Ahead of this year’s population and housing census, real estate experts have identified techniques for generating reliable data that will enable effective planning and development in the built environment.
The housing census, initially scheduled for next month, is the first for the country’s estimated population of more than 200 million to provide statistical data relating to the number and condition of housing units and facilities, as available to households, pertaining to all living quarters and occupants in the country.
Presently, the housing business lacks precise data, which is more in demand by commercial customers such as the building industry, lending institutions, and producers of housing fixtures and equipment.
There have been various estimates and forecasts concerning Nigeria’s housing shortfall that are vastly different from one another. Many people, including the Minister for Works and Housing, have questioned the quoted data on housing deficits of 17 million and 22 million because they are not backed up by benchmark statistics on the current housing situation, which is critical for developing national housing and human settlements programs.
According to the United Nations, the housing census must give information on the supply of housing units, as well as structural qualities and facilities that affect the maintenance of privacy, health, and the development of appropriate family living situations.
“Sufficient demographic, social, and economic data concerning the tenants must be gathered to offer a description of housing circumstances as well as fundamental data for analyzing the causes of housing defects and assessing corrective action options,” the report stated.
Nonetheless, experts have warned that there may be tendencies that might call the census’s integrity into question due to the quality of information available to the public.
They said that the overall idea of acquiring more resources from the government through exaggerated population counts would rear its head, and that enumerators would be compromised to do the bidding of their hosts.
Mr. Nathaniel Atebije, President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), told The Guardian that if honesty is stressed and followed, “we may have a valid census.”
“Town planners rely on population data to build all levels of physical development plans and the allocation of activity zones in settlements as well as the country as a whole, but collaboration between the institute and the NPC was limited.” Indeed, information could only be obtained through the Commission’s website or from the pages of newspapers or other media.”
According to Atebije, stakeholders should have been included from the beginning of such an event. “Professionals who utilize the data should be involved in the development of data collecting formats, and censuses should not be held in the same year as national elections.”
“They are such large national events that the clamor for government jobs by politicians would inevitably muddy the spread of census facts.” For example, most Nigerians are so preoccupied with the troubles caused by the previous general election that they are unaware of the census program.
“In addition, top personnel who will be in charge of crucial areas of the census should be subjected to continual training in honesty, candor, and openness; they should be made to realize the importance of the responsibilities” (which could be positive).
“Let there be a reduced emphasis on population as a method of attracting resources.” “There should be repercussions for those who manipulate census data to the point that it serves as a deterrence to others,” he added.
He anticipated that enhanced technology would allow for a more accurate census this time. “Yet, I believe the housing data would be more accurate than the population estimates.” We can check homes through photos since they are immovable, but not humans.
“The National Population Commission claims to be well-equipped based on information accessible in the public domain.” This is a typical assertion in Nigerian institutions, even if it is to explain the amount of money spent on them.
“Yet, the process of execution and delivery would frequently show their shortcomings of achieving less than the promises given.” There are some regions where security is strong and entry is difficult. These are true realities that can stymie a complete and all-inclusive effort,” he remarked.
According to him, the housing census will provide statistical information on housing demand and supply, as well as an estimate of the gap.
“Developers have been building residences without using proper statistics; nonetheless, there appear to be none.” This is to blame for inadequate housing policies and programs implemented by both the government and commercial developers,” he stated.
“In cities, the number of homeless persons is enormous in comparison to the rate of dwelling vacancy, particularly in state capitals.” Government policies of indiscriminate allocation of flat rates for constructing dwellings across Nigeria would now have an educated foundation, and government intervention would be more sensible.
“Private sector housing investments are motivated more by land grabbing and commercial interests than by satisfying the requirements of the population.” The predicted impact of the housing census on the real estate sector would be a boost and direction of the amount and size of structures that Nigerians require, as well as where they should be situated.”
Michael Shonubi, President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), said it is a very welcome development, particularly for those working in the built environment, because it would guarantee that the country generates reliable data needed for efficient planning.
“Planning, which is the backbone of every nation’s growth, has been essentially non-existent in Nigeria due to a lack of reliable data, as most data used so far has been based on forecasts.”
“It is also worth noting that the government received funding as well as financial help, including staff training, from international donor agencies to assist it in carrying out the responsibilities.” I’m also aware that the agency’s personnel has been delineating enumeration zones for several years in preparation for this operation.
“If the agency is permitted to carry out the mission conscientiously, without interference from politicians, the outcome will be agreeable to everyone.”
“With the outcome, ideally, the government and other players in the sector will have the foundation to plan for the provision of more housing stock as well as infrastructure, particularly in the new emerging metropolitan regions all across the nation,” Shonubi added.
Enyi Ben-Eboh, President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), told The Guardian that while the institute, a major stakeholder in the process’s outcome, was not consulted, “adequate stakeholder engagement cannot be overemphasised in matters of this nature for diverse insights and contributions.”
Yet, he stated that the whole construction business and all of its important stakeholders have very high expectations. “For one thing, it would put an end to the mystery around what exactly our housing shortage is, and as you know, correct data is a pre-requisite for any educated choice, particularly in crafting a strategy for sustainably addressing housing in Nigeria.”
According to him, the housing census will provide adequate data on housing, and an analysis will assist various stakeholders in making informed decisions on resource allocation and intervention for the government on the one hand, and the private sector, which desperately needs this information to guide investment options on the other.
“Investments may begin to flow into locations that were previously off the radar of real estate investors.” It will also lead tailor-made solutions to housing delivery for experts in the field, since the previous concept of one cap fits all will become outmoded.”
Gbenga Ismail, Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos chapter, stated that censuses of any sort are a planning tool. The previous census occurred in 2006, therefore it is long overdue. “Since census data helps the government forecast future demands, I anticipate that this effort will highlight all of the changes that have occurred in the previous 17 years in terms of population and home building.”
Ismail, who is also Vice President of the Lagos Chamber of Trade and Industry, emphasized the need of data accuracy. “The real estate sector need data for economic research.” To estimate demand, we must first understand supply and population. This census will aid us with overall supply, while the population census will help with demand.
“Better must be qualified. This is the first, so we’ll have to wait and see what happens. The best outcome is data accuracy. As a result, information from the field must be clear and transparent,” he stressed.
