Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Reactivation of abandoned buildings is a prevalent issue in Nigeria, with numerous abandoned structures dotting the landscape across the country. This research aims to explore the causes of building abandonment in Nigeria and propose remedial measures to address this issue effectively. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to gather comprehensive insights into the phenomenon. The causes of building abandonment in Nigeria are multifaceted and include economic factors, legal issues, environmental concerns, and socio-cultural influences. Economic challenges such as lack of funds for maintenance and high renovation costs often contribute to the abandonment of buildings. Legal issues, such as unclear property rights and bureaucratic hurdles in the land acquisition process, also play a significant role in building abandonment. Additionally, environmental factors like natural disasters and poor infrastructure further exacerbate the problem. To address the reactivation of abandoned buildings, several remedial measures are proposed. These include promoting public-private partnerships for building rehabilitation projects, streamlining the legal framework for property ownership and development, and implementing incentives such as tax breaks for building owners who undertake renovation projects. Furthermore, raising awareness about the importance of preserving historical and cultural heritage through adaptive reuse of abandoned buildings can help garner public support for reactivation initiatives. The research findings underscore the need for a holistic approach involving government intervention, community engagement, and private sector participation to effectively tackle the issue of building abandonment in Nigeria. By understanding the root causes of abandonment and implementing targeted remedial measures, stakeholders can work together to revitalize abandoned buildings, thereby enhancing the urban landscape, promoting sustainable development, and preserving architectural heritage. In conclusion, reactivation of abandoned buildings in Nigeria is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution. By addressing the root causes of building abandonment and implementing remedial measures such as public-private partnerships, legal reforms, and community engagement, stakeholders can unlock the potential of abandoned structures and contribute to the overall development of the built environment in Nigeria.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The growing trend in the construction industry of residential building in Nigeria shows many uncompleted projects in reckless states of abandonment worth billions of naira. Abandoned projects are projects once initiated are stopped due to one reason or the other. Causes of abandonment of project include; death of the client, fraud, lack of cash flow forecast etc. Implication of such projects are; social, economic and physical implications some of the proffered recommendation include regular assessment of work in progress, offending contractors should be blacklisted, the procedure of awarding contracts should be devoid of sentiments of favouritism amongst others. The consequence of abandonment of building projects were highlighted to include: tying down of funds and land spaces, extra cost involved in completion of such projects, continued scarcity of residential accommodation, defacing the landscape and harbouring people of deviant behaviour, reduction in the Gross Domestic Product (G.D.P) and the associated stigma. Suggestion were proffered as to how abandoned of projects could be minimised and how some of the abandoned projects could be revived and completed. Prominent among such suggestion include: adequate planning of projects, proper cost planning/financial appraisal of project, proper site investigations, selection of reputable contractors/manager to oversee project execution. The research therefore seeks to investigate the Causes and remedial measure of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The level of increase in abandoned residential buildings in Nigerian has constituted one of the countries woes in recent times.(Ayodele and Alabi, 2011; Kotangora, 1993; Osemenan, 1987). Abandoned residential building is a building in which the occupant has deserted due to poor infrastructure and maintenance , dilapidation, lack of security or natural disaster which has rendered the building not habitable. Abandoning residential properties and development projects implies the stoppage of work on such properties with no intention of returning back within the time of the contract agreement. Many of the project are abandoned midway (Spelman, 1993). In view of the capital intensive nature of this project it is pertinent that a feasibility and viability appraisal be conducted before instituting them. The causes and effects of these residential building abandonments are not just peculiar to a particular reason rather cut across several reasons (Ayodele and Alabi, 2011), and as well as creating a total dwindling effects on the values of developed properties located close and within the vicinity. Most of this abandoned residential building usually turned into hideout for criminals. The consequence of abandonment of building projects were highlighted to include: tying down of funds and land spaces, extra cost involved in completion of such projects, continued scarcity of residential accommodation, defacing the landscape and harbouring people of deviant behaviour, reduction in the Gross Domestic Product (G.D.P) and the associated stigma. Suggestion were proffered as to how abandoned of projects could be minimised and how some of the abandoned projects could be revived and completed. Prominent among such suggestion include: adequate planning of projects, proper cost planning/financial appraisal of project, proper site investigations, selection of reputable contractors/manager to oversee project execution. The problem confronting the research is to determine Causes and remedial measure of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To determine the nature and the level of abandoned building in Nigeria

To determine the Causes and remedial measure of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria

1.4 Research Questions

What are the causes of abandoned building in Nigeria?

What are the remedial measures of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study shall proffer an appraisal of the Causes and remedial measure of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria The level of increase in abandoned residential buildings in Nigerian has constituted one of the countries woes in recent times.(Ayodele and Alabi, 2011; Kotangora, 1993; Osemenan, 1987). Abandoned residential building is a building in which the occupant has deserted due to poor infrastructure and maintenance , dilapidation, lack of security or natural disaster which has rendered the building not habitable. Abandoning residential properties and development projects implies the stoppage of work on such properties with no intention of returning back within the time of the contract agreement. Many of the project are abandoned midway (Spelman, 1993). In view of the capital intensive nature of this project it is pertinent that a feasibility and viability appraisal be conducted before instituting them.

1.6 Research Hypothesis

Ho The Causes of abandoned building in Nigeria is low

Hi The Causes of abandoned building in Nigeria is high

Ho The remedial measure of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria is not effective

Hi The remedial measure of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria is effective

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the appraisal of the courses and remedial measure of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study was confronted by some constraint including logistic and geographical factor.

1.9 Definition of Terms

ABANDONNED BUILDING DEFINED

Abandoned residential building is a building in which the occupant has deserted due to poor infrastructure and maintenance , dilapidation, lack of security or natural disaster which has rendered the building not habitable. Abandoning residential properties and development projects implies the stoppage of work on such properties with no intention of returning back within the time of the contract agreement. Many of the project are abandoned midway (Spelman, 1993). I

REFERENCES

Ayodele, E.O. and Alabi, O. M. (2011), Abandonment of Construction Projects in Nigeria: Causes and Effects; Journal of Emerging Trends in Economics and Management Sciences (JETEMS), Vol. 2, Iss. 2, pp. 142-145.

Kotangora, O. O. (1993); Project Abandonment, Nigerian Tribune.

O’Flaherty, B. (1993) Abandoned Building: A Stochastic Analysis; Journal of Urban Economics, Vol. 34, pp. 43-74.

Osemenan, I. (1987); Project Abandonment; New Watch Magazine, Vol. 1, pp. 15.

Schram, J.F. Jr. (2012); Real Estate Appraisal, Sixth Edition, Rockwell Publishing, USA.

Spelman, W. (1998); Abandoned Buildings: Magnets for Crime; Journal of Criminal Justice, Vol. 21, National Vacant Properties Campaign.