The Case for Vertical Living in Overpopulated Urban Centers

ESV Olanrewaju Ademola Turner-Shaw,

Nigeria’s urban centers are growing at an alarming rate. Cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano are experiencing population surges driven by rural-to-urban migration, high birth rates, and limited urban planning. As a result, housing demand is outstripping supply, leading to overcrowding, slum expansion, traffic congestion, and strained infrastructure. Amid this urban chaos, one solution presents itself clearly: vertical living.

Vertical living refers to the development and occupation of high-rise residential buildings, often within planned communities. While common in cities like New York, London, and Dubai, Nigeria has traditionally leaned toward horizontal expansion; bungalows, duplexes, and detached houses stretching outward. But with limited urban land and a rising population, building upward may be the most viable solution for accommodating growth sustainably.

The benefits of vertical living in Nigeria’s overpopulated cities are multifaceted. First, it maximizes land use. In a place like Lagos Island, where land is scarce and expensive, developing a single-story residence on a large plot is an inefficient use of space. Vertical housing allows more people to live in a smaller footprint, preserving land for other essential uses such as green spaces, public infrastructure, schools, and commercial centers.

Second, vertical housing encourages more organized urban development. Properly planned high-rise buildings can include modern amenities like elevators, parking spaces, recreational areas, and security systems. When integrated with smart city planning such as proximity to public transport, schools, and workplaces. They promote convenience and reduce the need for long, energy-draining commutes.

Vertical living also offers a chance to introduce affordable housing at scale. By consolidating resources and construction efforts into high-density buildings, governments and developers can lower the cost per unit. This model has the potential to house low- and middle-income earners in decent, dignified conditions a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, which currently exceeds 17 million units.

Moreover, vertical housing can support better urban governance. It is easier to provide public utilities water, electricity, internet, and waste management when residents are concentrated in a defined space. Vertical developments also make tax collection, census, and security management more efficient than scattered, informal settlements or sprawling unregulated estates.

However, for vertical living to truly thrive in Nigeria, several conditions must be met. First is the need for strict enforcement of building regulations and urban planning standards. The collapse of poorly constructed buildings in cities like Lagos has created fear around high-rises. Developers must adhere to global best practices in engineering, while government agencies must ensure that only structurally sound projects are approved.

Second, infrastructure must support vertical development. Unreliable electricity, poor water supply, and inadequate waste disposal will quickly make high-rise buildings unlivable. A shift toward vertical living must be matched by investments in infrastructure upgrades, including smart energy grids and efficient transport systems.

Equally important is the cultural mindset. Many Nigerians still prefer owning land and living in detached houses. To shift this mindset, real estate education and awareness campaigns are needed to highlight the safety, convenience, and community potential of well-designed vertical housing.

In conclusion, as Nigeria’s cities become more crowded and chaotic, vertical living offers a smart, scalable, and sustainable path forward. It is not just an architectural trend, it is a necessity. With thoughtful planning, strong regulations, and public-private collaboration, vertical living can help reshape Nigeria’s urban future, offering residents not just shelter, but a better quality of life in the heart of the city.

ESV Olanrewaju Ademola Turner-Shaw, a registered Estate Surveyor and Valuer is a member of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV).