THE REVIEW OF HOUSING INFRASTRUCTURE IN

THE NIGERIAN HOUSING SECTOR

A Study Submitted to the Department of Architecture,

College of Environmental Sciences,

Bells University of Technology, Ota

for the course Housing (ARC 406)

By

AZODE ANULIKA MAUREEN

2012/2341

APRIL, 2016.

ABSTRACT

Housing infrastructure is very vital for the functioning of an urban area. Portable water specifically

remains a major United Nations target conveyed through the Millennium development goals. It is

crucial for health, safety, environmental sustainability as well as for economic growth and

development. Evidence from literature suggests that infrastructure services generally have positive

effects on housing values, as they constitute positive externalities to surrounding properties. To

this end, an assessment of basic housing infrastructure is to be carried out on various case studies

in different part of Nigeria. Findings from the study would help us in determining how effective

and efficient the infrastructures are. The application of the findings of this study will help direct

government as well as other individuals on the need and importance of infrastructures in

communities.

KEYWORDS

Housing Infrastructure, Basic Amenities, Neighbourhood, Urban area,

1.0 INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF STUDY

In a country like Nigeria where housing is not a national infrastructure, the standard of living for

people who cannot afford the pricey accommodations being erected is so poor. Basic amenities

needed for such houses to run well is not available. This calls for the provision of better housing

and infrastructures. At the dawn of the twenty-first century, one of the most persistent and

challenging problems facing Nigerian cities is inadequacy of urban infrastructure and the

subsequent deterioration in the urban environment. (Vincent, 2011)

Housing infrastructure is in other words the infrastructures that makes the houses functional.

Infrastructure as defined by Wikipedia refers to the fundamental structures, systems, and facilities

serving a country, city, or area, including the services and facilities necessary for its economy to

function. It typically characterizes technical structures such as roads, bridges, tunnels, water

supply, sewers, electrical grids, telecommunications, and so forth, and can be defined as “the

physical components of interrelated systems providing commodities and services essential to

enable, sustain, or enhance societal living conditions. According to WHO (2000) defines

infrastructure as necessary services, facilities, equipment, and devices needed or desired for the

physical, mental, health or social wellbeing of the family and individual. This includes sewages,

sanitation, roads, electricity, drainage, waste disposal and other public transportation systems.

According to Eldredge (1967), housing represents a bundle of goods and services which

facilitate and enhance good living; and a key to neighbourhood quality and preservation.

Nikolas Davies and Erkki Jokiniemi (2008) in Dictionary of Architecture and Building

Construction defined housing as policies, regulations, development and other matters relating to

residential buildings, when viewed as a whole; a general term for a group of dwellings. Likewise,

Agbola (1998) notes that housing is a combination of characteristics which provide a unique

home within any neighbourhood; it is an array of economic, social and psychological

phenomena. In other words, housing could be seen as a multidimensional package of goods and

services extending beyond shelter itself. It is widely acknowledged that adequate housing is

essential for good life, is a key requirement for an efficient and satisfied labour force and the

foundation of satisfactory community life.

STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

The concept of housing, though theoretically understood, appears to pose a challenge in terms of

its implementation. This is more so because of the complexity of establishing a common ground

answer when carrying out subjective evaluation as to what type of building, as well as acquiring

aids or funds from government. For accommodation building typology, the issue of maintaining

an optimum level of the necessary infrastructure is crucial. One of the basic objectives in designing

buildings is to ensure the overall comfort to its occupants. Housing infrastructure is crucial because

it influences productivity and health as well as administer the comfort needed by people in such

communities.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following questions would be answered during the course of this study.

1. What is the housing situation of the average Nigerian?

2. What are the basic amenities needed in a community?

3. Does the average Nigerian community have such infrastructures?

4. What is the state of the infrastructure and how does it affect the people?

RESEARCH AIM AND OBJECTIVES

Aim

The study aims at assessing the current housing infrastructure in the Nigerian housing sector

Objectives

1. Review of past published journals, conference proceedings, books to gather data for

discussion.

2. Use of secondary data to make strong assumptions.

STUDY AREA

This study centres on Nigeria, the giant of Africa. It is a federal constitutional republic in West

Africa, bordering Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in the north. Its

coast in the south lies on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. Its map coordinates are 9.0820 ̊

N and 8.6753 ̊ E, lies on 923,768km2 of land and has an estimate of 140, 431, 790 people (2006

census).

Nigeria is an African country known for its natural landmarks such as Cross River National Park

and Yankari National Park showcase waterfalls, dense rainforest, savanna and rare primate

habitats. One of its most recognizable sites is Zuma Rock, a 725m tall monolith outside the capital

of Abuja that’s pictured on the national currency.

