Squatter settlements’ impact on perception of security in mass housing schemes in developing African cities : The case of Abuja, Nigeria

Squatter settlements have over the years been characterised by their overcrowding, poor living conditions and the danger they pose to their immediate surroundings. These dwellings evolve as illegal encroachment into areas that are nearby affecting social and economic opportunities. This creates an imbalance in social interaction between squatter settlement dwellers and residents of organised estates. A major result of this action is that the former often becomes a hub for criminals and the latter a target for criminal occurrences. This paper aims at assessing the impact the formation of squatter settlements has on mass housing developments from a security viewpoint. The study concentrated on ten districts in Abuja where mass housing developments and squatter settlements coexist. The methodology adopted for this paper is a mixed-method approach with the use of questionnaires, interviews and an observation checklist. The data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistics from SPSS. The results are presented in tables, charts and figures while pictures are used to assist with the visual understanding of the phenomena observed during the study which help explain some of the data. The results ascertained that the squatter settlements will continue to pose a security challenge to urban dwellers in the mass housing estates and the city at large if plans are not put in place to include these informal habitats in the overall city planning and development by the responsible authorities. The paper concludes by suggesting that affordable dwelling spaces for low-income earners should be included in the design of estates for the residents of Abuja.