Factors Influencing the Decisions of Peri-urban Residents on where they live in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The search for an optimum residential location has been a source of Chronic problem to the urban dwellers. In Nigeria, household residential choices are dependent housing and location attributes, which reflects various household characteristics efforts made by different scholars have provided explanations on different reasons why residents prefer and choose some residential neighbourhoods to others. the factors influencing residents' decision to change their neighbourhood of Minna. The data used were generated from the peri-urban residents through questionnaire administration. The systematic random sampling technique was employ 825 respondents from 14 peri-urban neighbourhoods and the data administration were subjected to inferential statistical technique using factor analysis method. The study revealed three factors: comfortability (28.83%); homeownership (15.89%); and low rent (12.58%) as the major factors influencing the decision taken by peri-urban residents to live in their present neighbourhoods. The study concluded that most of the residents were motivated to live in their present neighbourhoods mainly because of the comfort derived from where they lived. It therefore recommended that serious attention of government to reviewing the outdated Minna Master Plan and rejuvenates the peri-urban areas with massive infrastructure development.