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

CONCEPT OF INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure network is the very socio-economic climate created by the institutions (public or

private) that serve as conduits of trade and investment. The roles of infrastructure in the context of

integration are transformative, helping to change resources into outputs or to enhance trade by

removing barriers. Therefore, an improvement in a country’s infrastructure is one of the key factors

affecting the long term growth of such a country. The linkages between infrastructure and

economic growth are varied and complex. Infrastructure does not only affect production and

consumption directly, it also creates many direct and indirect externalities. It involves large flows

of expenditure, thereby creating additional employment. Equally, infrastructure can have a

significant impact on output, income, employment, international trade, and quality of life. (Ajibola

M. O. et al, 2013)

Nubi (2002) describes infrastructure as the aggregate of all facilities that allows a city to function

effectively. Infrastructure is also viewed as a variety of economic and social facilities that are

important to creating an enabling environment for economic growth and enhances quality of life.

Some examples are but not limited to housing, electricity, pipe-borne water, drainage, waste

disposal, roads, sewage, health, education, telecommunications and institutional structures like

police station, firefighting stations, banks and post office. In other words, infrastructure is the large

scale public services or systems, services and facilities of a country or region that are necessary

for economic activity, including power and water supplies, public transportation,

telecommunications, roads and school. (Ajibola M. O. et al, 2013)

American Heritage Dictionary Editors (2000) also defines the term “infrastructure” as the basic

facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society, such as

transportation and communications systems, water and power lines, and public institutions

including schools, post offices and prisons. Donald (1974) defines infrastructure as the physical

structures and facilities that are developed or acquired by public agencies to enhance governmental

functions and provide water, power, waste disposal, transportation or similar services to facilitate

the achievement of common social and economic objectives. Fox (1994) defines infrastructure as

those services derived from a set of public works traditionally by the public sector to enhance the

private sector production and to allow for household consumption. It is the facilities with high

fixed costs, long economic lives, strong links to economic development, and a tradition of public

sector involvement, the services provided forms the underpinnings of the nation’s defense, a strong

economy, and our health and safety, which includes: highways, streets, roads, and bridges;

airports and airways; public transit; transportation; water supply, waste water treatment, water

resources, solid waste, and hazardous waste services.

Infrastructural development refers to the bringing into existence of the basic amenities and services

which must be in place for a particular activity or pursuit. However, no nation can boast of

significant development or an enhanced economy without providing the basic Infrastructure for

the citizens’ well-being. Amis and Kumar (2000) argued that Infrastructure helps individuals cope

with the different dimensions of poverty. It follows therefore, that whenever people are deprived

of basic infrastructure, the result is impoverishment. It also follows that cities with the greatest

number of poor people are those whose citizens lack infrastructure the most. (Israel, 2013)

INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE PRE-COLONIAL NIGERIA

The provision of infrastructure or what is known as social services began in the precolonial period

among the various ethnic groups in Nigeria. Since social services are services rendered to

individuals, groups or communities either by government or non-governmental or voluntary

agencies in order to cope with the social problem and to enhance the welfare of people individually

and collectively (Sanda, 1981), then each of these ethnic groups in precolonial days devised means

of enhancing the welfare of their people. It should be recalled that each of the tribes were organized

under diverse rules that saw to the welfare of the entire citizenry. The advent of colonialism

brought a new phase in the provision of local services. It must be pointed out that the two principal

objectives that guided the British policy in West African dependencies were associated with the

idea of trusteeship and the welfare of the masses (Okafor, 1981). The colonial administration also

proposed that for self-government to be granted to Africans, they should be trained in the art of

democracy. This necessitated Earl Grey in 1840s to advocate the creation of a system of municipal

government and to use same to train the inhabitants of dependencies in civil responsibility. It was

Grey’s proposal that made Sir Cornelius Alfred Moloney, the administrator of Lagos colony from

1886-1890, to establish during his tenure, a Health Board in the colony. Specific social problems

brought about new ordinances to combat them. For instance, new legislations were promulgated

following the outbreak of post-world war I epidemics and the bubonic plague of 1924 in Lagos.

Also the outbreak of fire in Lagos in 1877 led to the public ordinance which specified the space

required between houses with thatches roots. This was put at not less than seven feet apart. By

1877, the first “inspector of Nuisance” was appointed and by 1897, Lagos had both a sanitary and

medical department. During Governor Clover’s term, an organization called Lagos Ladies League

operated as a health organ to combat the rate of malaria (Iseh, 2003).

