THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HOUSING PROVISION IN THE ERADICATION OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROBLEMS AND ACHIEVEMENT OF MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF OSUN STATE

The problem of inadequate housing which is associated with socio-economic problem of different kinds has been a recurrent decimal in the Nigerian housing situation. There have been several promises such as ‘housing for all by 2000’ and many unrealistic policy directives on housing provision. There is a general consensus on the fact that housing has central importance to everyone’s quality of life and health with considerable economic, socio-cultural significance. Housing, being one of the three basic necessities of life, constitutes priority in the eradication of socio-economic problems. The intervention of public and private sectors in addressing housing need is imperative. The paper focuses on accessibility to standard housing as a vehicle of eradication of socio-economic problems. Also, it aims at finding out the relationship between housing and socio-economic problems in the natural economy.The paper further reveals seven components of major benefits of housing in eradication of socio-economic problems. Furthermore, it examines the role of effective urban development policy that will enhance adequate housing provision. The research also indicates housing as a pillar to improve both local and national economy and development of capacity of socio-economic base of the nation especially in the poorly developed economic situations. The paper concludes from the analysis of the operation of Osun State community-based poverty reduction agency, which indicates the significance of housing as vehicle to eradicate socio-economic problems through infrastructure provisions for various communities in different local governments of the state