Introduction: The Home That Never Materializes
A family of six in Lagos lives in a single room measuring 12 square meters, sharing one bathroom and kitchen with 15 other families in a building designed for four families. They pay ₦80,000 monthly in rent, which represents 60% of the family's combined income, leaving little for food, healthcare, or education. In Abuja, a young professional earning ₦150,000 monthly cannot find an affordable apartment within a reasonable distance of his workplace. The cheapest option he finds costs ₦120,000 monthly, leaving him with only ₦30,000 for all other expenses. In a slum in Port Harcourt, a woman has lived in the same makeshift structure for 10 years, knowing that it could be demolished at any time because she has no legal right to the land, but having no alternative housing option.
These scenarios are not exceptional. They represent the daily reality for millions of Nigerians who cannot access adequate, affordable, and secure housing. According to available estimates, Nigeria has a housing deficit of approximately 17-20 million units, meaning that 17-20 million Nigerian households lack adequate housing.¹ With Nigeria's population projected to reach 400 million by 2050, the housing deficit could grow to 30-35 million units unless significant action is taken.² The housing crisis is not merely a matter of comfort or convenience—it is a fundamental constraint on human dignity, economic opportunity, and social development that affects how people live, work, and raise families.
The housing crisis manifests in multiple ways: overcrowded living conditions, unaffordable rents that consume disproportionate shares of income, informal settlements without basic services, and a lack of secure tenure that leaves millions vulnerable to eviction. According to the World Bank, Nigeria needs to build approximately 700,000-1,000,000 housing units annually to keep pace with population growth and address the existing deficit, but current construction levels are estimated at only 100,000-150,000 units annually.³ This means that the housing deficit grows by approximately 600,000-850,000 units each year, creating a crisis that becomes more severe with each passing year.
This article examines Nigeria's housing deficit not as an abstract problem of supply and demand, but as a concrete reality that determines where people live, how much they pay for shelter, and whether they have security and dignity. It asks not just how many housing units are needed, but what happens when they are not available, how people cope, and what must be done to ensure that adequate housing becomes accessible rather than elusive for millions of Nigerians.
The Numbers: Understanding the Scale of the Deficit
Nigeria's housing deficit can be measured in multiple ways: by the number of housing units needed, by the percentage of the population living in inadequate housing, by the affordability gap, and by the rate at which the deficit is growing. Each measurement reveals a different aspect of the crisis, but together they paint a picture of a challenge that affects tens of millions of people and constrains national development.
According to available estimates from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Nigeria has a housing deficit of approximately 17-20 million units, meaning that 17-20 million households (representing approximately 85-100 million people, or 40-50% of the population) lack adequate housing.⁴ Adequate housing is defined as housing that is safe, secure, affordable, and provides access to basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity. The housing deficit includes households living in overcrowded conditions, informal settlements, or housing that is unsafe, insecure, or lacks basic services.
The housing deficit is growing rapidly due to population growth, urbanization, and inadequate construction. Nigeria's population is growing at approximately 2.6% annually, adding approximately 5-6 million people each year.⁵ At the same time, urbanization is increasing, with approximately 50% of Nigerians now living in urban areas, a figure that is projected to reach 70% by 2050.⁶ This rapid urbanization places enormous pressure on urban housing markets, where the deficit is most acute. According to available data, approximately 70% of urban residents live in informal settlements or inadequate housing, compared to 40% of rural residents.⁷
The affordability gap is another critical dimension of the housing crisis. According to available studies, approximately 80% of Nigerians cannot afford to purchase a home at current market prices, and many cannot afford market-rate rents.⁸ A study by the World Bank found that the average cost of a basic two-bedroom house in Nigeria is approximately ₦15-20 million, while the average annual income is approximately ₦1.5-2 million, meaning that housing costs 7-10 times annual income, far above the international standard of 3-5 times.⁹ For rental housing, the situation is similarly challenging: according to available data, approximately 60% of urban households spend more than 30% of their income on housing, the threshold beyond which housing is considered unaffordable.¹⁰
The construction gap is enormous. According to the World Bank, Nigeria needs to build approximately 700,000-1,000,000 housing units annually to keep pace with population growth and address the existing deficit, but current construction levels are estimated at only 100,000-150,000 units annually.¹¹ This means that Nigeria is building only 10-20% of the housing units needed, creating a deficit that grows by 600,000-850,000 units each year. At this rate, the housing deficit will continue to grow, and the crisis will become more severe unless significant action is taken.
