Modular Housing: Is it a Catholicon for the Housing Stock Deficit in Lagos, Nigeria?

Abstract

Modular homes appear to be a promising housing option that keeps pace with the rapid rate of urbanisation, especially in growing cities like Lagos. Consequently, this study investigates how professionals in the built environment perceive modular homes, with an emphasis on how they could be a potential solution to the deficit of housing in Lagos State, Nigeria. The primary goals are to navigate the multifaceted aspects of modular housing, examine its merits, identify barriers to its adoption, and gauge its feasibility in the Nigerian context. To achieve these, 200 questionnaires were disseminated among professionals in the built environment in Lagos, and 147 (73.5%) were returned. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Key findings revealed that modular housing, due to its rapid construction timelines, is a time-efficient solution. However, concerns about initial investment costs and design flexibility emerged as potential barriers to adoption. There is also a clear acknowledgement of the environmental benefits of modular housing, with reduced construction waste indicating its sustainability. Factor analysis is pivotal for revealing deeper insights. For instance, respondents’ lack of in-depth knowledge about modular housing was a primary barrier, accounting for 62.67% of the variance. Similarly, advocacy for modular housing was seen as a significant strategy for its adoption, with 52.38% variability. However, challenges remain. A predominant belief among respondents is that modular homes might be inferior in quality to homes built using traditional construction methods. Furthermore, bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining permits could deter investors and developers from undertaking modular housing projects. In conclusion, although modular housing offers a beacon of hope for solving mass housing problems in burgeoning cities like Lagos, clear challenges remain. This study recommends more vigorous advocacy efforts, targeted government intervention, and robust public-private partnerships.