strategies can be used to ensure that the housing need of Nigerians are met.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The following are the objectives of this study:
1. To examine the modern strategies that can be used for effective housing delivery.
2. To determine the effect of modern strategies on housing delivery in Nigeria.
3. To analyze the factors hindering the use of modern strategies in housing delivery in Nigeria.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What are the modern strategies that can be used for effective housing delivery?
2. What is the effect of modern strategies on housing delivery in Nigeria?
3. What are the factors hindering the use of modern strategies in housing delivery in Nigeria?
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The following are the significance of this study:
1. Outcome of this study will educate stakeholders in the building industry, government and policy makers on the modern strategies that can be used to solve the problems of housing deficit in Nigeria.
2. This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic
1.6 SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This study on appraisal of modern strategies for housing delivery in Nigeria will cover all the effort and approaches of past and present government of Nigeria at tackling the problem of housing deficit in Nigeria. It will also cover the new approaches and strategies that can be used for mass housing development.
LIMITATION OF STUDY
Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work. | PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Residential property management is emerging as a managerial science today (Kyle and Baird, 1995). It transcends beyond the role of rent collector (Li, 1997). Managing a residential property involves establishing goals, objectives and policies and implementation of strategies to achieve those goals and objectives. Singh (1994, 1996) posited that residential property management is an activity that seeks to control interests in property owner and particular purpose for which the property is held. Wong (1999) considers residential property management as the work carried out to manage and maintain the development including its facilities at the level that will retain or enhance the value of the residential property, create a safe, functional and conducive living environment for occupants, keep or restore every facility in efficient working order and in good state of repair, and project a good appearance or image for the development. Ismail (1996) regards residential property management responsibility as including all the necessary making to ensure the economic and physical vitality of residential property assets. Residential property management is also the management of personal property, equipment, tooling and physical capital assets that are acquired and used to build, repair and maintain the residential property. Property management involves the processes, systems and manpower required to manage the life cycle of all public residential property as defined above including acquisition, control, accountability, responsibility, maintenance, utilization and disposition (Njoku, 2006). According to Ebie (2012), duties involved in residential property management generally will include a minimum of these basic primary tasks - The full and proper screening or testing of an tenants/applicant's credit, criminal history, rental history and ability to pay. - Lease contracting or accepting rent using legal documents approved for the area in which the property is located. - Mitigation and remediation regarding any maintenance issues, generally within a budget, with prior or conveyed consent via a Limited Power of Attorney legally agreed to by the property owner. There are many facets to this residential property management, including managing the accounts and finances of the real estate/residential properties, and participating in or initiating litigation with tenants, contractors and insurance agencies. Litigation is at times considered a separate function, set aside for trained attorneys. Although a person will be responsible for this in his/her job description, there may be an attorney working under a property manager. Special attention is given to landlord/tenant law and most commonly evictions, non-payment, harassment, reduction of pre-arranged services, and public nuisance are legal subjects that gain the most amount of attention from residential property managers. Therefore, it is a necessity that a public residential property manager be current with applicable municipal, county, state and Federal Fair Housing laws and practices. In advanced countries, residential property management, like facility management, is increasingly facilitated by computer-aided facility management (CAFM). However, managers of residential properties in Nigeria are faced with various kinds of problems ranging from uncooperative attitude from workers, poor maintenance and environmental condition, security and other basic infrastructures. Some managers in Nigeria have been able to cope with some of these challenges but the researcher will provide an overview about the problem and prospects of residential properties management focusing on Kaduna North Local Government Area.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
According to Bello (2008), residential property is more than a mere shelter; it includes all facilities within and around it, embracing a bundle of services which entails both product and process. Management of residential building embraces in all ramifications the maintenance and development process, be it economic, social, physical). In fact, management of these properties has been subject of focus by researcher in recent times based on the cumbersome nature of the process. The problem of poor management of residential properties is a global phenomenon and the severity of the problem differs from one nation to another. However, the researcher is seeking to examine the problems and prospects of management of residential property in Kaduna North Local Government Area.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The following are the objectives of this study:
1. To examine the problems of residential properties management in Kaduna North Local Government Area. 2. To analyze the prospects of residential properties management in Kaduna North Local Government Area. 3. To identify the solution to the problems of residential properties management in Kaduna North Local Government Area.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What are the problems of residential properties management in Kaduna North Local Government Area?
2. What are the prospects of residential properties management in Kaduna North Local Government Area?
3. What is the solution to the problems of residential properties management in Kaduna North Local Government Area?
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The following are the significance of this study:
1. The outcome of this study will educate the general public on the problems and prospects of managing residential properties in Nigeria emphasizing on its proper management and some other management challenges which will form a guide for estate managers in decision making.
