Assessing Housing Affordability and Accessibility Issues in Nigerian Cities: Evidence from an Empirical Study in Warri, Delta State

Abstract

This research evaluates the issues surrounding urban residential housing in Nigeria, with Warri in Delta State serving as the case study location. Its objectives included investigating the consequences of housing shortages and overcrowding, examining the influence of deficient basic infrastructure, analyzing problems of housing affordability, exploring the significance of informal settlements, and assessing the involvement of government and private sector actors in tackling these challenges. The investigation adopted a descriptive research approach, focusing on a population comprising 805 landlords, tenants, and government officials residing in Warri. Application of Taro Yamane’s formula yielded a sample size of 267 respondents. Information was gathered through a structured questionnaire administered via a multi-stage sampling procedure that integrated stratified and convenience techniques, then examined using descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations). Results indicate that housing shortages and overcrowding increase rental prices, worsen living standards, create health hazards, and overburden infrastructure systems. Deficient infrastructure including inadequate roads, drainage, water provision, electricity, and waste disposal compromises housing quality and long-term viability. Housing affordability suffers from elevated construction expenses and limited government initiatives, resulting in disproportionately high rent payments. Informal settlements intensify difficulties via inadequate planning, sanitation shortcomings, and restricted access to services. Collectively, these problems are interlinked and require immediate action. The research concludes that strengthened government policies, greater investment in infrastructure, stricter regulatory oversight, and collaboration with the private sector are vital to advancing affordable housing, regularizing informal settlements, and enhancing overall urban livability in Warri.