The activities of the missionaries in the provision of infrastructure or social services cannot be

forgotten to be mentioned here. Such activities complemented that of the British government who

actually restricted her own social services in Nigeria because, it believed that each dependency

must be self-supporting (Okafor, 1981). The missionaries placed much emphasis on education and

strove frantically to train the Africans under their care. One Mr Henry Vern, the famous CMS

secretary brought into existence the “Native Agency Committee” which was dedicated to training

out European artisans to work in African alongside the missionaries (Olusanya, 1975), but as the

northern Nigeria was closed to the missionaries because of the fear by the British government that

they might pollute and consequently poison the minds of the northern against the British

government, the impact of the missionaries became greatly felt in the south, especially in the

provision of infrastructure/social services. These were all in attempt to provide the people with

basic infrastructure, or what is called social services. (Israel, 2013)

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA TODAY

In the words of Frank Iseh in his write-up, “urban finance and infrastructural development in

Nigeria”, edited by Yomi, pages 35-40; ‘urban infrastructure propels the socio-economic growth

of a city. To be able to do this, not only should the physical structures be put in place, they must

also be properly maintained. Also, they must always be seen to be in good performance

conditions’. Key among urban infrastructure are electricity supply, water supply, road

transportation, communication, drainage, sewage disposal, and housing.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Nationally, the supply of electricity has been the sole responsibility of the power holding Nigeria

limited. Regular supply of electricity is very necessary for the all-round development of any nation.

Aside domestic uses, commercial and industrial concerns need constant supply of electricity for

their businesses. However, our electricity supply is characterized by frequent power cuts;

sometimes some communities may remain without electric power supply for hours, weeks and

even months (Iseh 2003). Owing to the ‘epileptic’ electricity supply, many consumers have

resorted to using alternatives such as lantern, kerosene stove, gas lamps, and generators. The

irregular supply of electricity has caused many industries or some other commercial concerns to

produce below capacities and, in some extreme cases, fold up, thereby forcing many employees

into the labour market. Also the use of these alternative sources of power supply have sometimes

caused explosion resulting in loss of lives and properties.

WATER SUPPLY

One of the foremost needs of man for his daily survival is water. Realizing man’s need for water,

governments over the years have created one agency or the other to ensure adequate supply of

water to the people. The agencies include several state water boards and corporations. Past water

supply from public taps was free. According to Nubi (2002), government’s inability to sustain the

free lunch led to commercialization of water corporations, thus restricting water supply to people

that could afford it at the commercial rate. Consumers who cannot afford the commercial rate have

their supplies cut off. Irregular electric power supply has often been blamed by the water

corporations for irregular water supply. He maintained that despite the commercialization of the

water corporation, supply is still irregular and purchase of water and long queues at public taps

(where any is found) and drawing of water from wells are common sight in many parts of Nigeria.

Even where provision is made for public water supply, private arrangement are still made for

boreholes and deep wells. However, drinking of water from these untreated supply sources have

been blamed for frequent occurrence of typhoid fever, cholera and other associated diseases.

Olawole (1997) argues that many taps are dry in the urban centre and water-borne diseases, which

used to be synonymous with the rural areas in those days have now become prevalent and the

scourge of the urban dwellers (Iseh 2003).

ROAD TRANSPORT

Road transport refers to the conveyance of people, goods and services from one place to the other

via roads. In almost all urban centres, the road is the commonest means of transport. For the

economic, social and political development of the urban centre, there is need for efficient and

effective urban transport network. Towards the end of the military administration in the country in

the 1990s, many of the intra-and inter-city road networks built during the oil boom of the 1970s

had fallen into unimaginable state of disrepair. Hence, traffic congestion and accidents have

become common sight in most urban centres, especially during the peak hours, thereby threatening

their economic lives.

COMMUNICATION

According to Iseh (2003), the importance of effective communication in the economy cannot be

over emphasized. He said that communication is a verifying factor; it is a means of interaction

between individuals, groups and even nations. Through effective communication, information,

messages and ideas are easily conveyed from one place to another. Effective postal and

telecommunications systems, including the telephone, telegraph, telex, cellular phones, postal

services, and others will reduce the burden on the urban roads as many urban dwellers would be

able to transact their businesses through the available communication systems rather than face the

congested roads. In such a situation, commercial and industrial lives can operate more efficiently.

