An Empirical Analysis of Urban Housing Demand and Residents' Perceived Challenges in Lokoja, Nigeria

Abstract

The study attempts to examine residents’ perception on problems associated with housing demand in Lokoja metropolis with respect to the identification of the causes of the upsurge in population, the impact of it on the immediate environment and the way forward in solving housing challenges in Lokoja. The research employed statistical analysis using ANOVA to conclude that perceptions differed significantly over the years. Out of the 400 questionnaires distributed, a total of 372 were retrieved and deemed usable, representing a response rate of 93% as the sample size. Result shows that, the average housing demand increased by 31.8% in the 2nd decade and 39.7% in the 3rd decade respectively. Thus, the residents’ perception on problems associated with housing demand differed significantly over the years in Lokoja metropolis. Hence, it became very imperative to posit that; the government should embark on massive acquisition and construction of low-cost housing units to accommodate the rising demand for housing by the people, encourage public-private housing partnerships in housing delivery, with a specific focus on meeting the needs of low-income earners and workers.