BETWEEN REGULATION AND REALITY: ASSESSING DEVELOPERS’ PERCEPTIONS ON DEVELOPMENT CONTROL IN ABUJA’S HOUSING DELIVERY
Keywords:
Regulation, Reality, Public, Developer and Development Control, Housing DeliveryAbstract
This research explores the perceptions of property developers regarding development control mechanisms and their impact on housing delivery in Abuja, Nigeria. The study adopts a mixed-methods design, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches to offer a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and outcomes faced by developers. The sample consists of 300 house owners and 10 key stakeholders, including government officials and real estate professionals, selected through stratified, purposive, and convenience sampling methods. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires, interviews, and surveys, while secondary data were sourced from relevant scholarly and government documents. Key findings reveal a significant dissatisfaction with current development control practices. A considerable proportion (38.7%) of developers perceive the mechanisms as ineffective or very ineffective, largely due to bureaucratic delays, high compliance costs, and inconsistent enforcement. While residents appreciate the role of development control in ensuring safety and aesthetics, developers find regulatory frameworks restrictive. Statistical analysis, including a Chi-square test, confirms a significant difference in the distribution of perceptions, indicating a tendency toward negative views on the effectiveness of development control. Furthermore, perceived challenges such as procedural delays, high financial costs, and insufficient enforcement were identified as major barriers to housing delivery. The study concludes that development control in Abuja faces several inefficiencies that hinder housing development. It is recommended that reforms focus on streamlining administrative procedures, reducing financial burdens, and improving stakeholder engagement. Enhancing transparency and institutional capacity, along with targeted public awareness campaigns, will contribute to more effective development control and ultimately improve housing delivery in the Federal Capital City.
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