Telecommunication today has taken a new dimension with the liberalization policy of the industry

by the federal government to break the monopoly of NITEL, the federal government’s agency

responsible for providing telephone services. Before now, the poor performance of NITEL has

contributed to the public outcry for its privatization and liberalization of the telecommunication

sector. Before now, with NITEL, solely providing telecommunication services, it was not unusual

for prospective subscribers to wait for several months or even years to be allocated telephone lines

while those already enjoying such services are often interrupted with frequent disconnection even

when they are not in arrears of bills (Iseh 2003).

DRAINAGE

A major problem which confronts many urban centres today in Nigeria is yearly flooding after

every down pour. This is caused by drainage canals which have been blocked purposefully by

people carrying out unauthorized construction or by share negligence of the urban dwellers to clear

the drainages of debris as well as dumping of refuse and sachets of water in the drainages; or total

abuse of drainages in the consigned neighbourhood. Uncoordinated physical planning, especially

in some slums and new development centres within the suburban areas is another important

contributor to flooding.

SEWAGE (SOLID) DISPOSAL

The incessant accumulation of solid waste along the roads in towns and cities in Nigeria is

alarming. Waste deposit, especially along streets and even along highways has become an

environmental hazard. In some urban centres, there may be no designated spots to deposit the

wastes for their onward disposal; therefore, people throw them about indiscriminately, even into

the drainage canals, hoping that the flood water will carry the waste away when rain falls.

Unfortunately, some of these waste deposits end up clogging the drainage channels and turning

the flooding of our roads into permanent scenery in the environment. However, in some states e.g.

Akwa Ibom, specific spots are created along road and some streets to facilitate the collection and

disposal of waste by refuse disposal contractors in recent times.

HOUSING

Shelter forms part of the three basic needs of man. Therefore, the shortage of decent and

comfortable accommodation in urban areas is one of the greatest problems confronting urban

dwellers, especially in the low-income neighbourhoods. This situation is factored by many

contributors which include:

a) The high cost of housing development.

b) The problem of securing land.

c) Poverty.

d) The difficulties associated with obtaining appropriate titles.

e) Over population and the resultant pressure on available accommodation.

f) Corruption in government land allocation.

Due to this shortage of housing accommodation in most urban centres in Nigeria, many urban

dwellers, especially, the low-income groups now resort to houses characterized by overcrowding,

noise pollution, frequent change in use, insecurity, over utilization of available facilities, poor

drainage system, inaccessibility, absent/inadequate recreational facilities, high rentals, poor

maintenance, substandard construction and inadequate services. In the words of Iseh (2003), the

above description of the state of some of urban infrastructure merely illustrates the problem; the

reality in most urban centres in Nigeria is much worse than we have indicated here’.

Housing, in Nigeria, is in short supply, poor quality and expensive for the generality of the

populace. The rapid population growth witnessed in the country has not been adequately matched

by a corresponding increase in housing stock. Olu-Sule (1990) and Akeju, (2007) affirmed that

government investment in housing in the third world is limited and wasted on expensive projects

designed to woo electorates rather than directed to meet real needs for housing. This scenario has

resulted in the deplorable situation in most existing public housing schemes, Nigerian being no

exception. While decent housing is regarded as the right of every individual, a great proportion of

the Nigerian population lives in substandard, deplorable and unsanitary residential environments.

(Anofojie et. al, 2014)

3.0 METHODOLOGY

STATE OF NIGERIAN HOUSING INFRASTRUCTURE

Rapid urban population growth has been identified as a major challenge to infrastructural

development in Nigerian states. This development results in about 60% of Nigeria’s urban

population living in inadequate housing. The state of urbanization in Nigeria states is almost as

huge as China however, there are widening gaps between housing needs and supply. In Kenya,

60% of houses are considered slums and inadequate.

Ghana’s annual demand for housing currently stands at 120,000 housing units per annum. Current

housing supply provides 42,000 units per annum which is only 35% of the demand. 33.6 million

Nigerians are living in urban areas (46% of the urban population) are considered to be living in

inadequate housing. The annual deficit is 16 million units. 720,000 units need to be created

annually to meet the demand. Current supply is however meeting only 3% of this demand. In

Tanzania, 80% of the entire population is living in unplanned, informal settlements with poor

shelter and few basic services. The housing deficit in urban areas is estimated at 1.2 million units.

Poor housing finance opportunities have contributed to housing deficit and infrastructural

deficiencies in African states.

