Empirical Analysis of User Satisfaction with Public Housing Estates in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory

Public housing estates in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, represent a major government investment, and empirical analysis of user satisfaction provides evidence for improving future housing programmes. This study empirically analysed user satisfaction with five public housing estates in Abuja: Kado Estate, Lugbe Estate, Gwarimpa Estate, Kubwa Estate, and Lugbe Model Estate. A structured questionnaire measuring satisfaction across 12 physical and non-physical dimensions was administered to 250 resident households selected by stratified random sampling from the five estates. Dimensions assessed included unit size, unit quality, estate layout, security, infrastructure services, green space, community facilities, management quality, and affordability. Factor analysis identified underlying satisfaction constructs, and multiple regression determined predictors of overall satisfaction. Results showed that mean overall satisfaction was 2.9 out of 5 (moderate dissatisfaction). Infrastructure service satisfaction (electricity, water, and road access) was the lowest-rated dimension (mean: 2.1 out of 5). Unit size and unit quality were rated relatively positively (means: 3.4 and 3.2 respectively). Factor analysis extracted four satisfaction factors: physical quality, infrastructure services, social environment, and management quality. Infrastructure services (standardised beta = 0.48, p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of overall satisfaction. The study fills a gap in Nigerian public housing satisfaction research and recommends infrastructure upgrading in all five estates as the priority intervention for improving resident satisfaction. Keywords: user satisfaction, public housing, Abuja, post-occupancy evaluation, housing estates