Housing Quality Standard and Covid-19 Pandemic: A Call for Attention in Nigeria

Abstract

Housing is a basic need and a key unit of human beings’ habitation, which often represents the largest investment if not biggest achievement in a man’s life. The continuous change in Housing requirements vis-a-vis the recent outbreak of Covid-19 which has subjected many to staying at and working from home has called for the need to constantly evaluate Housing quality. This assessment cannot be underestimated in Nigeria as scholarly works have reported the low standard of Housing and its surroundings across the country. Inadequate Housing and low-income level have subjected lots of people to living in un-inhabitable apartments, at the detriments of their health. This paper aims to evaluate the current condition of Housing in Lagos state, Nigeria, with specific focus on rental Houses within low-income Residential areas. A total of 161 questionnaires were administered on residents of 5 streets in Lagos mainland between April, and May 2020. 152 questionnaires were retrieved, 143 of which were useful for SPSS analysis: representing 88.8% response rate. The findings indicated that low income level subject residents to living in their present locations despite the unpleasant situations of their Houses and its environment. Problems like Lack of space, Lack of adequate security and light/noise pollutions were reported to affect their dwellings. Other factors identified includes the inadequate level of their understanding the Covid-19 pandemic, its prevention and physical distance relevance. Based on observation, lack of job and low level of literacy affect peoples’ adherence to public laws in the country. It is recommended that Government should continue to stimulate more public enlightenment on the preventive measures to the virus spread, creation of job opportunities also calls for urgent attention, while Government should ensure to promote Housing quality standard towards citizens’ well-being, and mitigating the spread of any disease outbreaks.

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