Impact of Land Use Optimization on Housing Delivery in Abuja

Abstract

The prevalent housing issues have necessitated the exploration of sustainable solutions, with land use optimization emerging as a key strategy for enhancing housing delivery and mitigating homelessness and high housing costs. Hence, this study investigated the impact of land use optimization in addressing the persistent housing challenges in Abuja, Nigeria. The findings indicate that while land use optimization holds substantial potential for enhancing housing delivery, its implementation is hindered by various obstacles, including policy and regulatory constraints, high implementation costs, rapid urbanization, population pressure, and environmental and infrastructural limitations. Despite these challenges, the study reveals that effective land use optimization can significantly increase housing supply, improve affordability, and enhance infrastructure and service delivery. By promoting higher housing density, curbing urban sprawl, and ensuring more efficient land resource utilization, land use optimization emerges as a vital strategy for achieving sustainable urban development. The study concluded that a more integrated and sustainable approach to land use planning is essential for resolving Abuja’s housing deficit. In light of these insights, the study recommended policy reforms, promotion of mixed-use and high-density developments, increased public-private partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives to support effective land management and housing delivery in the Federal Capital Territory.