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Nigeria

1.0 Background Of The Study:

Nigeria is a West African country surrounded by other French speaking countries and the Atlantic Ocean. Its geographic area was approximately 924,000 square kilometres with teeming population of 150 million as at 2006 census. Suberu RT (2001) and OPEC ABS; (2008.). Attempts have been made by successive Nigerian government since Independence in providing housing for the Nigerian people, however, all these efforts have always being in short supply.

Akeju and Andrew (2007) studies shows that the Nigerian Government built 300,000 housing unit between 1976 -2006, a span of 30 years, showing an average of 1,000 houses a year. This study further states that statistically, there were deficits of 12.8miillion housing units within the time scale considered for the study.

A similar study of another West African country; Ghana with a population of approximately 23million people (2009 pop est.) with a land area of 238,533square kilometre provides 40,000 units of houses consistently every year. Konadu-Agyemang (2001), and Weru and Malcom (2005).

Further reading shows that developed countries like United Kingdom and Germany with population of approximately 61.3million,(2001 census) and 82.5million respectively have a housing stocks of 22,539,000 for England and wales(census 2001),while Germany provided 357,000 housing units yearly between 1972-1985.

Thomas and Ospina( 2004) states that Information technology has revolutionized all humans' endeavors, with its attendant merits of ease of information, greater outputs, cost savings, decision support tools, a consultant amongst a host of activities. Geographical information systems(GIS) is a member of this information technology family, with tremendous capabilities such as visualization, analytical, manipulations, storage, etc of spatially referenced (Clarke III and Flaherty( eds), (2005),phenomena, of which property investments /Housing provision is a spatial entity makes it imperative to employs its indispensable services in a competitive information age.

All the above figures/information's suggested that the Nigeria housing needs was grossly inadequate, which obviously worth research inquisitions, and challenges to establish the fact that there is gap in Nigerian housing needs and how this need can be met from the perspective of a technological approach (Information Communication

Technology, ICT-GIS) to benefiting the various stakeholders in property market /housing sector, Dixon et al (2005).

1.1 Research Question

This research shall seek answer to the following;

• Could Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Technology improve Housing provision in Nigeria?
• How well can Information Management be harnessed in the provision of housing for Nigerians?
• How can GIS benefits the various stakeholders in the Property Market in Nigeria?.

1.2 Scope of study

The study will investigate the Nigerian Housing needs and establish a measurable standard by comparing it to housing in Ghana,England Germany and India. The focus would be on Nigeria generally,but narrowed down to an urban area of Lagos state as a case study.The reason for this preference of location is borne out of the facts that Lagos is the commercial nerve of Business in Nigeria,surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean has been experiencing high population explosion due to the potentials it has in attracting rural -urban migration from other states since post Independence,highly urbanized,high population density,high cost of living,with opprtunities for employements but not without slums and chanty shelters (UNHS report 2008).

Also,all the successive Governments strategy on the provision of housing is focused on the urban centres were there is severity of acute housing needs when compared to rural housing(Ndubueze 2009)

1.3 Research Aim: To initiate the relevance of Geographic Information systems technology (GIS) in Nigerian Housing strategy

1.4 Research Objectives:

1.) To compare Nigerian Housing situation with that of Ghana, England, Germany and India to reflects the Nigerian Housing condition.

2.0Literature Review;

Housing, apart from food and clothing is the second most important needs of the humans race, and it provide shelter against the harsh elements of weather such as sunshine, rainfall, high temperature that could affect his health adversely if left without shelter.Akinoladun and Oluwoye (2007).

Housing could also be seen from an investments perspective-a guarantee for securing loans from the financial institutions, and a source for regular income in the form of rents and an asset for individual/organization as the case may be.It is a symbol of strength, achievements, status and a criterion of individual acceptance in the society.Akinoladun and Oluwoye (2007).

Daramola (2006) view housing to embrace not only shelter but also includes the immediate environments; the units, site layout, facilities, amenities such as schools, shops, parks, and accessibility to these amenities. Housing is a bundle of rights enjoyed when in occupation involves consumptions community service such as sanitation, drainage, security, recreations, interactions etc that contributes to the well being of an individual.

Housing can be viewed as an ecosystems-a housing environment exhibits interactions, reflects the occupant's origin and be in harmony with the systems Daramola(2006)

Olayiwola et al (2005) stated that adequate supply of Housing is a ‘wishful thinking dream' in a developing countries including Nigeria, as population increases at an exponential rate with rapid growth in urbanization thus putting a persistent pressure on housing demands. The need for affordable housing cannot be overlooked as more than 40% of the Nigerian Population resides in the urban centres of the city creating demand pressure on the need for housing and other basic utilities distribution and services. This associated effects of rapid rate of urban growth(population) in the urban centres leads to overcrowding, slum condition,squalor,deterioration of existing amenities been in constant demand and housing cannot match the rate of population growth in the urban centres.(UNHS Report 2008),

Okpala (1986) Governments in Africa had adopted many housing strategy to address the acute housing problems, and many of these strategies have proven ineffective, resulting in misapplication of resources at the expense of the nation's dire needs.

Among these strategies includes direct housing constructions by governments agencies for the low-income earners, site-and services schemes, slum clearance and squatters upgrading. Okpala (1986).Government Housing programmes were unusually conceived and designed for there political motives, status and popularity, and not to meet humans need of shelter.

