Neighbourhood Service Adequacy and Residential Satisfaction in GRA Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria: An Assessment of Service Gaps and Improvement Priorities

Abstract

Residential satisfaction provides an important basis for evaluating the quality and functionality of urban neighbourhoods. Beyond the physical characteristics of individual dwellings, residents' perceptions are influenced by the adequacy, accessibility, reliability and management of infrastructure and social services within their neighbourhoods. This study examines neighbourhood service adequacy and residential satisfaction in GRA Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, with emphasis on identifying service deficiencies and improvement priorities. The study adopts a quantitative survey research design. Data will be collected from households in GRA Lafia using a structured questionnaire measured on a five-point Likert scale. The study proposes a service-adequacy framework that distinguishes between residents' assessment of neighbourhood service conditions and their satisfaction with those services. Data analysis will employ descriptive statistics, comparative adequacy-gap analysis and priority classification rather than conventional regression-based assessment. The approach is intended to identify areas where the perceived condition of neighbourhood services corresponds with, or falls short of, residents' expectations. The study is expected to provide evidence on the performance of electricity, water supply, drainage, road accessibility, educational and healthcare facilities, sanitation, security, recreational facilities and economic activities. The findings will assist urban managers, housing providers and policymakers in prioritising neighbourhood improvement interventions and strengthening the quality of residential environments in GRA Lafia.