Housing Typologies, Quality, And Determinants in Lagos' Waterlogged Informal Settlements: A Case Study of Makoko

• Author(s): Aderinto Abraham Oluwaseun ; Dorcas Oluwaseyi Adeoye ; Olasehinde Oluwafemi
• Paper ID: 1709705
• Page: 977-991
• Published Date: 25-07-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 1 July-2025

Abstract

Informal settlements in urban coastal regions of Nigeria, such as Makoko in Lagos State, are increasingly strained by rapid urbanization, environmental hazards, and infrastructural neglect. Despite its cultural vibrancy and adaptive resilience, the settlement suffers from deeply inadequate housing conditions and minimal state intervention. This study investigates the housing typologies, assesses the quality of housing, and identifies the key socio-economic and environmental factors affecting residential conditions in the area. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining quantitative surveys (administered to 400 residents across four distinct zones of Makoko) with quantitative tools such as Questionnaire administration. Descriptive statistics tools like percentage, frequency count, weighted values to assess housing typologies, neighbourhood characteristics and evaluate the quality of housing structures. Findings revealed a complex picture. While many residents rated their houses as structurally sound and adequately ventilated, serious challenges emerged. Over 69% reported poor access to clean water and sanitation; 75.9% described waste management and drainage systems as ineffective; and nearly 60% highlighted insufficient housing space, leading to overcrowding. Flooding was identified as a major recurring hazard, exacerbated by poor drainage and the lack of climate-adaptive design. Although some homes use durable materials, resistance to water damage remains inconsistent across the community. Public amenities such as schools, healthcare centre, and markets were largely absent, contributing to socio-spatial deprivation. The study concludes that the overall housing quality in Makoko remains critically low due to environmental vulnerability, socio-economic marginalization, and the absence of strategic urban planning. It recommends the adoption of resilient and context-specific housing designs suited to flood-prone environments, improved access to basic services, and inclusive policy frameworks that prioritize tenure security, infrastructure investment, and community participation. Addressing these multi-dimensional deficits is essential for transforming Makoko into a more sustainable and livable urban habitat.

Keywords

Makoko, Housing Quality, Housing Typologies, Waterlogged Communities, Environmental Vulnerability

Citations

IRE Journals:
Aderinto Abraham Oluwaseun , Dorcas Oluwaseyi Adeoye , Olasehinde Oluwafemi "Housing Typologies, Quality, And Determinants in Lagos' Waterlogged Informal Settlements: A Case Study of Makoko" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 1 2025 Page 977-991

IEEE:
Aderinto Abraham Oluwaseun , Dorcas Oluwaseyi Adeoye , Olasehinde Oluwafemi "Housing Typologies, Quality, And Determinants in Lagos' Waterlogged Informal Settlements: A Case Study of Makoko" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(1)