2. This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.
1.7 SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
The scope of this study on the problems and prospects of residential properties management in Kaduna North Local Government Area will cover all the basic problems faced by managers in effective maintenance of both the infrastructure and finances generated on residential property.
LIMITATION OF STUDY
Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Management: the process of dealing with or controlling things or people. Residential: designed for people to live in. Property: a thing or things belonging to someone; possessions collectively. | DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE SERVICE STATION 9TH MILE CORNER ENUGU
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Fire: A friend to man and a threat to humanity. The word “FIRE“is one of the most dreaded expressions in every language because it has proved to be as dangerous as its usefulness. Controlled fire is useful to man but uncontrolled fire is one of man’s worst enemies. Thousands of lives and properties are lost each year through uncontrolled fire.
1.1PROBLEM STATEMENT
Most of the fire service stations in the country are dilapidate, no architectural interest. Are mostly sited in the areas that are not located within the residential areas which are bound to have higher risk of fire outbreak.
Most of the fire service station does not have enough space for storage of chemicals and fire equipments.
There is no good integration of the building into the landscape and the urban area of the town.
1.2 GOALS OF THE PROJECT DESIGN
There are many goals to be fulfilled in the design of this fire station. Among these are:-
- Achievement of architectural aesthetics within the fire station.
- Achievement of ample space for effective maneuvering of vehicles within the station and in relation to the highway.
- Achievement of effective functional relationship in the various parts of the station.
- Achievement of good communication links within the station.
1.3AIM
Fire stations are functional building with strictly utilitarian emphasis. The main aim of this design is to provide a related, civilized atmosphere in the midst of a tough working environment that is a place where the workers can relax and enjoy themselves when on stand by or off-duty.
To achieve this, the fire service station will be made to be as aesthetically appealing as possible. Recreation rooms and sports activities will also be provided as much as possible.
The landscape will be such as to create a relaxing effect and provide an atmosphere of privacy for the workers.
Another aim of this design is to solve the communication problems inherent in the design of a fire service station that is:
- To provide separate circulation systems for weary work stained firemen returning from calls or duty, architects going to the fire-preventing offices for approval of their drawings and other visitors calling at the station.
- Firemen should be able to leave and be on their way 30 to 45 second after receiving a fire alarm, in this regard, the crew room, recreation room, control room and appliance bay should be designed in such a way that communication between then will take as little time as possible.
- The vehicular access and exist points in the site should have enough radius curve and visibility to allow the vehicle to have a fast exist out of the station.
1.4OBJECTIVE
Objective of the fire station are to provide the following
- A good maintenance section,
- Provide rooms large enough for the storage of chemicals, fire extinguishers and other equipment
- To provide a drill tower which is architectural and a good training ground for the students and workers in the fire station.
1.5 SCOPE
There are many scope to be fulfilled in the design of this fire station. Among these are:
- Achievement of architectural aesthetics within the fire station.
- Achievement of ample space for effective movement of vehicles within the station and in relation to the highway.
- Integration of effective good communication links within the station.
- Integration of the fire station into a well landscape environment.
- Achievement of effective functional relationship in the various parts of the station.
1.6 MOTIVATION
The rate of increase in fire outbreak throughout Nigeria is becoming alarming especially during the dry season. There has been a steady increase in the number of lives lost and the amount of property damaged over the years.
Most Nigeria towns or city do not have well equipped fire station. The few places where fire station exists, the structures are totally unsuitable. The task of providing modern fire stations for effective fire coverage is important if the town and its inhabitants must sustain the advancement of the 20th century including large scale industrialization and commercial enterprises.
In most cases, Ogui fire station, Enugu State, it is appalling that the existing fire station is in its most rudimentary form. It lacks operational, administrative, training and recreational facilities. It is therefore calls for complete re-designing in order to save the state from its ever increasing annual loss of property from fire incident.
The aesthetic aspect of this fire station leaves a lot to be desired. The building has a square shape created for the storage of appliances and fire men. No attempt has been made to create any aesthetic appeal in the building.
Fire men are just like any other human being. They appreciate beautiful things and like to stay around them. The station is an alternative home for fire-men away from home and should be treated as such.
The boldness of the fire station is a different story altogether. Landscape and nature are not even considered as part of the design.
In all the fire stations, in the century, you can hardly see any trees or plants around the premises of the fire station. Human beings have a natural affinity to beautiful landscapes. It softens the rigidity of Architecture and creates a cool atmosphere for relaxation. The lack of Aesthetic appeal and landscape in our fire station are the most serious motivating factors that led me to choose the design topic ‘’fire service station for my project.
