Housing unaffordability has been decades-long problem majority of the Nigerian populace has had to contend with, with successive government administrations yet to fully proffer solutions. Trying to get to the root of these housing unaffordability issues in the country, it could be said that one of the causes is poor remuneration of an average Nigerian worker who earns less but spends more, especially in this most difficult time in the history of the country, bar the civil war era.
Even the few that can boast of a steady income flow still find it almost difficult to buy or rent homes that will still allow space to attend to other family needs. Most rents/houses remain terribly high especially in cities and out of line with incomes, forcing many unwise ones to spend more than 50% of their income on housing. Those who chose not to spend 50% or more of their income on housing, find themselves in places where they can afford and these are mostly indecent houses in slums.
Couple of Reasons Owning Of Homes Proves Difficult
Chaotic Land Regulations
Difficult land regulations/policies can stall the increase in supply of affordable housing. Lands in our communities are government regulated and very unfriendly to low income earners. Some of these regulations bear some restrictions on the type of houses to be built on certain areas. These regulations might be aimed at developing more quality housing but, sometimes, it is to the detriment of a low income earner who does not stand a chance of meeting such standards.
Even if they try meeting up with such housing, it may rub off negatively on other housing demands of the home. One of the problems of land allocation in the country today, especially in cities is favoritism, an act that has seen lands allocated to unqualified persons than qualified developers.
Lack of Promoting the Use of Home Grown Building Materials.
Promoting the use of locally made building materials can further enhance the supply of affordable housing. When materials are produced locally, it makes it cheaper for the society to have access to them and develop their own houses. This will be made possible when cost of transportation is reduced. Low cost of production and transportation of these locally made materials makes affordability easier.
