Critical success factors for public housing projects in developing countries: a case study of Nigeria

Many developing countries like Nigeria face serious challenges with regards to the provision of public housings for their citizenry. The purpose of this research article is to establish critical success factors (CSFs) for public housing projects (PHPs) in Nigeria. The data collections were performed in Nigeria using interviews, pilot survey and a questionnaire survey. The interviews were conducted with experts in housing so as to determine the sufficiency and appropriateness of the success attributes gathered from the literature review with respect to Nigerian situation. After analysing the results of the interviews, a draft questionnaire was prepared and pretested. Following a slight revision, a final version of the questionnaire was designed. A questionnaire survey was performed in which five hundred and fifty (550) questionnaires were distributed by means of stratified sampling techniques. The respondents were construction professionals with experience in PHPs implementation in Nigeria who work in developers’ companies, consultancy firms, contracting companies or public housing agencies. Two hundred and eighty-one copies of the administered questionnaires were completed and brought back, equivalent to 51 % response rate. Structural equation modelling technique was employed in the data analyses process. The study establishes seven CSFs for PHPs in Nigeria. These factors are: (1) institutional framework for public housing, (2) availability of competent personnel, (3) effective project management, (4) good maintenance management practice, (5) appropriate design and good location, (6) effective housing finance system and (7) adequate political support. The CSFs established in this study can serve as a guide to housing policy makers, public housing developers and project managers towards successful accomplishments of PHPs in Nigeria.