Comparative study of housing and population density: a case study of minna, Niger state

The study brought into focus the effect of population growth on Housing in Minna metropolis. Questionnaires were used for data collection in the six (6) randomly selected areas - Bosso, Maitumbi, and Tunga (High population density areas) G.R.A, Bosso Estate and Tunga Low-cost (Low population density areas). The statistical method employed in analyzing the data was linear regression analysis. The study revealed that increasing population growth, inconsistency and slow speed of implementation of government housing policies, tight and inadequate mortgage facilities and high cost of building materials are responsible for shortage or inadequate housing in Minna. The result of analysis shows that there is significant relationship between number of occupants and total habitable area, number of occupants and total number of rooms; in both low and high density zones. And it also shows that there is no significant relationship between population density and total habitable area, population density and total number of rooms. It was recommended that population should be controlled and directed by the government through the development of hinterlands and rural areas; government should encourage private sector's participation in the provision of housing through the provision of incentives and enabling environment for investment; and also the professionals in the building environment should ensure continuous planning and must be proactive in reacting to events.