POPULATION GROWTH AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN THE NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA: CAUSES AND EFFECTS ON HOUSING AND LAND DEMAND IN YENAGOA CAPITAL TERRITORY, BAYELSA STATE

The paper examines the population growth process and effects in the Yenagoa capital territory of Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta, Nigeria on housing need, demand and supply as well as the demand for residential land for owner-occupier housing production. Owner-occupier housing is the norm for residents in most urban areas of Nigeria, including Yenagoa since government has failed in providing adequate housing for the citizenry. For the purpose of data collection, three sets of the structured questionnaire were administered to households, the housing and land authorities respectively. Questionnaire items sought to examine population and socio-demographic characteristics of the resident population and housing need/demand and supply and the demand for urban land by residents, including accessibility, land acquisition routes, cost and constraints. Twenty out of twenty-six communities within the metropolitan area were surveyed. The study confirmed a strong correlation between increasing households and the demand for separate units of accommodation. About 91% of the resident population desire to own a house but low income, low savings and difficulties in obtaining land to build on and Government’s zoning regulations are constraints. The study suggests a re-evaluation of our urban development strategy.