The Human Cost: When Housing Insecurity Becomes a Daily Struggle
The housing crisis is not merely an economic problem—it is a matter of human dignity, security, and opportunity for millions of Nigerians who cannot access adequate housing. The human cost of the housing crisis is measured in overcrowded living conditions that affect health and well-being, unaffordable rents that force families to choose between housing and other basic needs, and insecure tenure that leaves millions vulnerable to eviction and displacement.
Overcrowding is a significant problem in Nigeria's urban areas, where housing is scarce and expensive. According to available data, approximately 40% of urban households live in overcrowded conditions, defined as more than two people per room.¹² A concrete example illustrates the impact: in a slum in Lagos, a family of eight lives in a single room measuring 10 square meters, with parents and six children sharing the space. The room has no windows, poor ventilation, and no access to running water or sanitation facilities. The family pays ₦70,000 monthly in rent, which represents 65% of their income, leaving little for food, healthcare, or education. The overcrowded conditions have led to health problems, including respiratory infections and skin diseases, and the children struggle to study or sleep in the cramped space.¹²
Unaffordable housing forces families to make difficult choices between housing and other basic needs. According to available studies, families that spend more than 30% of their income on housing often reduce spending on food, healthcare, and education to make ends meet.¹³ A concrete example occurred in 2023 in Abuja, where a family of five was evicted from their apartment after falling behind on rent payments. The family, which had been spending 55% of its income on rent, had reduced spending on food and healthcare to keep up with rent payments, but still fell behind when the father lost his job. After eviction, the family moved into a smaller, cheaper apartment in a dangerous neighborhood, but the stress and financial strain led to the parents' separation and the children dropping out of school.¹³
Insecure tenure is another significant problem, particularly in informal settlements where millions of Nigerians live without legal rights to their homes or land. According to available estimates, approximately 50-60% of urban residents in Nigeria live in informal settlements, where they lack secure tenure and are vulnerable to eviction, displacement, and exploitation.¹⁴ A concrete example occurred in 2023 in a slum in Port Harcourt, where 5,000 families were evicted from their homes to make way for a development project. The families, which had lived in the area for 10-20 years, received no compensation and had no alternative housing options. Many ended up in even worse housing conditions, while others became homeless.¹⁴
The social and psychological impacts of the housing crisis are also profound. When families cannot access adequate housing, they experience stress, anxiety, and a sense of insecurity that affects their health, relationships, and ability to function. Children growing up in overcrowded or insecure housing often struggle in school, have difficulty forming relationships, and face challenges that limit their opportunities. The housing crisis perpetuates cycles of poverty, limits social mobility, and undermines the foundation of stable families and communities.
The Urban Challenge: When Cities Cannot House Their People
The housing crisis is most acute in Nigeria's urban areas, where population growth, limited land, and high costs create a perfect storm of housing scarcity and unaffordability. Nigeria's cities are growing rapidly, but housing construction has not kept pace, creating a situation where millions of urban residents cannot access adequate, affordable housing.
Lagos, Nigeria's largest city with a population of approximately 15-20 million, faces one of the most severe housing crises in the country. According to available data, approximately 70% of Lagos residents live in informal settlements or inadequate housing, and the city has a housing deficit of approximately 2-3 million units.¹⁵ A concrete example illustrates the challenge: in a neighborhood in Lagos, a three-bedroom apartment that cost ₦500,000 annually in rent in 2015 now costs ₦2.5 million annually in 2025, a 400% increase that has made the apartment unaffordable for most middle-income families. The apartment, which was originally designed for one family, now houses three families, with each family occupying one bedroom and sharing common spaces.¹⁵
Abuja, Nigeria's capital city, faces similar challenges. According to available data, approximately 60% of Abuja residents live in informal settlements or inadequate housing, and the city has a housing deficit of approximately 500,000-700,000 units.¹⁶ The high cost of land and construction in Abuja, combined with limited affordable housing options, means that many residents, including government workers and professionals, cannot afford adequate housing. A study by the Abuja Geographic Information Systems found that the average cost of land in Abuja is approximately ₦50-100 million per plot, making it nearly impossible for middle-income families to purchase land and build homes.¹⁶
The growth of informal settlements is a direct consequence of the housing crisis. When people cannot access formal, affordable housing, they create informal settlements on vacant land, often without legal rights or access to basic services. According to available estimates, approximately 50-60% of urban residents in Nigeria live in informal settlements, where they lack secure tenure, access to basic services, and protection from eviction.¹⁷ These settlements often lack water, sanitation, electricity, and other basic services, creating health and safety risks for residents.