CASE STUDY 1: OSHOGBO

Oshogbo is situated on latitude 7.7 and longitude 4.5E of Greenwich Meridian. It was founded in

the late 18th century and originated as a traditional as well as cultural town which derives its name

from the proclamation by the goddess of Osun River. The town is known for her very rich arts and

cultural heritage. Following the creation of Osun State in 1991, Oshogbo assumed the status of a

State capital, having two local governments which are Oshogbo and Olorunda (Jiboye, 2009). Its

population, based on 1991 census was 189,733 and the total land area was about 2,875 km2 before

it became the State capital (Akinola, 1998). Over the years, Oshogbo has witnessed tremendous

growth both spatially and in population. The establishment of a railway station is perhaps the most

important single factor in the growth of Oshogbo. Apart from the railway, postal and

telecommunication, NEPA regional station, road network and some small as well as large-scale

business exist. Oshogbo thus became a major trading and distribution centre for people within and

outside its immediate environment. In recent times, the location of Oshogbo as a state capital

coupled with other factors mentioned earlier has led to the influx of people from other towns and

villages. Oshogbo exhibits both traditional as well as modern characteristics (Egunjobi, 1995). Its

current population is estimated to about 845,000 (Wikipedia, 2016).

Physical Characteristics of Oshogbo

Oshogbo has a considerable variation in its physical pattern and growth. The Oba‟s palace and the

traditional market (Oja Oba) acts as a central focus (Ojo, 1966). This is surrounded by residential

districts which form the core of the city. This area comprises of buildings and development dated

back to the pre-colonial period. Most of the buildings and infrastructure in the interior part of

Oshogbo are already very old and in need of rehabilitation. Next to the core area is the intermediate

zone. This zone is made up of buildings and development which existed from between 1935 and

1960. Most of the dwellings here are of the contemporary types. This zone is followed by the

periphery and the newly developed area. The houses here are of better quality than those of other

zones. It is however noted that development in Oshogbo is noticed as one moves from the interior

towards the outskirts while most of the business districts are interwoven with residential districts

(Egunjobi, 1995).

Effect of urbanization on Infrastructure in Oshogbo

Despite the provision and availability of some basic infrastructures like water, electricity,

telecommunication and road networks in Oshogbo, the level and condition of these facilities are

still very inadequate as a result of the rapid rate of urbanization and population growth witnessed

in the town in recent times. The quality of housing amenities and infrastructures is generally poor

and falls below the expected standard. (Amao, 2012)

Possible Solution to Poor Housing Infrastructure in Oshogbo

Significantly, adequate housing contributes not only to national development but also determines

the health, security, sanitation and socio-cultural and physical wellbeing of the individual,

the community and the nation at large. (Amao, 2012)

CASE STUDY 2: AKURE

The study area Akure is a traditional Nigeria city and like other traditional Yoruba towns in the

country, it existed long before the advent of British colonial rule. The city is located within Ondo

State in the South Western part of Nigeria. It lies approximately on latitude 70. 2 North of the

Equator and longitude 50. 2 East of the Greenwich Meridian. Akure is a medium-sized urban

centre and became the provincial headquarter of Ondo province in 1939. It also became the capital

city of Ondo State and a Local Government headquarters in 1976. Akure is located approximately

700 km South West of Abuja, the Federal Capital of Nigeria. The population of the city grew from

144,544 in 1987 to 148,880 in 1988 and 153,347 in 1989 to 157,947 in 1990 (Ondo State of

Nigeria, 1990). The 1991 national population census however, put the population of Akure at

239,124 and its estimated population in 2006 was 353,211 (NPC, 2006). At present the city is

estimated to have over 387,087 people (Wikipedia).

Characteristics of the Buildings in Akure

There are three neighbourhoods in the core area of Akure, namely Erekesan-Erekefa (A), Idiagba-

Ijemikin (B), and Obanla (C). Most buildings in these neighbourhoods are in very poor state, as

less than 5% of them are in sound conditions (Olotuah, 2000). The buildings require one form of

repairs or the other to make them physically sound (Table 1). The placement and layout of the

buildings in the neighbourhoods are amorphous and disorganized. The dominant house type in the

areas is the rooming house built on one or two stories. In most of the buildings the few bathrooms

and toilets are located completely outside, often times at the back of the buildings. The buildings

are characterized by overcrowding, with high proportions of people living in single rooms (Amao,

2012). Olotuah (2005) notes that the average number of rooms occupied by a household in Akure,

the capital city of Ondo state, Nigeria is 1.29 while the average room occupancy (number of

persons per room) is 4.42. The United Nations Standard for Nigeria for room occupancy is 2.20;

the World Health Organization (WHO, 1990) stipulates between 1.8 and 3.1, while the Nigerian

Government prescribed standard is 2.0 per room (Okoko, 2001)

Urbanisation and Housing Quality in Akure

The rate of urbanisation in Akure outpaces the rate of economic development. Despite the

enormous amount of money proposed for urban investment in the National Development Plan very

limited investment is made in her infrastructure (Olotuah, 2005). An increasing shortage of urban

services and infrastructure characterize Akure town, and these are only accessible to a diminishing

share of the population. The existing urban services are overstrained which often times lead to

total collapse. A large proportion of the population does not have reasonable access to safe and

ample water supply, and neither do they have the means for hygienic waste disposal (Olotuah,

2000). As argued elsewhere (Olotuah, 2002), the demand for urban services in Akure has grown

over the years but the overall quality and coverage of public services have deteriorated.

