FEDERAL HOUSING POLICY AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE FCT, 2012-2023

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of federal housing policy on infrastructural development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, from 2012 to 2023. The problem addressed is the insufficient infrastructure development despite various federal housing policies aimed at enhancing urban living standards. This research seeks to analyze how federal housing policies have influenced infrastructural growth, identify gaps in policy implementation, and propose actionable recommendations for improving infrastructure in the FCT. For this purpose, the study adopts Gabriel Almond's "Structural-Functionalism" theory (1960) as a framework of analysis, which provides a comprehensive understanding of how federal housing policies function within the socio-political system and impact infrastructural development. A survey research method was employed to gather data, with a total population of 3,500. Using Morgan's formula (1967), a sample size of 346 respondents was selected through a simple random sampling technique. The findings indicate that while federal housing policies have led to some improvements in infrastructure, significant challenges remain, including inadequate policy execution and resource allocation. The study reveals that the lack of synchronization between policy goals and implementation strategies has hindered the overall effectiveness of infrastructure development in the FCT. Recommendations include enhancing policy coherence with on-ground realities, increasing investment in infrastructure projects, and improving coordination between federal and local government agencies. Strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms is also crucial for ensuring the effective execution of housing policies and achieving sustainable infrastructural development.