A qualitative approach to investigate low-cost housing policy provision in Edo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Over the years, the Nigerian Governments have made several attempts to address the deficit in low-cost housing (LCH) provision via various housing policies but failed. Thus, the need to investigate the encumbrances faced with the LCH policy and proffer pragmatic policy solutions so that low-income earners can gain access to homes in Edo State, Nigeria. A phenomenology type of qualitative research was adopted. To achieve this, 12 face-to-face interviews were conducted, and saturation accomplished. The data was validated via secondary sources, analysed by MAXQDA 2018 and supported with thematic analysis. The study found that the Edo State have admirable housing policy on paper but due to some challenges such as relaxed housing policy implementation, corruption, inadequate fund, ‘act of political will’ among others, implementation has been fruitless. As part of the practical implications, this paper would stir-up policymakers in the formulation of policies.