CASE STUDY 3: LAGOS

The research method adopted was case study approach involving nine out of the 42 slums

identified by UNDP (Agbola & Agunbiade, 2009). These are Agege, Amukoko, Badia, Bariga,

Ijeshatedo, Ilaje, Itire, Iwaya and Makoko. The basis for selecting them is that the World Bank has

picked them for its counterpart funding of urban upgrading in Lagos. One of the criteria used by

the World Bank was that the selected settlements are among the largest slums in Lagos. The

techniques employed include a review of the literature relating to slums in the study area. The

review of relevant literature revealed the slum environment indicators reflecting the engineering

infrastructure. Visits were made to the selected slum settlements to validate the prevalence of the

indicators using observation technique. A qualitative approach was used to interpret how the

architect could be relevant in ensuring that acceptable conditions were realized.

Basic Characteristics of Urban Slum Communities in Lagos

The use of population in classifying what constitutes an urban community is accepted across

different nations. However, there is no consensus concerning the size of population that makes up

such an urban community. For example, while Angola, Argentina and Ethiopia consider all

communities with 2,000 residents as urban, Nigeria and Benin use 20,000 and 10,000 inhabitants

respectively (Cohen 2006). It is only in the definition of megacities as urban agglomerations with

the population of 10.0 million and above that this controversy does not exist. The choice of Lagos

megacity for this study is intended to reduce such perceptual differentiations. In the same way the

population and size of what constitutes a slum are debatable. However, there seems to be some

degree of consistency about the fundamental characteristics of urban slum neighbourhoods and

slum households.

Indicator Definition Features of acceptable conditions

Access to

improved water

A household is considered to

have access to improved

drinking water if it has at least

20 litres/person/day for family

use, at an affordable price of

less than 10% of total household

income

Piped connection to house or plot;

Public stand pipe serving no

more than 5 households;

Bore hole;

Protected dug well;

Protected spring water;

Rain water collection.

Access to

improved

sanitation

A household is considered to

have access to improved

sanitation if an excreta disposal

system, either in the form of a

private toilet or public toilet is

shared

with a reasonable of people,

is available to the household

Direct connection to public sewer;

Direct connection to septic tank;

Pour flush latrine;

Ventilated improved pit latrine (with

slab).

Structural

quality/

durabilit

y of

housing

A house is considered durable if

it is built

on a non-hazardous location

and has a permanent structure

adequate enough to

protect its occupants from

extremes of

climatic conditions such as

rain, heat, cold and

humidity

Permanent building materials are

used for walls, roof and floor;

Compliance with building codes;

Dwelling is not in a dilapidated state;

Dwelling is not in need of major

repairs;

Dwelling is not located no or near

toxic waste;

Dwelling is not located on flood plain;

Dwelling is not located on steep slope;

Dwelling is not located on in a

dangerous right of way (railway,

highway, power line, airport etc.).

Sufficient living

space (not

overcrowd

ed)

A dwelling unit is considered to

provide

sufficient living area for

household members if there

are fewer than three persons

per habitable room

Not more than two persons per room;

The alternative is to set a minimum

standard for floor area per person (e.g.

5 square metres).

Security of

tenure

Security of tenure is the right of

all

individuals and groups to

effective protection by the

state against arbitrary

unlawful evictions

Evidence of documentation that can be

used as proof of secure tenure status, as

indicated by:

Households with formal title deeds to

both land and residence;

Households with formal title deeds to

either land or residence;

Households with enforceable

agreements or any document as proof

of a tenure arrangement De facto or

perceived protection from forced

evictions.

Source: Adebayo A.K & Iweka A.C, (2014)

A slum settlement has services and infrastructure far below the adequate or minimum tolerable

levels. Housing conditions in such residential neighbourhoods are substandard and deteriorated to

the extent that it is unwholesome and a threat to the health, safety, morality and welfare of the

inhabitants (Karaman 2006) This is a pattern that is applicable to Lagos megacity and also

prevalent in urban areas throughout the length and breadth of sub-Saharan Africa. Health

conditions in slums can be viewed at the level of physical building, for example, sanitary (toilet)

installations, natural ventilation and illumination. Health conditions can equally be evaluated from

what happens at the neighbourhood levels. Water supply, sewage and garbage disposal fall into

this category.

