Assessment of Housing Typologies and Factors Influencing Provider Choice of Typology in Urban Abuja

Access to adequate housing is globally recognised as both a human right and a critical pillar of sustainable urban development, yet supply deficits persist across sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, the housing shortfall has grown from 7 million units in 1991 to over 28 million in 2024, with Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reflecting these pressures most acutely. This study examined the dominant housing typologies in urban Abuja and the determinants influencing providers’ choices. A descriptive quantitative design was adopted, with data collected through questionnaires administered to residents and suppliers. The study population comprised adults living in mass housing schemes in Phases 2 and 3. Using multistage sampling, 30% of districts and 10% of housing schemes were selected. Two respondent groups were engaged: 242 housing suppliers, drawn randomly to represent 30% of total supplier in Phases 2 and 3, and 920 household heads selected through random and systematic sampling. This sample size was considered adequate to ensure robust representation of both suppliers and residents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics to reveal prevailing typologies and the factors shaping providers’ choices. The study revealed that housing supply in Abuja’s urban core is dominated by duplexes (41.1 percent) and flats (37.7 percent), shaped largely by profitability, market demand, and regulatory frameworks, with prestige reinforcing status-oriented choices and culture playing a limited role. This indicates that housing outcomes are driven more by profit and status than by affordability or inclusiveness. For policymakers, planners, and architects, the findings underscore the need to recalibrate housing delivery systems by balancing profitability and efficiency with affordability, inclusiveness, and sustainability.