| Summary: | This Master’s thesis research project aims to explore the roles of two Nigerian NGOs,
SERI and SERAC, in promoting and protecting housing rights of the urban poor in
Nigeria. The motivation to conduct this study stemmed from the widespread evictions
and demolitions carried out in 2005 in Nigeria. Using qualitative research methods of
participatory observation of SERI’s clients and activities, semi-structured in-depth
interviews of SERAC’s staff, literature review and policy analysis, the paper analyses the
roles of the organisations based on the challenges faced, and instruments used in their
efforts to promote housing rights. The analyses compares practice in Nigeria with the
obligations of national and international actors as prescribed in international
agreements and Nigerian legislation. The empirical findings show that the main
challenges of the NGOs are the hostile relations with government, the sheer size of
urban centres, and the lack of funds and personnel to reach all communities whose
rights to housing are being violated. Despite these obstructions, the NGOs maintain
efforts to monitor, document and disseminate reports on violations, advocate and
collaborate with other actors to foster policy change, and represent the clients in
judicial procedures. These aspects of the NGOs’ position direct their principal role of
advocacy. Despite the important actions of these organisations, SERI’s and SERAC’s
effectiveness as primary actors for the protection of housing rights in Nigeria is
questioned here because they are unable to secure this ESC right. This study therefore
proposes the set up of an independent, international monitoring body with a renewed
mandate and powers to sanction housing rights violators.
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