An Overview of Affordable Low Cost Housing in Nigeria; a Case for Stabilised Compressed Earth Block (SCEB)

Abstract

Over the years, the Federal and State Governments of Nigeria mounted ‘low-cost’ housing schemes that were expected to be affordable to the low income earners. By the time some of these schemes were completed they were priced beyond the reach of the low-income earners, and even that of the middle-income earners. Various research works that looked into the failure of the provision of the ‘low-cost’ housings in Nigeria found out that the reason for the failure are political interference and corruption. This paper overviewed the various building materials used in building construction and concluded that the objectives of providing housing affordable ‘low cost’ housing schemes in Nigeria can be achieved if local building materials such as Stabilized Compressed Earth Block (SCEB) is used in the construction. The paper concludes that if professionals in the building sector are given the free will to do their jobs, it will also enhance the objective of providing affordable ‘low cost’ houses.