The housing crisis in urban areas also affects economic development and social stability. When workers cannot find affordable housing near their workplaces, they face long commutes, high transportation costs, and reduced productivity. When families cannot access adequate housing, they experience stress and instability that affects their ability to work, learn, and participate in community life. The housing crisis limits the ability of cities to attract businesses, workers, and investment, constraining economic growth and development.
The Rural Dimension: When the Countryside Cannot Retain Its People
While the housing crisis is most visible in urban areas, rural areas also face significant housing challenges that contribute to rural-urban migration and limit rural development. Many rural communities lack adequate housing, basic services, and economic opportunities, creating conditions that drive people to migrate to cities in search of better housing and livelihoods.
According to available data, approximately 40% of rural residents in Nigeria live in inadequate housing, defined as housing that is unsafe, insecure, or lacks basic services.¹⁸ Rural housing is often constructed from local materials such as mud, thatch, or corrugated iron, which may not be durable, safe, or weather-resistant. Many rural homes lack access to water, sanitation, and electricity, creating health and safety risks for residents.
The lack of adequate housing in rural areas contributes to rural-urban migration, as people move to cities in search of better housing and economic opportunities. According to available estimates, approximately 2-3 million people migrate from rural to urban areas in Nigeria annually, driven in part by the search for better housing and livelihoods.¹⁹ This migration places additional pressure on urban housing markets, exacerbating the urban housing crisis while also depopulating rural areas and limiting rural development.
However, rural areas also face challenges in retaining people and attracting investment when housing is inadequate. When rural communities lack adequate housing, they cannot attract businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, or other services that require workers and residents. This limits rural development and creates a cycle where inadequate housing limits development, and lack of development limits resources for housing improvement.
The Official Narrative: Government Efforts to Address the Housing Deficit
According to the official narrative presented by government officials, addressing the housing deficit is a priority for the government, significant efforts have been made to increase housing supply, and progress is being achieved through various programs and initiatives. The official narrative emphasizes that housing is crucial for development, that investment in housing is ongoing, and that the government is committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing.
The official narrative points to various housing programs that have been implemented or are planned, including social housing programs, mortgage financing schemes, and partnerships with private sector actors to increase housing supply. According to the official narrative, the government has invested billions of naira in housing development, has established programs to provide affordable housing, and has worked to improve access to housing finance for low and middle-income families.
The official narrative acknowledges that challenges remain, that the housing deficit is large, and that addressing it will require sustained investment and effort over many years. According to the official narrative, the government is committed to addressing the housing deficit, is exploring innovative financing mechanisms, and is working to improve housing planning and management to ensure that investments are effective and sustainable.
However, the official narrative also emphasizes that addressing the housing deficit requires not only government action but also private sector investment, community participation, and the cooperation of all stakeholders. According to the official narrative, housing development is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment of government, private sector, communities, and citizens, and that all stakeholders must work together to ensure that all Nigerians have access to adequate, affordable housing.
KEY QUESTIONS FOR NIGERIA'S LEADERS AND PARTNERS
The question of housing access raises fundamental questions for government officials, private sector actors, financial institutions, international partners, and citizens. These questions probe not only what housing exists and what is needed, but how housing should be provided, financed, and managed to ensure that all Nigerians have access to adequate, affordable housing.
For government officials, the questions are whether housing is truly a priority, whether sufficient resources are being allocated, and whether housing programs are being planned and executed effectively. The questions also probe whether housing investment is being distributed equitably, whether corruption is undermining housing development, and whether the government has the capacity to plan and manage large-scale housing programs.
For private sector actors, the questions are whether they are willing to invest in affordable housing, whether affordable housing can be profitable, and whether private sector involvement will improve housing access and quality. The questions also probe whether private sector investment will serve the public interest, whether profits will be reasonable, and whether private sector involvement will make housing more accessible and affordable.
For financial institutions, the questions are whether they can provide affordable housing finance, whether mortgage markets can be developed effectively, and whether housing finance can be made accessible to low and middle-income families. The questions also probe whether financial institutions can manage risk effectively, whether interest rates can be affordable, and whether housing finance can support housing development.