Okpala(1986) also stresses those laudable projects of housing provision by African Governments are usually ‘white elephant' in terms of meeting the stated objectives, in both in the short term and long term as these projects are usually abandoned because of its cost implication on government resources. Housing schemes of these nature ranges from beautification of the capitals to the housing provisions of the few political members wards, all in a bid to facilitates there political popularity but at the expense of the nations resources and deficit housing needs.

This attitude of white elephants housing scheme usually leaves a backlog of housing deficits years after years coupled with the facts of population increase and rapid urban growth (Okpala 1986).

Direct constructions of low-income housing by governments agencies has not be effective either, rather private sector participation in the provision of housing is more feective.The resultant outcome is that few houses are produced at high cost beyond the reach of the low-income earners for whom the scheme is targeted and these houses are later transferred to the wealthiest who in turn let it out to the low-income earners at high rent, leaving behind backlogs of housing deficits (Okpala1986)

Okpala (1986) argues that between 1970-1974, Nigeria actually produced only 12% of the officially planned housing units as a directs government involvement in constructing of houses for the low-income earners.Akeju and Andrew( 2007) stresses that Federal

Housing Authority produce nationwide 300,000 housing units in a span of 30years from direct construction of low-income housing.

Government have no business in Housing provision which should be left in the hands of the private sector. Direct housing construction by government for low-income earners is an ineffective and inefficient approach as the bye products (Housing units) does not reach the targeted groups in the society but are transferred to high income earners at exorbitant price. In his words' in Kenyan 1979-1983 development plan admitted that ‘over the last plan period of housing provision, only 8% of low-income housing units were actually completed and on average cost five times the expected cost''.Okpala (1986).

The Nigerian Governmnet initiated a laudable Housing scheme (National Housing Funds,NHF) in 1994 aimed at providing Housing for every Nigerians workers,and those who can meet certain financial obligations if not in paid employement. The scheme planned 121,000 Housing Units initially and delivers only 5%,, with a backlog of 95% deficits in Housing demands ,Olayiwola et al (2005).

Thomas and Hardin (2000) argue that the need for spatial information is indispensable. The need for spatial information technology is required to collect cost data, and the ability to integrate these data for analysis and aid in sound decision making in the provision of low cost housing .Spatial information includes digital imagery, remote sensing and photogrammetry, objects recognition, environmental modelling and artificial intelligence.

Geographical Information systems (GIS), is a decision support tools that has the capability to analyse, manipulate and visualize spatially referenced data. It allows the combination of digital maps and database information in assessing different alternative scenarios towards decision making-Wyatt and Ralph (2003).

In relation to planning low cost Housing, GIS can be able to determine where available land exist, its characteristics and if the land is suitable for Housing development-Thomas and Hardin (2000)

Kajogbola (2004) stated that information communication technology (ICT) has revolutionized business and commerce in some part of the world, unlike Nigeria that depends heavily on the consumption of (ICT) without the capability to design, produce, use and maintain (ICT) components, its impact is insignificant.

Thomas and Hardin (2000) stresses that spatial Information is often lacking in developing world.

2.1 Methodology

There are different type's o research methods adopted by predecessor in research activities. These methods are subdivided into 2 categories-namely quantitative and qualitative research methods. This research is intended to be broad and empirical in nature. The research shall include critical analysis of past thesis/works, academic journals, Article, and professional papers. The preference for this method is borne out of the fact that adequate information is obtain from existing and relevant research work,. It will aid in structuring the research problem and aid to position the research.Also, it afford me the opportunity to build on existing knowledge.

2.2 Problems Envisage In This Research

All research are subject to experience some problems such as human or materials surrounding the course of the research process. In this research, problems I anticipated includes;

1. Time-Frame-in most all human endeavour, time constraint is always a barrier hence I will be able to meet up with submission date by working harder, setting personal deadline throughout the summer.
2. Timely access to relevant data for the research topic. There is concern because, secrecy and confidential nature of government. To overcome this obstacle, I will seek assistance from the faculty (faculty of development and society).
3. Financial constraint-refers to money needed to travel to my subject case study for data collection.

These are the problems envisage for now, and there probable solutions, but in the course of event should other challenges arises I hope they will be resolved timely.

3.0 Ethical Issues

I acknowledge that there has been previous research carried out bearing varying magnitude of similarity to this one, and in the process of carrying out my research I will come across some of materials used in such research. I do not intend to use my research to cause discomfort or harm to previous researchers or in any way discredit their research outcome.

All information used from previous works will be duly acknowledged and credits shall be given to attributed authors, and where necessary adequate permission will be sought from the copyright owner.

Due to the nature of this research and the volume of data intended for use, I will ensure safe keeping of sensitive data, unmutilated, and are held in absolute secrecy. Security of data is of utmost importance, data will be kept in a secure computer free from interference. Also this research will fully adhere to the Data Protection Act with regards to any sensitive data used.

At the completion of this research the data used in its process will be destroyed and disposed of in its entirety.

3.1 Expected Outcome

A. It is expected that this research will prove that the adoption of GIS technology is capable of improving the Nigerian Housing problem.

B. GIS Technology can benefit various stakeholders in the Nigerian Property market

C. The research will reach out to small business owners as a way to enhance their business returns to maximised profit on their investments.

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