Exploring the Contemporary Challenges of Urbanization and the Role of Sustainable Urban Development: A Study of Lagos City, Nigeria

Authors

  • Dr. Auwalu Faisal Koko International Center for Architecture and Urban Development Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2425-9941
  • Msc. Muhammed Bello Department of Architecture, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2023.v7n1-12

Keywords:

Economic Hub, Lagos City, Population Growth, Urbanization, Urban Development

Abstract

As urbanization accelerates, sustainable approaches are necessary to counter the adverse environmental impacts. The study investigates the multifaceted challenges of Lagos City due to urbanization and evaluates the effectiveness of sustainable urban development in tackling these problems. It employed a mixed-methods approach to provide informed decisions for liveable urban environments. Census data, satellite imagery, interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions provided a comprehensive understanding of Lagos’s urbanization and its effects. Findings reveal pressing problems such as housing shortages, infrastructure strain, traffic congestion, waste management difficulties, and socio-economic disparities in Lagos City. Local authorities and NGOs have implemented sustainable urban development initiatives, including transport upgrades, green space promotion, waste management, and housing solutions. Such case studies have revealed various interventions, such as informal settlement transformation, renewable energy integration, and urban regeneration. However, persistent issues still exist due to the city’s urbanization. Therefore, Integrated urban planning, inclusivity in policy-making, and technological advances are essential for tackling these challenges. The findings contribute to the academic discourse by providing insights into Lagos City’s urbanization and practical implications for sustainable urban development. It also highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to build a prosperous, equitable, and eco-friendly city.

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Author Biographies

Dr. Auwalu Faisal Koko, International Center for Architecture and Urban Development Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China

Dr. Faisal Auwalu Koko's academic journey began at Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria, where he earned a Bachelor's and a Master of Science in Architecture. His academic pursuits reached its peak with a Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture. His research focuses on various aspects of architecture and urban development, emphasizing innovative geospatial techniques and multi-temporal satellite data for monitoring urban land cover changes. His works have been featured as book chapters, conference papers, and journal publications in several reputable academic platforms. He has received numerous recognition for his outstanding contributions and their potential to address pressing issues related to urban development and climate adaptation.

Msc. Muhammed Bello, Department of Architecture, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Muhammed Bello is a distinguished architect and academic renowned for his groundbreaking research in built environment studies. As a respected educator, Bello has served as a devoted Lecturer at Kaduna Polytechnic in Nigeria, imparting his knowledge to aspiring architects and contributing significantly to Nigeria's architectural education. His professional accomplishments include being a Provisional Member of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), reflecting his commitment to upholding professional standards and ethics. Throughout his illustrious career, Bello has made significant academic contributions to reputable journals of high standards. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of architectural research makes him an exceptional scholar. His work continues to inspire and shape the future of architecture studies in Nigeria and beyond.

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Published

2023-06-30

How to Cite

Auwalu, F. K., & Bello, M. (2023). Exploring the Contemporary Challenges of Urbanization and the Role of Sustainable Urban Development: A Study of Lagos City, Nigeria . Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 7(1), 175–188. https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2023.v7n1-12

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2023): Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs

Section

Resilience and Built Environment

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Copyright (c) 2023 Dr. Auwalu Faisal Koko, Msc. Muhammed Bello

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