A Study of the Problems of Public Sector Housing Schemes and How It Affects the Low-Income Class in Boron State, Nigeria

Abstract

Housing has been classified as a universally second most important human need after food. However because of its importance to man, it has become a scarce commodity, hence its problem have also been described as a universal experience that the whole world is being confronted with. Although the problem of housing has become a matter of national concern in Nigeria, each state seems to have their own peculiar housing problems as far as public sector participation in housing schemes is concerned. Of much interest to this study is the problem of housing among low income class in Borno State. They are the peasant farmers and the urban proletariat who lives in most inhabitable houses characterized by absence of social amenities as a result of their inability to afford descent housing accommodation. The primary objectives of this study is to examine and ascertain the problems of public sector housing schemes as it affects the low income class. Questionnaires were developed and distributed to the sampled population in six (6) local government areas in Borno State; they include Maiduguri Metropolitan, Biu, Bama, Gwoza, Monguno and Gubio which represents the three zones in the state. Findings shows that previous successive administration have not done enough toward the provision of low income housing, hence the low income class are placed at disadvantage position in terms of access to public housing schemes. The research made recommendations that may help address this housing problem such as the need to implement the National Housing Policy and to assist the low income class.