Role of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) in Sustainable Housing Development in Nigeria

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to identify, examine and highlight the role of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) in influencing sustainable housing development (SHD) in Nigeria. The concept of SHD is defined as any form of housing that is cheap and socially acceptable in terms of the impact of buildings on the environment. The concept emphasises sustainable building designs, low carbon materials and green building practices. Consequently, the UN SDGs 2030 charter consider SHD as a key component panacea for alleviating numerous societal challenges necessary for socio-economic growth and sustainable development. However, sustainable housing provision is one of the major challenges facing mankind today particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. Hence, many urban dwellers are exposed to poor living conditions which ultimately impacts on their health, safety and environment. The current state of housing development in the country remains poor despite the vast resources expended over the years. Consequently, the paper identified poor planning, inconsistent policy and supervisory regulation, as well as inadequate funding, empirical data, supporting infrastructure and corruption as bottlenecks to SHD in Nigeria. In addition, the high cost of materials, and the local participation of the private sector have hampered SHD in Nigeria. However, these can be addressed promoting public-private participation in future SHD policies and programmes in the country. Consequently, the authors have proposed the integration of ICT tools in the planning, organisation, co-ordination and operation of future housing policies, and development programmes. This is based on the premise that ICT avails policymakers, consumers and the industry experts with the tools to efficiently and effectively address SHD challenges in the future. However, this can be achieved by adopting a holistic approach to housing design, development, and maintenance based on the tenets of socioeconomic and environmental sustainability practices.