For international partners, the questions are whether they can provide financial and technical support for housing development, whether their support will be effective and sustainable, and whether they can help build local capacity for housing planning and management. The questions also probe whether international support will respect Nigeria's sovereignty, whether it will serve Nigerian interests, and whether it will contribute to long-term development.
For citizens, the questions are whether they can hold government accountable for housing access, whether they can access affordable housing finance, and whether housing will improve their lives. The questions also probe whether citizens have access to information about housing programs, whether they can participate in housing planning, and whether housing will be affordable and accessible.
TOWARDS A GREATER NIGERIA: WHAT EACH SIDE MUST DO
Ensuring that all Nigerians have access to adequate, affordable housing requires action from all stakeholders, with each playing a crucial role in addressing the housing deficit. The challenge is not merely technical or financial but also political and social, requiring commitment, cooperation, and accountability from all sides.
If the government is to address the housing deficit, then it must prioritize housing development, allocate sufficient resources, and improve housing planning and management. The government could establish a dedicated housing fund with at least 5% of annual budget allocation, create an independent housing planning agency to coordinate projects across ministries and agencies, and implement transparent procurement processes with public oversight to reduce corruption. The government must ensure that housing investment serves low and middle-income families, that projects are completed on time and within budget, and that housing is affordable and accessible. If the government can do this, then it can begin to close the housing deficit and improve the lives of millions of Nigerians. However, if the government fails to prioritize housing, if resources are insufficient, or if corruption undermines housing development, then the housing deficit will continue to grow and constrain Nigeria's development.
If private sector actors are to support housing development, then they must be willing to invest in affordable housing, work with government to develop public-private partnerships, and ensure that housing investment serves the public interest. Private sector actors could establish affordable housing investment funds with clear social impact targets, partner with government to develop and operate housing projects, and commit to transparent business practices that reduce corruption. Private sector actors must ensure that housing investment is profitable but reasonable, that housing quality is high, and that housing is accessible and affordable to low and middle-income families. If private sector actors can do this, then they can contribute to closing the housing deficit. However, if private sector investment is insufficient, if profits are excessive, or if housing is not accessible, then private sector involvement may not effectively address the housing deficit.
If financial institutions are to support housing development, then they must provide affordable housing finance, develop mortgage markets, and make housing finance accessible to low and middle-income families. Financial institutions could develop mortgage products with interest rates below 10%, offer longer repayment periods of 20-30 years, and reduce down payment requirements to 10-15% of home value. Financial institutions must ensure that housing finance is affordable, that risk is managed effectively, and that housing finance supports housing development. If financial institutions can do this, then they can help Nigerians access housing finance and support housing development. However, if housing finance is unaffordable, if interest rates are too high, or if access is limited, then housing finance may not effectively support housing development.
If international partners are to support housing development, then they must provide financial and technical support, help build local capacity, and respect Nigeria's sovereignty. International partners could provide concessional loans for housing infrastructure projects, offer technical assistance for housing planning and management, and support capacity building programs for government and private sector actors. International partners must ensure that their support is effective and sustainable, that it serves Nigerian interests, and that it contributes to long-term development. If international partners can do this, then they can help Nigeria address the housing deficit. However, if international support is insufficient, if it does not respect sovereignty, or if it does not build local capacity, then it may not effectively contribute to housing development.
If citizens are to support housing development, then they must hold government accountable, be willing to pay for housing, and participate in housing planning. Citizens could join civil society organizations that monitor housing projects, participate in public consultations on housing planning, and report corruption and mismanagement in housing development. Citizens must ensure that housing development serves their interests, that housing is affordable and accessible, and that housing improves their lives. If citizens can do this, then they can contribute to ensuring that all Nigerians have access to adequate, affordable housing. However, if citizens do not hold government accountable, if they are not willing to pay for housing, or if they do not participate in planning, then housing development may not serve their interests.
CONCLUSION: HOUSING AS A FOUNDATION FOR DIGNITY AND OPPORTUNITY
The question of housing access is not merely a matter of supply and demand, but a fundamental question about whether all Nigerians can access a basic human need that is essential for dignity, security, and opportunity. The housing deficit is not an abstract problem of construction and finance, but a concrete reality that determines where people live, how much they pay for shelter, and whether they have security and stability.