Karaman (2006) describes the major features of poor housing as overcrowding and lack of basic

sanitation; while Garau et al. (2006) describe substandard neighbourhoods as often lacking several

of the conditions described in Table 1 above. Health conditions are particularly poor in the slums

selected for this study. This is evident from the absence of government-operated primary health

care facilities. Habitat studies show that households living in housing that is overcrowded, poorly

ventilated, lacking adequate sanitation and safe water are constantly susceptible to infection

(Morka, 2007). Untreated human excrement and household waste water find their ways into rivers,

gullies, streams and ditches thereby constituting major public health hazards.

Fig. 1. Road/drainage upgrading works in Agege area of Lagos

Source: Adebayo A.K & Iweka A.C, (2014)

Fig. 2. Section of road upgrading in Itire area of Lagos

Source: Adebayo A.K & Iweka A.C, (2014)

4.0 DISCUSSION OF STUDY AREA

As discussed in chapter 3 above, most communities with little or no infrastructure is as a result of

rapid urbanization given little or no time for the creation of infrastructures i.e. overcrowding which

leads to creation of slums etc. Communities should also try to maintain what little of this facilities

is given to them.

Highlights of Urbanization Problem in Lagos

Without mincing words, the resultant problems emanating from this urbanization process/trend are

enormous. They are as follows;

Transportation problems such as traffic congestion.

Haphazard and uncoordinated physical development.

Overcrowding and high population density.

Substandard and inhuman living conditions.

Paucity of housing stock and associated facilities, such as water and electricity.

Wastes disposal system and secured sewerage system are grossly inadequate.

All of the above issues leads to:

Lack of basic social services / infrastructures

Evidences of slums/ghettos and squalor occurrence e.g. Makoko, Ajegunle, Orile/Amuwo,

Ipori– olaleye, Agege etc.

Indiscriminate dumping of refuse leading to flooding.

Pollution of land, waterways, air etc.

Urban violence/crime e.g. Area Boys etc

Urban poor juvenile delinquency.

High rate of unemployment and under–employment, leading to low economic base/per capital

income.

On the other hand, government should provide communities with clean water, electricity as this

not only helps the country but also aids the economy of the country as the presence of these

facilities would most likely draw investors.

Current Initiatives of Lagos State Government

The current initiatives and pro-active rules of the Lagos Government post 1999 to date have been

geared towards solving the highlighted urban in Lagos. Although, the Federal Government moved

the administrative capital of Nigeria to Abuja but Lagos still remains the commercial nerve centre

of the country. In essence, the population of Lagos has not decreased, which was one of the reasons

adduced in the ill-fated “Flight” to Abuja in April, 1992. It is on record that, Lagos is daily

increasing and witnessing increase in population and its attendant problems. The Lagos State

Government appreciated this trend and started to address the issue of infrastructures upon which

the development of any society or nation can only thrive. At the onset of the civilian rule in 1999,

the Lagos State Government embarked on the following projects;

A. Roads Construction/Rehabilitation: The State Government is taking both construction

of new roads and rehabilitation of roads in the State as matter of priority. While the existing

ones are being widened/expanded, walkways, medians are being introduced to

accommodate the envisaged/projected volume of traffics. The traffics include motorists,

pedestrians and even cyclists. The type of roads being constructed is taking into cognisance

the terrain/soil type of the region.

B. Construction of Bridges/Over-Head Walkways: In order to alleviate the sufferings of

the pedestrians in Lagos, the Lagos State Government initiated over-head walkways for

mostly pedestrians at critical traffic points whereby they can have respite and be pruned to

less dangers in attempts at crossing the ever busy Lagos roads. Similarly, new bridges are

constructed to stern the traffic bottleneeses e.g the new Amuwo-Odofin, Abule-Ado

interchange, at Orele-Iganmu, these projects cost several billions of Naira. Equally a

bridge is conceived to link Ikorodu town and Ilubinrin/Forshore to reduce the congestion

on Lagos-Ikorodu roads. In the linter lands, similar programmes are being put in place to

link the existing places and new settlements.

C. Construction of Harbours/Improvement of Waterways: The State has the advantage of

having natural harbors of which the Lagos State Government wants to exploit by improving

the waterways as a veritable medium of transportation.

