Managing Rapid Urbanisation in Lagos, Nigeria: Evaluating Government Interventions and Their Effectiveness

Author

Emmanuel Oluwapamilerin Daniel, Oladapo Fogohan Badmus, Olayemi Boboye


Abstract

 The paper explores the complex challenges caused by urban development in Lagos, Nigeria, resulting from its rapid population growth. As one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa and the economic hub of Nigeria, Lagos has experienced a significant influx of migrants in search of employment opportunities and economic prosperity. This influx has resulted in overpopulation, severe traffic congestion, high crime and poverty rates, chronic flooding, the growth of informal settlements, and rapid urban sprawl. Current global statistics indicate that over half of the global population resides in cities, and projections suggest that by 2050, approximately two-thirds of the world's inhabitants will live in urban areas; crucially, many of these rapidly expanding centres suffer from the two pressing global challenges of urban poverty and environmental degradation. This research aims to analyse the contemporary challenges of urban development facing Lagos, evaluate current government interventions, and offer recommendations for the effective implementation of public policies. Secondary data is systematically analysed to address these objectives. The data and evaluation presented in this paper focus on government policies, institutions, and regulatory processes used as strategic intervention tools to curb uncontrolled urban growth in Lagos. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations on how to effectively enforce and implement these policies to mitigate ongoing urban challenges.



Keywords

Central Business District (CBD), Urban Growth, Inner-City Decline, Social Cost, Social Benefit, Government Interventions, Public Policy.



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References


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