A pluralistic conceptual model for affordable housing in Lagos, Nigeria

Housing is one of the challenges caused by urbanisation in Nigeria. Since independence, it has always been on the agenda of past governments to reduce the housing shortage and improve the quality of housing. In 1991, Nigeria made the paradigm shift from direct provision to enablement strategy as promoted by the United Nations. The housing problem remains intractable especially in the urban centres across the country forcing many urban residents to continue to live in poor housing conditions. It therefore becomes necessary to re-examine the affordable housing agenda in a new perspective. This contribution is an attempt to offer solutions to the perennial housing shortage in Lagos, Nigeria, drawing inspirations from an extensive review of literature and suggesting a new pluralistic approach. The pluralistic approach consolidates on the gains of a private sector driven approach, while recognising the new roles for the public sector.