Urbanization, capitalism and housing: Space, survival and a disconnect for urban poor in Nigeria

Abstract

One of the recent developments in cities across Nigeria is the conversion of inner-city residential houses to shopping malls, banking halls, and other commercial purposes by government, private establishments and individuals. The implication is that occupants of these residential apartments who, usually, are low- and middle-income earners are forced to relocate to outskirts and suburbs based on the financial implication of securing residential apartments in the heart of the city. Although this may suggest a positive development as far as Nigerian urban centres are concerned in terms of modernization and profit making, its implication for the displaced occupants in terms of access to expected basic infrastructures in urban societies becomes questionable. Therefore, this article explores the challenges of displaced inner-city occupants in urban Nigeria; it critically explores the roles of the government and other stakeholders in meeting the urban demands of displaced occupants in terms of access to social and health amenities within the urban spaces. Furthermore, it critically explores the nexus between capitalism, urban poor and housing in Nigeria, and finally the conclusion.