Fundamental Right to Property and Right to Housing in Nigeria: A Discourse

Abstract

Housing, as shelter, is one of the basic needs of human kind. It is a financial investments and a significant component of the local, regional and national economy. Given the quintessential relevance of housing to the overall development of mankind the question is post here whether there is a right to adequate housing in the citizen to warrant a demand by the citizen from the State to fulfill this right; and whether there should be such a right?It is conceded that housing is a prerequisite to optimal utility of man and the state. Unfortunately, right to housing does not enjoy the same ranking with civil and political rights for obvious reasons enunciated in the paper. Notwithstanding, it is desirable for the State to create an enabling environment for the individual realization of this right because of its ripple and multiplier effect on the wealth and health of the State.