Background of the Study
Population growth in Nigerian cities has emerged as a critical factor influencing the housing supply. As urban populations expand at an unprecedented rate, the demand for residential units surges, placing immense pressure on housing supply chains. Rapid population increases, driven by both natural growth and rural-to-urban migration, have led to a scenario where traditional housing development practices struggle to meet the evolving needs of urban dwellers (Eze, 2023). In many cities, the available housing stock is insufficient to cater to the growing number of residents, resulting in a significant supply–demand imbalance. This imbalance has been exacerbated by several factors, including land scarcity, inadequate infrastructural investment, and inefficient urban planning processes. The housing supply issue is further complicated by market distortions, such as speculative real estate practices and bureaucratic delays in project approvals, which collectively hinder the timely delivery of new housing projects (Ibeh, 2024). As a consequence, many urban residents are forced to settle in substandard conditions or pay exorbitant rents, a trend that undermines social equity and hampers economic productivity. Moreover, the challenges associated with scaling up housing supply are not uniform across all Nigerian cities. Metropolitan areas, with their high population densities and rapid urbanization rates, experience more acute supply shortages compared to smaller cities or towns. This heterogeneity calls for a nuanced analysis of housing supply dynamics, one that considers regional variations, socio-economic factors, and the effectiveness of government policies. Recognizing the critical link between population growth and housing supply, policymakers and urban planners have attempted various interventions to stimulate housing production and improve affordability. However, the results have been mixed, with many initiatives failing to achieve the desired impact due to implementation challenges and funding constraints (Eze, 2023; Ibeh, 2024). This study, therefore, aims to explore the impact of population growth on housing supply in Nigerian cities by examining historical trends, current challenges, and potential solutions. Through a combination of quantitative data analysis and qualitative case studies, the research will provide a comprehensive evaluation of how population dynamics are reshaping the housing market and what measures can be adopted to ensure a more balanced and sustainable housing supply.
Statement of the Problem
Nigerian cities are facing a critical housing supply crisis as rapid population growth overwhelms the capacity of current housing production. The persistent mismatch between the burgeoning urban population and the slow pace of housing development has resulted in acute shortages of residential units, driving up prices and forcing many residents into informal or substandard living conditions (Eze, 2023). Key challenges include limited availability of developable land, complex regulatory environments, and inefficient planning processes that delay the approval and construction of new housing projects. These challenges are compounded by market distortions, such as speculative practices and corruption in land allocation, which further restrict the growth of housing supply (Ibeh, 2024). The inadequacy of existing housing policies and infrastructural investment has left many urban areas struggling to provide adequate shelter, particularly for low-income and vulnerable populations. The housing supply crisis not only affects individual well-being but also has broader economic implications, including reduced labor mobility, increased commuting costs, and diminished urban competitiveness. Stakeholders in the housing sector—ranging from government agencies and private developers to non-governmental organizations—have expressed concerns that without significant intervention, the housing shortage will continue to exacerbate socio-economic disparities and hinder sustainable urban development. This study seeks to systematically investigate the underlying causes of the housing supply gap in Nigerian cities, assess the effectiveness of current policy measures, and identify innovative strategies to boost housing production. By doing so, the research aims to provide actionable recommendations for policymakers to address the urgent need for increased housing supply in the face of rapid population growth (Eze, 2023; Ibeh, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on selected metropolitan areas in Nigeria over the past decade, analyzing housing market data and policy documents. Limitations include regional disparities, data availability issues, and the complexity of isolating population effects from other market forces.
Definitions of Terms
• Housing Supply: The total stock of available residential units in a given area.
• Population Growth: The rate at which the number of residents in an area increases over time.
• Regulatory Inefficiencies: Gaps or delays in government processes that impede housing development.
• Market Speculation: Investment activities driven by the anticipation of future increases in property values.
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