Credit: Tope. A Asokere
The ownership of dwellings is a crucial aspect of housing and living conditions, as it determines the stability and security of households. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in Nigeria in 2021 sheds light on the percentage of households by ownership of dwellings, by area of residence and region. The survey provides valuable insights into the state of housing in Nigeria, and highlights the differences between urban and rural areas.
According to the survey, 61% of households in Nigeria own their dwelling, while 39% of households do not own their dwelling. This suggests that the majority of households in Nigeria have a level of stability and security in their housing situation, as they own the dwelling they live in. However, this also means that a significant proportion of households in Nigeria are living in rented or other forms of non-owned housing.
When examining the data by area of residence, a significant gap emerges between urban and rural areas. In urban areas, 38.2% of households own their dwelling, while 61.8% do not own their dwelling. This means that the majority of households in urban areas in Nigeria are living in rented or other forms of non-owned housing. In contrast, in rural areas, 81% of households own their dwelling, while only 19% of households do not own their dwelling. This suggests that the majority of households in rural areas in Nigeria have a higher level of stability and security in their housing situation, as they own the dwelling they live in.
he North West and North East regions have the highest percentages of households that own their dwellings, at 86.3% and 84.9%, respectively. The North Central region also has a relatively high percentage of households that own their dwellings, at 71.5%. These three regions are predominantly Muslim and have a large agricultural sector. It is possible that these factors contribute to higher levels of home ownership, as owning a home is seen as a measure of success and stability in these areas.
In contrast, the South East and South South regions have lower percentages of households that own their dwellings, at 51.3% and 52.6%, respectively. These regions are predominantly Christian and have a significant oil and gas sector. The lower rates of home ownership in these areas may be attributed to higher costs of living and housing, as well as a greater number of people moving to these regions in search of work.
The South West region also has the lowest percentage of households that own their dwellings, at 41.3%. This region has a large urban population and is one of the most densely populated regions in Nigeria. The high demand for housing in this region, coupled with limited supply and high prices, may make it difficult for households to own their dwellings.
The data shows that the state of Sokoto has the highest percentage of households that own their dwellings, at 94.3%. This is followed by Kebbi and Yobe states, with 93.8% and 93.5% respectively. These states are all located in the northern part of the country and are predominantly Muslim. They also have significant agricultural sectors, which may contribute to higher levels of home ownership.
On the other hand, Lagos state has the lowest percentage of households that own their dwellings, at 19.3%. This is not surprising given that Lagos is the most densely populated state in Nigeria and has a high cost of living, which may make it difficult for households to own their dwellings. Anambra state has the second-lowest percentage of households that own their dwellings, at 23.5%.
Other states with relatively low percentages of households that own their dwellings include Ekiti, Osun, Delta, Oyo, Ebonyi, and Edo. These states are located in different parts of the country and have different economic and cultural characteristics. For example, Delta and Edo states are located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, while Osun and Ekiti states are located in the southwest, which has a high urban population.
It is worth noting that some states with relatively low percentages of households that own their dwellings have made efforts to improve access to affordable housing. For example, the Ondo state government has launched a housing initiative aimed at providing affordable housing to residents of the state.
Overall, the MICS survey data on the ownership of dwellings in Nigeria by area of residence and region suggests that there are significant differences in the stability and security of housing between urban and rural areas, as well as between different regions in the country. These differences may reflect broader social and economic inequalities in Nigeria, and highlight the need for policies and programs that promote affordable and secure housing for all households, regardless of their location or region.