I intend to create a home, a relaxation center and an enjoyable working place for fire fighters.
We are always complaining of the inefficient of our fire-fighters. I believe that if good conditions are created for the fire fighters, efficient of the fire fighters will increase and so there will be reduction in the number of disastrous fire incident in the state.
1.7 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY / PROJECT DESIGN METHOD
Several methods were used for a successful completion of this project. Among these are interviews, questionnaires, visit to fire stations and deductions from books and journals. The first step is to choose a site. I went to 9th mile caner Enugu, which is the location of the proposed fire service station and analyzed the proposed site. The site satisfied the requirement for a fire service station.
I visited the different station in the country including the existing Enugu fire service station, their training school and Owerri fire station. I conducted research in these stations through the use of these methods:
- QUESTIONAIRES: Questionnaires were given to the chief fire officers in the state to find out the existing conditions in the fire stations.
- INTERVIEWS: I interviewed some of the firemen, the students and the fire preventing officers.
- PICTURES: I conducted a tour of the fire service station and took several pictures. All these were combined together to get a comprehensive study of the fire service station merit and demerits.
- BOOK AND JOUNALS: I went through journals and studied examples of foreign case studies. I also did an appraisal of these fire station with as view to incorporate the merits in the propose fire service station website in other to incorporate the merits in the proposed fire service station design.
- INTERNET: I browse through different fire station website in other to incorporate the merit in the proposed fire service station design.
| DELIVERY OF LOW INCOME HOUSING IN NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
The research is an assessment of the delivery of low income housing in Nigeria, it analyzes the prospect and challenges of delivery of low income housing in Nigeria and intends to proffer recommendations toward an efficient delivery of low income housing in Nigeria.
Residents of Jos Metropolis will be used as the case study for this research. | INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL PROGRAMS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY The population of Lagos is at present in excess of 18 million. A megacity status is conferred by the United Nations on cities with a population of 10 million and above. Building and preserving a model mega city comes with great challenges. Providing a sufficient amount of infrastructure and other necessities that would accommodate the needs of over 18 million people could be daunting (Ayeni, 2008).
By 2025, officials and population analysts agreed that the number of people in the city and in the surrounding communities, especially, in Ogun State axis, would leap to 30 million. Prominent among the challenges are housing, infrastructure and transportation, particularly in more than 10 local government areas (LGAs) that made up of the state, excluding local council development areas (LCDAs). Besides, the notorious traffic jams, choking pollution, inadequate supply of potable water, insecurity and absence or inadequate social and economic needs of the people pose more challenges. Apart from series of efforts put in place by government through several urban renewal programs, the uncontrolled influx of people from virtually every states of Nigeria, including neighboring countries, such as Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana and others, is heightening the fear that the next few years would provoke a daunting task for the authority (Tim, 2003). It has been observed that in some houses in Lagos metropolis, septics are channeled directly into the drain. The government is, therefore, challenged to invest heavily in the protection of the environment through urban renewal programs in order to avert environmental abuse and its consequences. People migrate from villages to the city-centre, without adequate understanding of reality on ground. Here, culture comes into play, such as open defecation as being done in the village, spreading of clothes publicly and cooking exercise in any open place, among others which is frustrating the efforts of the state government at transforming the city through urban renewal programs. Official admitted that planned urban renewal is a major challenge in an emerging model city like Lagos (Batley, 2003). Prior to the current urban regeneration efforts by the government, Lagos used to be referred to as a jungle of various emerging slums. However, a systematic urban development and slum renewal programme, in partnership with several development agencies, has since been put in place to reverse the trend being a major remedy to combat the menace characterized by urbanization. Consequently, various model city plans that included Ikeja Model Plan, Victoria Island/Ikoyi Model City Plan, Lekki Comprehensive Land Use and Infrastructure Master Plan have been completed while Mainland Central Model City Plan Badagry Draft Master Plan and Alimosho Master Plan have been concluded, while others are at various stages of execution. However, in order to give the urban renewal programme a legal backing, the Lagos State Model City Development Law was enacted in 2009 while the State Urban and Regional Planning Law were signed on July 7, 2010.
