Assessment of Urban Residential Housing Challenges in Nigeria: A Case Study of Warri, Delta State

The primary aim of this study is to assess urban residential housing challenges in Nigeria: a case study of Warri, Delta State, The Objectives of the Study are :to examine the effects of housing shortages and overcrowding as challenges in urban residential areas of Warri,to assess how the lack of quality basic infrastructure affects urban residential housing in Warri, to evaluate the affordability of housing as a challenge in urban areas of Warri, to investigate the extent to which informal settlements affect urban housing in Warri and to examine the role of government and the private sector in mitigating housing-related problems in urban Warri.A descriptive research design was adopted to achieve these objectives systematically. The population size consisted of 805 landlords, tenants, and government officials living and working in Warri, Delta State. Using Taro Yamane’s sampling formula, a sample size of 267 respondents was scientifically determined for reliable representation of the entire population. The study applied a multistage sampling technique that combined stratified sampling to categorize respondents and convenience sampling to ease access during fieldwork. Data was gathered using a carefully structured questionnaire covering all research questions. Descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, were used for summarizing data.The study found that housing shortages and overcrowding significantly increase rent, worsen residents’ living conditions, cause health hazards, and overstretch available infrastructure. Similarly, the lack of quality basic infrastructure—such as good roads, proper drainage, reliable water supply, steady electricity, and waste disposal—critically affects the quality and sustainability of urban housing. Affordability remains a key challenge, as many households spend a large portion of their income on rent due to high building costs and inadequate government housing schemes. Informal settlements were shown to worsen the urban housing situation by lacking planning, proper sanitation, and access to essential services. Statistical results confirmed these as significant problems. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that urban residential housing challenges in Warri are serious, interrelated, and require urgent solutions. Government policies, infrastructural investments, strong enforcement of building standards, and greater private sector involvement are necessary to expand affordable housing, control informal settlements, and improve urban living standards sustainably.