D. Construction of Markets/Commercial Centres: As a result of its location, Lagos has

remained the undisputed leader in commercial activities in Nigeria. Apart from the existing

ones, market improvements are being given prominence in the scheme of things, for traders

and buyers. Existing ones are being pulled down to pave way for modern and functional

markets e.g. Oshodi/ Mosafejo market, Oshodi, Alade modern market, Ikeja, etc. The

peculiarity of these innovations lie in being modern, spacious with conveniences put in

place. Also, the concept of neighbourhood markets are being encouraged and explored.

Most of these markets are known for specific materials sold in them e.g Alaba International

Market, Ojo is for Electronics/Electrical related goods, Ladipo/Oshodi is for automo parts,

etc.

E. Hospitals and Health Related Infrastructures: The construction of comprehensive

health centres is being patronized in nearly all the major towns and communities in the

entire State. This is to decongest the two major hospitals at Ikeja (Ayinke House) and

Lagos Island (Maternity House). Existing maternities, dispensaries are paving way to

comprehensive health institutions fully equipped and staffed.

F. Construction of Rehabilitation of Schools: The Lagos State Government has commenced

the construction of the prototype design of public schools to covers every nooks and

crannies of the state.

G. Abattoirs/Slaughter Houses: The Lagos State Government considered the health of the

people as basic through what is being consumed at the various slaughter houses. It is given

this a priority with the construction of OjaOba, Agege and Ikorodu abattoirs.

H. Conception of Urban Renewal/Slum Upgrading Schemes: Concerted efforts are being

made to rejuvenate the hitherto slums and squalors in the state to more conducive

environments through comprehensive urban renewal/slum upgrading programmes.

Examples of these are Orile-Iganmu axis, IsaleOja, Agege, Ajegunle/Ajeromi axis, Isale-

Eko axis and Maroko/Ajah among others.

I. Street Lighting: The provision of street light stands out in the present efforts of Lagos

State Government under the civilian administration from 1999 till date.

J. Housing Schemes: The housing situations in Lagos are precarious, to the extent that many

people cannot find accommodation within Lagos State. Several people have found their

ways into the neighbouring states of Ogun and Oyo. Both Ogun and Oyo states are

therefore beneficiaries of this population explosion. Lagos State has embarked on diverse

housing programmes for the low, medium and high income earners. This is being handled

by the Lagos State Development Corporation. The sites are spread over the state eg.

Ojolero and Ogba.

K. New Towns and Development Plans: The Lagos State Government is coming up with

new town schemes to serve as models and places of abode for the citizenry.

L. Others include; i. The creation of Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructures meant to handle

specifically all that has to do with infrastructures.

ii. The creation of Ministry of Lands to monitor, regulate, and organize the use of

lands in the state, upon which forms the bulk of taxes or internally generated

revenue for the various developmental initiatives of Lagos.

iii. Construction of organized car parks.

iv. Landscaping of open spaces, loops etc. as recreation areas.

v. Conception of Metro-line (in the pipeline/on the drawing board).

vi. Encouraging Community/Citizen Participation through the creation of Local

Development Boards/Areas.

vii. Development of Efficient Transportation System through traffic lights,

construction of bus stops, introducing lay-byes and spurs, road signs.

viii. Construction of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) for crime prevention.

5.0 CONCLUSION

Urbanization must truly reflect the provision of infrastructures; or simply put, urbanization must

be complemented by the provision of basic infrastructures for it to be truly called a process that

will bring life into any community. The innovative moves of the Lagos State Government have

been enumerated in this paper. It is a pointer that good things can as well emanate from

urbanization process if concerted efforts are mustered by all stakeholders who take keen interest

in good governance of our cities for the benefits of all. Consequently, an attempt has been made

Lagos State Infrastructure Development Initiatives. Other states such as Calabar, Imo, Ondo etc

also have initiatives put in place for the provision of infrastructures in communities necessary for

the growth and betterment of the people as well as the country’s economy.

RECOMMENDATIONS

On completion of the assessment of housing infrastructures in Nigeria, the following

recommendations have been made:

1. Non-Governmental Organizations, Community Based Organizations and other private

individuals that are interested in the provisions of infrastructures should be involved in the

process of provision of infrastructure at the local government and the state levels.

2. Collaborative joint venture of mega-city concept between the State Government and Federal

Government should be vigorously pursued to deal with the urban sprawl in the various states

affected.

3. Encouraging Community/Citizen Participation through the creation of Local Development

Boards/Areas.

4. Development of Independent Power Projects to be able to power the various moribund

industries/ factories and business concerns in the state.

5. Development of the moribund/abandoned metroline transportation project.

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