By: Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN)
Housing policy reflects how seriously a government treats the welfare of its people. A comparison between the United Kingdom and Nigeria shows two very different approaches—one built around strong public responsibility and regulation, the other largely left to market forces with limited protection for citizens.
1. Role of Government
United Kingdom
Housing is clearly recognised as a social responsibility of government. The UK government actively:
- Funds social and affordable housing
- Regulates rent increases
- Supports housing associations and councils
- Intervenes directly when affordability is threatened
Recent examples include £2.5bn low-interest loans at 0.1% for registered providers and long-term rent-setting frameworks to give certainty to both tenants and developers.
Nigeria
Nigeria’s housing policy largely treats housing as a private sector–driven activity. Government involvement is mostly limited to:
Policy declarations
Land administration
Occasional public housing projects
Direct government investment in rental housing is minimal, leaving affordability largely at the mercy of the market.
2. Housing Finance & Funding
- United Kingdom
- Government-backed grants and ultra-low interest loans
- Strong housing associations sector
- Long-term funding programmes (10–30 years)
Cheap borrowing allows providers to build and maintain homes without pushing rents sharply upward.
Nigeria
Housing finance is expensive and short-term
Mortgage interest rates often exceed 20%
Limited access to long-tenure loans
Developers transfer high financing costs directly to buyers and tenants through higher prices and rents.
3. Rent Regulation & Tenant Protection
United Kingdom
Rent increases are regulated, especially in social housing
Clear tenancy laws protect tenants from sudden eviction
Rent convergence policies are gradual and transparent
Advance rent demands are strictly controlled
Nigeria
Rent control laws exist in theory but are weakly enforced
Landlords often demand 1–2 years’ rent in advance
Sudden rent hikes of 30–70% are common
Tenants have limited access to fast dispute resolution
4. Housing Supply Strategy
United Kingdom
Focus on rental housing, not just homeownership
Strong emphasis on social and affordable homes
Planning policies encourage inclusionary housing
Local councils actively plan for population growth
Nigeria
Heavy focus on homeownership, even though most citizens are renters
Public housing supply is far below demand
Urban migration outpaces housing delivery
Planning often reacts after problems emerge
5. Regulation of Developers
United Kingdom
- Developers and housing providers must be registered
- Strong oversight by housing regulators
- Strict penalties for non-compliance
- Consumer protection is Central
Nigeria
The real estate sector remains largely unregulated
Anyone can operate as a developer
High incidence of fraud, double allocations, and abandoned projects
Weak consumer protection mechanism
6. Impact on Citizens
United Kingdom
Rent still rising, but within regulated frameworks
Housing stress exists, but safety nets are stronger
Government intervention cushions vulnerable households
Nigeria
- Rent consumes 40–60% of household income in major cities
- Rising homelessness and overcrowding
- Workers pushed to distant satellite towns
- Housing crisis spilling into transport, health, and security challenges
Key Differences at a Glance
Area United Kingdom Nigeria
- Government role Strong, direct Weak, indirect
- Housing funding Cheap, long-term Expensive, short-term
- Rent regulation Enforced Poorly enforced
- Rental housing focus High Low
- Developer regulation Strict Weak
- Tenant protection Strong Limited
Lessons Nigeria Can Learn from the UK
1. Treat housing as social infrastructure, not a luxury
2. Invest public funds in rental housing, not just ownership
3. Provide low-interest financing for housing delivery
4. Enforce tenancy laws to protect citizens
5. Regulate the real estate sector to eliminate fraud
6. Plan housing alongside urban migration and transport
Conclusion
While the UK still faces housing challenges, its policies show a clear understanding that housing stability underpins economic stability. Nigeria’s current approach—largely market-led with minimal safeguards—has resulted in soaring rents, housing insecurity, and social strain.
For Nigeria to reverse its housing crisis, it must move closer to the UK model: strong government leadership, sustainable financing, strict regulation, and a clear commitment to housing as a social responsibility.
—
If you want this typeset for newspaper pages, converted to PDF, or adapted to magazine column format, say the word.
