Oluranti Mary Olufunke Aleem

Limitations on Women, Houses ownership in Nigeria,

Oluranti Mary Olufunke Aleem

In Nigeria, women face significant challenges in owning houses due to deeply ingrained cultural and traditional norms that prioritise male inheritance and property rights. Despite the country’s constitution granting equal rights to men and women to acquire and own assets, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

The State of Women’s Property Rights in Nigeria

Statistics reveal a stark disparity in house ownership between men and women in Nigeria. According to the World Bank Gender Data Portal, only about 10.75% of women in Nigeria solely or jointly owned a house in 2018, compared to 40.5% of men. Furthermore, a mere 2.5% of women solely owned houses, whereas 24% of men did so. The majority of women, approximately 89%, do not own houses, compared to 59.50% of men.

Cultural and Traditional Barriers

Several factors contribute to the limitations on women owning houses in Nigeria. Cultural norms and traditions restrict women’s access to land ownership, inheritance, and property rights. In many parts of the country, women are deemed ineligible for land inheritance, and property ownership is often tied to marriage or male relatives. The concept of co-ownership of property by couples is also non-existent in traditional Nigerian culture.

Challenges in Accessing Credit and Rental Housing

Women in Nigeria also face difficulties in accessing credit and rental housing. Financial institutions often require stringent conditions and high collateral demands, which most women cannot afford. Additionally, single women and female-headed households encounter discriminatory practices when trying to rent houses, with some landlords demanding male guarantors or charging higher rent.

The Impact on Women’s Lives

The inability to own houses has far-reaching consequences for women in Nigeria. Without secure housing, women are more vulnerable to poverty, exploitation, and poor living conditions. This, in turn, affects their overall well-being, mental health, and ability to earn a living and support their families.

Success Stories and Advocacy Efforts

However, there are success stories of women challenging these cultural norms and advocating for their rights. In Plateau State, a group of women formed the Homsen Women Farmers Shepwan cooperative, which enabled them to collectively rent farmland and eventually purchase 24.7 acres of land with the support of Voice Global. This achievement has empowered the women to resist cultural threats and demand change ³.

Addressing the Issue

To bridge the gap in housing ownership, it is essential to:

– Raise Awareness About Legal Rights: Educate women about their rights to own property and access credit.

– Reform Customary Law: Revise customary laws to uphold fundamental rights and eliminate gender-based discrimination.

– Institutionalise Rental Processes: Establish transparent and accountable rental processes to prevent discriminatory practices.

– Support Women’s Economic Empowerment: Provide women with access to credit, training, and economic opportunities to enhance their ability to own houses.

By addressing these limitations and promoting equal access to housing, Nigeria can work towards creating a more equitable society where women have the opportunity to own houses and thrive.

*Mrs Oluranti Mary Olufunke is a lecturer at The Polytechnic, Imesi-Ile, Osun State, Nigeria, where she teaches The Use of English, Media Writing and Style.  She holds a background in International Relations and Diplomacy. [email protected]