Urban Planning Administration and Housing Challenges in Enugu State Capital Territory

Rapid urbanisation in Nigerian state capitals has placed considerable pressure on housing infrastructure, land administration, and planning authorities, exposing the limitations of existing urban management frameworks. This study examines how urban planning administration practices in the Enugu State Capital Territory affect housing provision, access, and development standards, with focus on the role of the Enugu State Urban Development Authority. The study is anchored on Urban Management Theory, which holds that coordinated land use planning, zoning enforcement, and housing policy implementation are essential for sustainable urban development and equitable access to shelter. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population included planning officers, real estate developers, housing association representatives, and urban residents, from which 260 respondents were selected through stratified and purposive sampling. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires and analysed using regression and chi-square tests. Findings indicate that weak enforcement of development control regulations, haphazard land allocation, and inadequate low-cost housing schemes have contributed to urban sprawl and informal settlement growth. Corruption in building approval processes was also identified as a key challenge. The study concludes that urban planning administration in Enugu's capital territory requires systemic reform to address escalating housing deficits. It is recommended that the authority adopt a digital land registration platform, enforce building code compliance through periodic inspections, and develop a public-private partnership framework for affordable housing delivery.

Keywords: Urban Planning, Housing, Urban Development, Land Administration, Enugu State