Smart Housing Initiative as Catalyst for Advancing Un-Agenda 2030 in Ota, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the integration of smart housing initiatives as a strategic mechanism for addressing housing deficits and advancing the United Nations Agenda 2030 in Ota, Nigeria. A mixed-method research design was adopted, combining quantitative assessment of spatial expansion and housing conditions with qualitative evidence from field observations, structured interviews with household heads, and key informant interviews with a local government official. The residential area of Ota was spatially delineated into three zones—traditional core, transitory, and emerging suburban areas—based on building location and residential density. From a sampling frame of 97 streets, 19 streets (20%) were selected, yielding 190 household heads for the survey through stratified random sampling, while key informants were purposively selected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and interpreted in relation to Clarence Perry’s neighbourhood concept and relevant Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators. Findings reveal marked spatial variations in residential density and housing conditions. Emerging suburban areas are predominantly low-density, transitory areas exhibit medium-density development, while the traditional core is characterized by high-density housing. These spatial differences correspond with variations in housing quality, environmental deficiencies, slum conditions, and infrastructure deficits across the residential zones. The study concludes that smart housing can provide an important pathway for improving housing and infrastructure outcomes in Ota. It recommends a transition from predominantly analogue systems to integrated smart platforms to enhance resource management, service delivery, transparency, and inclusive urban development, thereby strengthening Ota’s contribution to the achievement of Agenda 2030.