Urbanisation and urban expansion in Nigeria. Urbanisation Research Nigeria (URN) Research Report.
Abstract
This report acts as a ‘baseline’ for the Urban Change Processes theme of the Urbanisation Research Nigeria (URN) programme – and thus as a foundation for later, targeted and more detailed research in the years 2015 to 2017.
The report analyses urbanisation and urban expansion in Nigeria. In portraying the dynamics and drivers of urban population growth and the spatial expansion process, it presents an integrated analysis incorporating:
- An overview of the spatial-demographic dynamics of Nigeria’s urban transition. While the information available is at times problematic and ambiguous, by combining and summarising data from multiple sources, credible facts are identified on the dynamics of the urban transition. The analysis points to an expected persistence in rapid urbanisation, urban population growth and urban expansion.
- An understanding of the dynamics of spatial expansion and the physical configuration – or urban structure – of Nigerian cities. As the country’s cities have expanded in terms of land cover, their physical organisation has been transformed. Through a historical overview of the evolution of urban structures and the linkages with demographic changes, spatial patterns characteristic of contemporary Nigerian urbanism are identified.
- An understanding of how existing public policy addresses emerging issues and challenges. It is intended that the findings and conclusions established in this report could advance the development of strategic spatial planning in Nigeria. Subsequent research projects within the URN programme will expand on the existing knowledge base to further support this intention.
Citation
Bloch, R.; Fox, S.; Monroy, J.; Ojo, A. Urbanisation and urban expansion in Nigeria. Urbanisation Research Nigeria (URN) Research Report. ICF International, London, UK (2015) ii + 67 pp.
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