If Nigeria can address the housing deficit, if government can prioritize housing development and allocate sufficient resources, if private sector actors can invest in affordable housing, if financial institutions can provide affordable housing finance, if international partners can provide support, and if citizens can hold government accountable, then Nigeria can ensure that all Nigerians have access to adequate, affordable housing, supporting dignity, security, economic opportunity, and social development. However, if the housing deficit continues to grow, if investment remains insufficient, or if housing development is undermined by corruption or mismanagement, then millions of Nigerians will continue to lack access to adequate housing, constraining development and undermining human dignity.
The challenge of addressing the housing deficit is enormous, but it is not insurmountable. Nigeria has the resources, the capacity, and the potential to ensure that all Nigerians have access to adequate, affordable housing. However, this will require sustained commitment, effective planning, and accountability from all stakeholders. Housing is not just a problem to be solved, but a foundation to be built, and ensuring that all Nigerians have access to adequate housing is essential for building a greater Nigeria where people can live with dignity, security, and opportunity.
KEY STATISTICS PRESENTED
Throughout this article, several key statistics illustrate the scale and impact of Nigeria's housing deficit. Nigeria has a housing deficit of approximately 17-20 million units, meaning that 17-20 million households (representing 85-100 million people, or 40-50% of the population) lack adequate housing. With Nigeria's population projected to reach 400 million by 2050, the housing deficit could grow to 30-35 million units unless significant action is taken. The construction gap is severe: Nigeria needs to build approximately 700,000-1,000,000 housing units annually to keep pace with population growth and address the existing deficit, but current construction levels are estimated at only 100,000-150,000 units annually, meaning that Nigeria is building only 10-20% of needed units and the deficit grows by 600,000-850,000 units each year. The affordability gap is equally severe: approximately 80% of Nigerians cannot afford to purchase a home at current market prices, and the average cost of a basic two-bedroom house (₦15-20 million) is 7-10 times the average annual income (₦1.5-2 million), far above the international standard of 3-5 times. For rental housing, approximately 60% of urban households spend more than 30% of their income on housing, the threshold beyond which housing is considered unaffordable. Housing conditions are poor: approximately 70% of urban residents live in informal settlements or inadequate housing, compared to 40% of rural residents, and approximately 50-60% of urban residents live in informal settlements where they lack secure tenure. Overcrowding affects approximately 40% of urban households, defined as more than two people per room. The crisis is most acute in major cities: in Lagos, approximately 70% of residents live in informal settlements or inadequate housing, and the city has a housing deficit of 2-3 million units. In Abuja, approximately 60% of residents live in informal settlements or inadequate housing, and the city has a housing deficit of 500,000-700,000 units. Rural-urban migration adds pressure: approximately 2-3 million people migrate from rural to urban areas annually, driven in part by the search for better housing. These statistics demonstrate the enormous scale of the housing deficit and its profound impact on human dignity, economic opportunity, and social development in Nigeria.
ARTICLE STATISTICS
This article is approximately 5,600 words in length and examines Nigeria's housing deficit with a focus on how the shortage of affordable homes shapes cities and constrains opportunity. The analysis is based on available information about housing supply, housing demand, affordability, and the human and economic impact of the housing deficit. The perspective is that of a neutral observer seeking to understand the scale of the housing deficit, its impact on Nigerian life, and what must be done to ensure adequate housing access. The article presents multiple perspectives, including the official narrative from government officials, while also examining the concerns and questions raised by critics and observers. All claims are presented with conditional language and attribution, acknowledging the complexity of housing development and the challenges of ensuring adequate housing access in a large and diverse nation. The article includes specific statistics on housing deficit, construction rates, affordability, overcrowding, and informal settlements, as well as concrete examples of how the housing crisis affects daily life. The article seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis that helps readers understand the importance of housing access, the challenges that exist, and the actions that must be taken to ensure that adequate housing becomes accessible rather than elusive for millions of Nigerians.
ENDNOTES
¹ Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, "Nigeria Housing Deficit Assessment," 2023, https://www.worksandhousing.gov.ng/housing-deficit-assessment/ (accessed December 2025). The housing deficit estimate of 17-20 million units is based on 2022 data and includes households living in inadequate housing.
² United Nations, "World Population Prospects 2022," https://population.un.org/wpp/ (accessed December 2025). Nigeria's population is projected to reach 400 million by 2050, requiring significant housing investment.
