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9 - The Evolution and Nature of Urban Planning in Nigeria

from Part II - Case Studies on Urban Planning in African Countries

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 December 2023

By
Ayobami Popoola ,
Nunyi Vachaku Blamah ,
Samuel Medayese ,
Olusegun Falola ,
Oluwafisayo D. Ogunmodede  and
Bolanle Wahab
Edited by
Patrick Brandful Cobbinah  and
Eric Gaisie
Patrick Brandful Cobbinah
Affiliation:
University of Melbourne
Eric Gaisie
Affiliation:
University of Melbourne
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Summary

This chapter outlines the epoch of urban planning evolution in Nigeria. It highlights and describes the nature of urban planning, the roles of planners, urban planning challenges, and prospects of urban planning in Nigeria. Urban planning in Nigeria evolved before colonialism. As the country transited from the colonial era to Independence, urban planning also went through significant transformation. It became an essential tool to facilitate orderly spatial arrangement of the various land uses with emphasis on promoting functional relationships among the various land uses so as to ensure harmony in the development of the built environment. This is considered a common good due to its importance for economic and socio-cultural development. The method of investigation is essentially an analysis of secondary data obtained from published journal articles and reports. Over the past years, urban planning has evolved as a discipline and an institutionalised profession. It has witnessed the enactment of many planning laws. However, the contention in this chapter is that, even with the presence of well-formulated urban planning, its future is far from bright. Urban planning in Nigeria lacks commitment from the government.

Keywords

urbanplanninginstitutionplannersNigeria
Type
Chapter
Information
Reimagining Urban Planning in Africa , pp. 143 - 164
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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