A View on Housing Challenge and Health of the Urban Poor

The issues surrounding housing and the health of Nigeria's urban poor are covered in this paper. It highlights Nigeria's fast urbanization, which is primarily the result of extreme rural-urban migration and explosive urban population increase. Substandard housing is a significant public health concern and a key driver of health. The urban poor constitutes the vast majority of urban dwellers and they are in a disadvantaged economic position to build for themselves and are generally unable to make effective demand of existing housing. In developing nations, particularly Nigeria, where population growth and city expansion have increased, there are a number of issues that have arisen as a result, including persistent overcrowding, unsanitary living conditions, a severe housing shortage, unhealthy environments, high rates of homelessness, inadequate and subpar infrastructure, and an increase in poverty and social vices. This paper provides an overview of government efforts and interventions in housing provision. It notes that despite attempts, there is still a significant gap between housing wants and needs, particularly in regards to the healthy living of Nigeria's urban poor. Government has shifted its focus from full direct housing construction to that of providing enabling environment for the private sector and the mortgage banks to deliver housing. Government should partner with cooperative societies and development agents in provision of housing and infrastructure that caters for the housing needs and wellbeing of the urban poor. Keywords: Challenge, Environment, Healthy living, Urban housing, Urban poor,