A case study of residential real estate
projects in Ozoro, Delta State
FEATURED PAPER
By Christian Osita IFEDIORA1, Kayode Ayomide IDOWU2,
Chukwudi Louis IGWENAGU3, Ingonabo Owolabi IDHOLO4,
Innocent Franklin MAKATA5, Elizabeth Isioma CHUKWUMA6
and Oluwafemi Joel MICHEAL7
1,3,4,5,6Department of Estate Management,
Southern Delta University Ozoro, Nigeria
2,7Department of Urban and Regional Planning,
Ajayi Crowther University Oyo, Nigeria
Abstract
This research focused on development control challenges and enforcement of minimum standards: A case study of residential real estate projects (hostel accommodation) in Ozoro. This study employed a mixed-methods research design which combines qualitative and quantitative approaches in the gathering and analysis of data. The population for this study consist of residential real estate developers i.e. the hostel developers in Ozoro, the agency that is responsible for development control and enforcement of minimum standards in Ozoro, students and other individuals residing in hostel accommodations in Ozoro, Delta State. It revealed significant concern that inadequate regulatory frameworks and lack of effective enforcement are major challenges that led to non-compliance with minimum standards. More so, respondents’ perception on enforcement mechanisms shows somewhat effective, in addition they identified insufficient resources, corruption and lack of accountability as key challenges faced by local authorities. The research also highlighted potential health risks, environmental impacts and consequences on occupants’ well-being which was attributed to non-compliance. This study research hereby suggests improved regulatory frameworks, effective enforcement and stakeholder collaboration.
Keywords: Development control, Hostel accommodation, Minimum standards, Projects and Residential real estate.
1.0 Introduction
The real estate industry is said to be one of the active and if not the most influential sectors of the overall performance of the Nigerian economy, (Ifediora, 2019). Globally investments in the real estate projects – the product of the sector are expanding rapidly, thus it has led to the expansion in job opportunities (Ifediora, 2019) and by extension increase in demand for its product such as residential accommodation. The increase in demand too appears to be linked to rapid urbanisation.
Rapid urbanisation and increase in population increase according to several literatures has led to increased demand for residential accommodation. Ozoro town which is the Headquarter of Isoko North Local Government Area (L.G.A.) is presently witnessing an increase in demand for residential accommodation, including hostel facilities. To cater to this demand, numerous residential real estate projects have emerged, offering various types of accommodation to students, workers and other residents. However, the development and management of these projects appears to be posing significant challenges to the local authorities, particularly in ensuring compliance with minimum standards.
Development control is a critical aspect of urban planning that aims to regulate the use and development of land and buildings to achieve sustainable development, protect the environment, and promote public health and safety, (Barugahare, 2019). Apart from Ozoro, other local authorities face numerous challenges in enforcing development control regulations, particularly in the residential real estate sector, (Otunola & Adebayo, 2021). This study focuses on hostel accommodation projects, which are a vital component of the residential real estate market in Ozoro.
More…
To read entire paper, click here
How to cite this paper: Ifediora, C.O., Idowu, K.A., Igwenagu, C.L., Idholo, I.O., Makata, I.F., Chukwuma, E.I., Micheal, O.J. (2026). Development control challenges and enforcement of minimum standards: A case study of residential real estate projects in Ozoro, Delta State; PM World Journal, Vol. XV, Issue III, March. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/pmwj162-Mar2026-Ifeadora-et-al-Development-Control-Challenges-and-Minimum-Standards.pdf
About the Authors
Christian Osita Ifediora, PhD
Delta State Nigeria
Dr. Christian Osita Ifediora, ND, BSc, MSc, PhD, MNIVS, RSV, (Nigeria) holds a National Diploma in Estate Management from Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State, B.Sc. (Estate Management), M.Sc. Estate Management (Project Management) and PhD in Estate Management with specialisation in Project Management from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State. He is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Estate Management, Southern Delta University Ozoro. He can be contacted at ifedioraco@dsust.edu.ng
Kayode Ayomide Idowu
Oyo State, Nigeria
Kayode Ayomide Idowu is an environmental enthusiast who holds B.Sc and M.Sc degrees in Urban and regional planning from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Nigeria, and an M.Sc degree in Geographic Information System from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His research interests extend to Urban design, urban sprawl management, sustainable urban development, and environmental management. He served as the Public Relations Secretary of Osun state chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and currently serves as the State coordinator of Osun state chapter of the Young Planners Forum. He is an associate member of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and a Registered member of the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria. He is a lecturer in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria. Mr. Idowu can be contacted at ka.idowu@acu.edu.ng.
Dr. Chukwudi Louis Igwenagu
Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria
Dr. Chukwudi Louis Igwenagu is a Lecturer and an Estate Surveyor and Valuers with specialization in Asset Valuation. He holds a Doctoral, Masters and Bachelor degrees in Estate Management from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Nigeria. He is a Member of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (MNIVS) and a registered Estate Surveyors and Valuers (RSV). He can be contacted at igwenagucl.@dsust.edu.ng
Mrs. Ingonabo Owolabi Idholo
Ozoro, Nigeria
Mrs. Idholo Ingonabo is a construction project management specialist with over 10years field and practical experience. She graduated from Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK with MSc in Construction Project Management and a BSc in Estate Management from University of Lagos, Nigeria; as well as National Diploma from Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. She is a of Member of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and a registered valuer with a seal of approval from Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON). She is a lecturer in the Department of Estate Management, Southern Delta University Ozoro and can be contacted at, idholoio@dsust.edu.ng.
Innocent Franklin Makata
Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria
Mr. Innocent Franklin Makata holds B.Sc, M.Sc. in Estate Management from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. He is currently a lecturer at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria. He has been published in some reputable journals. Mr. Makata can be contacted at makataif@dsust.edu.ng.
Elizabeth I. Chukwuma
Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria
Elizabeth Isioma Chukwuma is a Lecturer at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Delta State. She received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Estate Management from Federal University of Technology, Akure. Her current field interests include land administration, land economics and property values. She can be contacted at isiomaelizabeth01@gmail.com
Michael Oluwafemi Joel
Oyo State, Nigeria
Michael Oluwafemi Joel is a lecturer in the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Ajayi Crowther University Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria. He holds a B.sc in Geography and M.sc in Urban and Regional Planning. He is currently a member of the Faculty Publication and Seminar Committee and also the Students’ Industrial Work Experience (SIWES) Coordinator for the department. He has served as a Faculty Representative to other Faculties. He can be contacted at mo.joel@acu.edu.ng
