Thesis Abstract

The management of public residential properties in Nigeria presents numerous challenges that hinder efficient operation and service delivery. This research aims to explore these challenges and provide insights into potential solutions to improve the management of public housing in the country. One of the key challenges facing the management of public residential properties in Nigeria is poor maintenance culture. Due to limited resources and competing priorities, many public housing units are not adequately maintained, leading to rapid deterioration of the properties. This lack of maintenance not only affects the quality of housing for residents but also contributes to a cycle of decline that is difficult to reverse. Another major challenge is the issue of overcrowding and unauthorized occupation of public housing units. The high demand for affordable housing in Nigeria has led to overcrowding in many public housing estates, with some units accommodating far more residents than they were designed for. This not only puts a strain on the infrastructure and facilities of the properties but also leads to social issues such as increased crime rates and conflicts among residents. Furthermore, the lack of effective management structures and systems is a significant challenge in the management of public residential properties in Nigeria. Many housing agencies responsible for public housing lack the capacity and expertise to effectively manage the properties under their care. This results in inefficiencies, mismanagement of resources, and a lack of accountability in the management of public housing estates. In addition, the issue of inadequate funding poses a significant challenge to the management of public residential properties in Nigeria. Public housing agencies often struggle to secure adequate funding for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades of their properties, leading to further deterioration of the housing stock. This lack of funding also hinders the implementation of initiatives to improve the quality of housing and services for residents. To address these challenges, it is crucial to implement a holistic approach to the management of public residential properties in Nigeria. This includes improving maintenance practices, developing clear policies and guidelines for occupancy, strengthening management structures, and increasing funding for public housing agencies. By addressing these challenges, it is possible to enhance the quality of public housing in Nigeria and ensure that residents have access to safe, affordable, and well-maintained housing.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Public residential property management is the operation, control, and oversight of real estate as used in its most broad terms. Management indicates a need to be cared for, monitored and accountability given for its useful life and condition. This is much akin to the role of management in any business (Wikipedia, 2015).
Public residential property management is also the management of personal property, equipment, tooling and physical capital assets that are acquired and used to build, repair and maintain the public residential property. Property management involves the processes, systems and manpower required to manage the life cycle of all public residential property as defined above including acquisition, control, accountability, responsibility, maintenance, utilization and disposition (Njoku, 2006). According to Ebie (2012), duties involved in public residential property management generally will include a minimum of these basic primary tasks
– The full and proper screening or testing of an tenants/applicant’s credit, criminal history, rental history and ability to pay.
– Lease contracting or accepting rent using legal documents approved for the area in which the property is located.
– Mitigation and remediation regarding any maintenance issues, generally within a budget, with prior or conveyed consent via a Limited Power of Attorney legally agreed to by the property owner.
There are many facets to this public residential property management, including managing the accounts and finances of the real estate/residential properties, and participating in or initiating litigation with tenants, contractors and insurance agencies. Litigation is at times considered a separate function, set aside for trained attorneys. Although a person will be responsible for this in his/her job description, there may be an attorney working under a property manager. Special attention is given to landlord/tenant law and most commonly evictions, non-payment, harassment, reduction of pre-arranged services, and public nuisance are legal subjects that gain the most amount of attention from public residential property managers. Therefore, it is a necessity that a public residential property manager be current with applicable municipal, county, state and Federal Fair Housing laws and practices. In advanced countries, public residential property management, like facility management, is increasingly facilitated by computer-aided facility management (CAFM).
However, managers of public residential properties in Nigeria are faced with various kinds of challenges ranging from uncooperative attitude from workers, poor maintenance and environmental condition, security and other basic infrastructures. Some managers in Nigeria has been able to cope with some of this challenges but the researcher will provide an overview about the challenges and how public residential properties can be managed effectively.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
According to Bello (2008), public residential properties is more than a mere shelter; it includes all facilities within and around it, embracing a bundle of services which entails both product and process. Management of public residential building embraces in all ramifications the maintenance and development process, be it economic, social, physical). In fact, management of these properties has been subject of focus by researcher in recent times based on the cumbersome nature of the process. The problem of poor management of public residential properties is a global phenomenon and the severity of the problem differs from one nation to another. However, the researcher is seeking to examine the challenges of management of public residential property in Nigeria.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The following are the objectives of this study:
1. To examine the challenges of management of public residential properties in Nigeria.
2. To analyze the effect of adequate management of public residential property on its value.
3. To identify the solution to the problems of public residential property management in Nigeria.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What are the challenges of management of public residential properties in Nigeria?
2. What is the effect of adequate management of public residential property on its value?
3. What are the solutions to the problems of public residential property management in Nigeria?
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The following are the significance of this study:
1. The outcome of this study will educate the general public on the intricacies of public residential properties in Nigeria emphasizing on its proper management and some other management challenges which will form a guide for estate managers in decision making.
2. This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.
1.7 SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
The scope of this study on the challenges of management of public residential properties in Nigeria will cover all the basic problems faced by managers in effective maintenance of both the infrastructure and finances generated from it.
LIMITATION OF STUDY
Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Management: the process of dealing with or controlling things or people.
Residential: designed for people to live in.
Property: a thing or things belonging to someone; possessions collectively.
REFERENCES
Bello, N. A. (2008): The Economics of Land and Housing. (Revised Edition). Abeokuta: DENAB Publication.
Ebie, S. P. O. F. (2012): The Imperative of Social Housing in the South-South Region of Nigeria. The Estate Surveyor and Valuer. Vol.37(1). July-December 2012.
Njoku, J. (2006): “Why ‘Cash and Carry’ Housing Transaction Persist’. Retrieved on 29/4/2009 from http://www.library.hbs.edu/hbsonly_cgi.
Wikipedia (2015): www.wikipedia.com