The most important things of life seem to be easily affordable. The most important of them, air is free. It costs absolutely nothing to enjoy good air. Shelter is another necessity of life. Conversely, it is not as free as air. Cities in developing countries are plagued by acute shortage of decent accommodation for dwellers. This has led to sprouting of slums which become breeding ground for crime and disease.

Nigeria is one country battling to close a huge housing deficit for a large proportion that is very poor. Experts put the deficit to 17 million. The country has got to this unacceptable condition due to uncoordinated housing policies, insufficient investment and inadequate maintenance.