According to Lindan (1993), certainly, a megacity requires a stronger financial base. The sheer size of funding required in sustaining a megacity is beyond what a government could provide on its own. To this end, Kadiri was of the view that both federal and Ogun state governments should support Lagos in her efforts to sustain the challenges involved as a result of its mega status through the urban renewal programmes. According to Ogunleye, for the fact that many of the old slum areas are not in hidden locations make it easier for government to incorporate them in its urban renewal programmes. The formation of new slums is prevented but people’s influx is however not controllable in Lagos State, knowing full well that no legislation that frown against migration to the city. But government will do well if it opens up new settlement with the necessary infrastructure put in place. Although, government has embarked on infrastructure renewal projects that include the execution of on-going projects such as the light rail scheme from Orile to Mile 2, the redevelopment of the Lagos-Badagry expressway into ten lanes incorporating BRT lanes and light rails, on-going reconstruction of the Mile 12-Ikorodu road incorporating BRT lanes, the recently commissioned Ejigbo- Ajao Estate link bridge, recovery and redevelopment of loops hitherto used by criminals as hide-outs among others could only become feasible with a sustained system of funding. Notwithstanding the profoundness of these projects, it appears that much still need to be done to meet the need of millions of commuters on daily basis.
The condition of the environment also constitutes a major challenge to the Lagos megacity city. Lagos, for instance, generates 10,000 tonnes of waste daily, almost three times higher than what the whole of Ghana generates daily. Also, the kind of industrial pollution experienced in Lagos is second to none in the country. Maintenance of law and order is another major challenge of the Lagos mega city. Though a mega city status is conferred on a city as a result of population growth, building and sustaining a model mega city is not a tea party as reflected in the Lagos experience. In the case of Lagos, a major challenge, however, is how to cope with the ever-increasing population of Lagos with its attendant consequences on infrastructure
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM This study considers the solution to the challenges of Lagos mega-cities characterized by urbanization as an effective urban renewal programme. This approach is aimed at providing housing, environmental policies and planning strategies appropriate for facing the challenges of the urban growth and development. A megacity is usually defined according to the United Nation as a metropolitan area with a total population in excess of 10 million people. Some definitions also set a minimum level for population density (at least 2,000 persons/square km). A megacity can be a single metropolitan area or more metropolitan, depending on the definitions and boundaries being used. However, the researcher will provide an overview about urban renewal programme as a remedy to Lagos Mega city challenges. 1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The following are the objectives of this study:
- To examine the challenges of the Lagos mega city.
- To identify the urban renewal programmes put in place by government of Lagos State in addressing Mega city challenges.
- To determine the effectiveness of urban renewal programmes in Lagos State.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
- What are the challenges of the Lagos mega city?
- What are the urban renewal programmes put in place by government of Lagos State in addressing Mega city challenges?
- What is the effectiveness of urban renewal programmes in Lagos State?
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The following are the objectives of this study:
- The outcome of this study will educate the general public on how an effective urban renewal programmes can curb mega city challenges. This will also sensitize the policy makers on the need to introduce an urban renewal programme in controlling issue related to megacity problems in their territory.
- This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.
1.7 SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY This study on infrastructure renewal programmes as a remedy to Lagos mega city challenges will cover all the programmes set up by the Lagos State government at tackling infrastructural challenges created as a result of the mega city. This study will also cover the issues leading to infrastructural decay in the State.
LIMITATION OF STUDY Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview). Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
REFERENCES Ayeni, B. (2008), “Lagos: Problems and Planning in Third World Cities”, St. Martin's Press, New York. Batley, R. (2003), “Political Control of Urban Planning and Management”, Managing Fast Growing Cities: New Approaches to Urban Planning and Management. Longman, London, pp. 176-206. Halla, F. (1994), “A Coordinating and Participatory Approach to Managing Cities”, Habitat International, Vol.18 No 3, pp. 19-31. Linden, E. (1993), “Mega-cities”, Time Magazine, 11 January, pp. 141-2, Tim, M. (2003), “Cairo Megacity“, Travel Guides Hotel Reviews; virtualtourist.com | INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT, REAL ESTATE AGENCY REBRANDING AND REVIEW OF NATIONAL HOUSING POLICY: THE ROAD MAP FOR RAPID ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
With a population of about 173 million people, Nigeria is the largest country in Africa and accounts for 47% of West Africa’s population. Given these large reserves of human and natural resources, the country has significant potential to build a prosperous economy characterized by rapid economic growth through real estate rebranding leading to infrastructural development that can significantly reduce poverty, inequality and improve standards of living of the population through better access to and quality of health care, education and infrastructure services (Falade, 2007).
One of the organization that has been promoting real estate agency rebranding in Nigeria is The Real Estate Developer’s Association of Nigeria (REDAN) which is the principal agency of the organized private sector recognized by government and approved by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) the apex mortgage lender in Nigeria to facilitate the delivery of affordable mass housing in Nigerians (REDAN, 2015).
