Abstract

Jude A. Abott

One of the most serious problems of urban housing provision in Nigeria, and in particular Calabar metropolis, is the issue of poor housing quality. The slum housing conditions in most houses of the low income socio-economic group in this area is dehumanising. This study therefore provides insight into the quality of housing in Calabar. The study used a combination of questionnaires, interview schedules, check- lists and focused group discussions as instruments of collecting data as well as the principal component analysis as a major statistical tool to account for most of the variance in the set of variables used. The study established the social, economic and demographic profile of urban residents in Calabar, as well as the pattern of housing characteristics across the metropolis. The study reviews the policy implications and recommends policy guidelines for future development of qualitative housing in Calabar metropolis.