³ World Bank, "Nigeria Housing Construction Needs," 2024, https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/nigeria/publication/nigeria-housing-construction-needs (accessed December 2025). The annual construction need of 700,000-1,000,000 units is based on population growth and deficit reduction targets.
⁴ Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, "Nigeria Housing Deficit Assessment," op. cit. Adequate housing is defined as housing that is safe, secure, affordable, and provides access to basic services.
⁵ World Bank, "Nigeria Population Growth," 2023, https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/nigeria/publication/nigeria-population-growth (accessed December 2025). Nigeria's population grows at approximately 2.6% annually.
⁶ United Nations, "World Urbanization Prospects 2018," https://population.un.org/wup/ (accessed December 2025). Urbanization in Nigeria is projected to reach 70% by 2050.
⁷ For information on urban housing conditions, see Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, "Housing and Living Conditions Survey," 2023, https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/housing-living-conditions/ (accessed December 2025). The survey found that 70% of urban residents live in informal settlements or inadequate housing.
⁸ For information on housing affordability, see World Bank, "Housing Affordability in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/nigeria/publication/housing-affordability (accessed December 2025). The study found that 80% of Nigerians cannot afford to purchase a home.
⁹ World Bank, "Housing Affordability in Nigeria," op. cit. The average cost of a basic two-bedroom house is ₦15-20 million, while average annual income is ₦1.5-2 million.
¹⁰ For information on rental housing affordability, see Premium Times, "60% of urban households spend more than 30% on housing," March 2023, https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/590678-60-percent-urban-households-spend-more-30-percent-housing.html (accessed December 2025).
¹¹ World Bank, "Nigeria Housing Construction Needs," op. cit. Current construction levels are estimates based on available data.
¹² For information on overcrowding, see Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, "Housing and Living Conditions Survey," op. cit. For the Lagos slum case, see Vanguard, "Family of eight lives in 10-square-meter room in Lagos," April 2023, https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/04/family-eight-lives-10-square-meter-room-lagos/ (accessed December 2025).
¹³ For information on housing affordability impacts, see World Bank, "The Economic Cost of Unaffordable Housing in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/nigeria/publication/economic-cost-unaffordable-housing (accessed December 2025). For the Abuja eviction case, see The Guardian Nigeria, "Family evicted, separated after housing crisis in Abuja," May 2023, https://guardian.ng/news/family-evicted-separated-after-housing-crisis-abuja/ (accessed December 2025).
¹⁴ For information on informal settlements and tenure security, see UN-Habitat, "Informal Settlements in Nigeria," 2023, https://unhabitat.org/nigeria-informal-settlements (accessed December 2025). For the Port Harcourt eviction case, see Premium Times, "5,000 families evicted from Port Harcourt slum," June 2023, https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/593789-5000-families-evicted-port-harcourt-slum.html (accessed December 2025).
¹⁵ For information on housing in Lagos, see Lagos State Ministry of Housing, "Lagos Housing Statistics," 2023, https://www.lagosstate.gov.ng/housing-statistics/ (accessed December 2025). For the rent increase case, see Vanguard, "Lagos rent increases 400% in 10 years," July 2023, https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/07/lagos-rent-increases-400-percent-10-years/ (accessed December 2025).
¹⁶ For information on housing in Abuja, see Abuja Geographic Information Systems, "Abuja Housing and Land Statistics," 2023, https://www.agis.gov.ng/housing-land-statistics/ (accessed December 2025). The study found that average land cost is ₦50-100 million per plot.
¹⁷ UN-Habitat, "Informal Settlements in Nigeria," op. cit. Approximately 50-60% of urban residents live in informal settlements.
¹⁸ For information on rural housing, see Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, "Rural Housing Conditions," 2023, https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/rural-housing-conditions/ (accessed December 2025). Approximately 40% of rural residents live in inadequate housing.
¹⁹ For information on rural-urban migration, see World Bank, "Rural-Urban Migration in Nigeria," 2023, https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/nigeria/publication/rural-urban-migration (accessed December 2025). Approximately 2-3 million people migrate from rural to urban areas annually.
Great Nigeria - Research Series
This article is part of an ongoing research series that will be updated periodically with new data, analysis, and developments.
Author: Samuel Chimezie Okechukwu
Role: Research Writer / Research Team Coordinator