Housing policy in Nigeria is as old as the history of the country. Thus, we can broadly categorize its historical development under the five distinct phases of the colonial period (before 1960), the post- independence period (1960-1979), the second civilian administration (1979-1983), the military era (1984-1999), and the post military era (1999 to date). The major characteristic of the colonial period was the provision of staff quarters for expatriates and other indigenous staff of parastatals and organizations. This era witnessed the creation of Urban Councils in 1946, the establishment of Lagos Executive Board (LEBD) in 1954, the formation of Nigerian Building Society in 1955, as well as the enactment of Regional Housing Corporation in 1959. Also, the post-independence period experienced some improvements in housing provision during the First National Development Plan period (1962-1968) and the second National Development Plan 1970-1974). Specifically, the formulation of the National Council on Housing in 1971 led to further improvement in housing delivery. The third National Development Plan (1975-1980) made further improvements on housing programmes, policies and The transformation of the Nigerian Building Society into Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria with the promulgation of Decree No 7 of 1977 also brought some improvements into housing delivery in Nigeria. The Land Use Decree (LUD) of 1978 was promulgated in order to guarantee access to land by all Nigerians. Before the promulgation of the LUD, dual land tenure structure was paramount in the country. The LUD came to stabilize the ownership and acquisition of land. Also, during the era, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1979) laid emphasis on the importance of local building materials and the relevance of labour and construction industry. In this same year, the Employees Housing Scheme Decree No 54 of 1979 was promulgated.
This decree made provision for staff housing and housing estates. The housing policy in the 1980s and 1990s was the means by which divided society was being created. The rural areas were neglected and the housing stocks in the urban areas were improved upon. This was as a result of high rate of urbanization and the subsequent housing shortage in urban centres. The military era witnessed further improvements in housing policies and delivery. This was facilitated by the promulgation of the Mortgage Institutions Decree No 53 of 1989. The decree promoted the realization of the major and specific objectives of the National Housing Policy. Furthermore, the Economic Liberalization Policy of Babangida’s administration supported the participation of the private organization in housing delivery. This was closely followed by the promulgation of the Urban and Regional Planning Decree 88 of 1992 as well as the National Housing Fund (NHF) Decree No 3 of 1992. The NHF was saddled with the responsibility of ensuring continuous flow of fund for housing construction and delivery.
Prior to the millennium, the policy of ‘housing for all in year 2000’ was formulated. This policy was rigorously pursued, but it was besieged by administrative bottlenecks which made the policy difficult to be realized by the year 2000. Nevertheless, in year 2002, the Housing and Urban Development Policy was formulated. This policy was meant majorly to correct the inconsistencies of the Land Use Act as well as to allow land banking and ownership to operate in a free market economy. The post military era has been able to witness tremendous improvement in the Nigerian housing situation (Akeju, 2007). However, the federal government policy on monetization and privatization are negating the objectives of housing policies and progammes. Other constraints to housing development and delivery in Nigeria are poverty, high cost of building materials, inadequate financial instruments for mobilization of funds, short maturity preference of lending institution, high rate of rural-urban migration, as well as high rate of poverty (Kabir, 2004). Infrastructural development through mass housing delivery in Nigeria will significantly boost the economy of the nation.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Agbola (1998) noted that the effort of the government in terms of the formulation and implementation of the National Housing Policy is quite commendable. On the other hand, he opined that the efforts have not shown remarkable improvement in the status quosince many Nigerians are still homeless while up till this time, many are living in dingy and ramshackle structures. Another major criticism of the policy lies in the area of monitoring, evaluation and review. An housing policy is derived from laws, regulations and administrative practices that can aid the production and delivery of housing. However, the researcher is of the opinion that infrastructural development e.g. good housing can only be achieved through crops of professional real estate agents.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The following are the objectives of this study:
- To examine the level of infrastructural development in Nigeria.
- To determine if real estate agency rebranding can contribute to economic growth.
- To identify the effects of national housing policy on infrastructural development in Nigeria.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
- What is the level of infrastructural development in Nigeria?
- Can real estate agency rebranding contribute to economic growth?
- What are the effects of national housing policy on infrastructural development in Nigeria?
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The following are the significance of this study:
- The outcome of this study will educate the professionals in building industry on how the rebranding of real estate agency and the national policy can enhance infrastructural development thereby contributing to the economic growth.
- This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic
1.7 SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This study on infrastructural development, real estate agency rebranding and review of nation housing policy as a road map to economic development will cover the level of housing and other infrastructural development in Nigeria. It will also cover how real estate agency rebranding can be used as a tool for economic growth.
LIMITATION OF STUDY
Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work. |
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