Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Urban Space Administration in Nigeria: Looking into Tomorrow from Yesterday

Urban Forum Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Urban space administration is a branch of public administration designated for ordering, re-ordering, regulating and controlling urban systems and urban land uses for the purpose of human comfort, convenience, urban aesthetic or city’s branding and economic and environmental sustainability. Urban space administration is not new in Nigeria; it dated back to precolonial periods when city management was vested in kings and a team of advisers including the local priests. The advent of colonial government introduced paper-assisted urban administration which continued after independence. The 1976 local government reforms and the subsequent fragmentations of states to many local government resulted in multiplicity of admirations and agencies governing urban areas in Nigeria. The results are manifested in blighted condition and pockets of slums in all Nigeria cities. The paper examined trends in urban administration in Nigeria and advanced two approaches to solving multifarious urban problems in Nigeria. The approaches include devolution of urban administration powers to local authorities and deployment of geospatial technology tools for urban system administrators ( Knaap et al 1998). The paper further suggested recommendations for bridging the digital shortfall in the applications of modern technologies to city administration in Nigeria.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

References

  • Adeyinka, S. A., Omisore, E. O. , Olawuyi, P. O. and Abegunde, A. A. (2006). An evaluation of informal sector activities and urban land use management in south west Nigeria. Paper presented at the conference on shaping the change; XXIII FIG Conference, Munich.

  • Ahris Y, Ahmad N, Muhamad L, Susilawati S, and Haibenarisal B.(2005) GIS in urban planning and management: Malaysian experience. International Symposium & Exhibition on Geoinformation 2005 Geospatial Solutions for Managing the Borderless World, Pulau Pinang. 27–29.9.05.

  • Anderson. J.R.. Hardy. E.E. ,. Roach.,J.T And Witmer.R.E (1976),. A land use and land cover classification system for use with remote sensor data. Geological Survey Professional Paper 964 A revision of the land use classification system as presented in U.S. Geological Survey Circular 671. United States Government Printing Office, Washington: 1976.

  • Bateman, P. D. (1998). Digital planning. In P. K. Sikdar, S. L. Dhingra, & K. V. Krishna Rao (Eds.), Computers in urban planning and urban management keynote papers (pp. 13–30). New Delhi: Narosa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bateman P. D (1984). Changing inputs to urban public administration and the progressive reformers. Unpublished theses submitted to Department of History Carnegies-Mellon University

  • Bamidele, O. (2008). Need for more federal government presence in state capitals: a case study of Lagos megacity development. Paper presented to the Association of national Accountants; Ikeja branch Dec 12, 2008.

  • Bishop, I. D. (1998). Planning support: where is the system? A review of developments in hardware and software. In P. K. Sikdar, S. L. Dhingra, & K. V. Krishna Rao (Eds.), Computers in urban planning and urban management keynote papers (pp. 37–49). New Delhi: Narosa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Budic, Z. D. (1994). Effectiveness of geographic information systems in local planning. Journal of the American Planning Association, 60(2), 244–263.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brail, R. K. (1987). Microcomputers in urban planning and management. New Brunswick: Center for Urban Policy Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coleman, D., & Khanna, R. (1995). Groupware: technologies and applications. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Counsell, J., & Phillips, B. (1997). Appropriate data for navigable 3D cityscape interfaces to urban information systems. In S. Hodgson, M. Rumor, & J. J. Harts (Eds.), Proceedings Third JEC-EGI Vienna (pp. 298–307).Netherlands: 105 Press.

  • DeSanctis, G., & Gallupe, R. B. (1987). A foundation for the study of group decision support systems. Management Science., 33, 589–609.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Demers, M. N. (1999). Fundamentals of geographic information systems, 2nd edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fabiyi O.O. (2006) Colonial and post-colonial architecture and urbanism. In Nigerian urban history, past and present. Edited by Ibikunle H. University Press of America. pp 141–164.

  • Fabiyi, O. O. (2007). Analysis of change—agents in urban land use transition; example from Ibadan city, Nigeria. Journal of Environment and culture, Vol 4(2), 23–43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fabiyi O.O. (2011). Analysis of urban decay from low resolution satellite remote sensing data: example from organic city in Nigeria. International Journal of Development and Management review. Vol 6. N0.1.

  • Fabiyi O.O. (2014). The value of geospatial technology in town planning practice in Nigeria. Workshop proceedings of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria 2014 Professional Development Workshop on Application of Emerging Cutting Edge Technologies in Town Planning Practice, pp. 9–24.

  • Fabiyi, O. O. (2001). Geographic information systems; techniques and methods (147pp). Research Support Services: Nigeria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Faust, N. L. (1995). The virtual reality of GIS. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, 22, 257–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • French, S. P., & Wiggins, L. L. (1990). California planning agency experiences with automated mapping and geographic information systems. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, 17, 441–450.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • French, S. P., & Wiggins, L. L. (1989). Computer adoption and use in California planning agencies: implications for education. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 8(2), 97–108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Han, S. Y., & Kim, T. J. (1989). Can expert systems help with planning? Journal of the American Planning Association, 55, 296–308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harris, B. (1989). Beyond geographic information systems: computers and the planning professional. Journal of the American Planning Association, 55, 85–92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harris, B., & Batty, M. (1993). Locational models, geographic information, and planning support systems. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 12, 184–198.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holmberg, S. C. (1994). Geoinformatics for urban and regional planning. Environment and Planning B, 21(1), 5–19.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R. M. (1998). An analysis of computer-supported co-operative work systems to support decision-making in regional planning. Computers, Environment, and Urban Systems, 22(4), 335–350.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Juhl, G. M. (1993). Government agencies let their hair down about GIS. Geo Info Systems, 3(7), 20–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klosterman R E (1995). Planning support systems. In Wyatt R, Hossain H (eds) Proceedings, Fourth International Conference on Computers in Urban Planning and Urban Management. Melbourne, July Vol. 1: 19–35.

  • Kelly H (2016). http://references-definitions.blurtit.com/3343465/what-is-urban-administration-means. Accessed on 8th Aug 2016.

  • Knaap, G. J., Hopkins, L. D., & Donaghy, K. P. (1998). Do plans matter? A game-theoretic model for examining the logic and effects of land use planning. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 18(1), 25–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laurini, R. (1998). Groupware for urban planning: an introduction. Computers, Environ and Urban Systems, 22(4), 317–333.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lawanson T (2015). Potentials of the urban poor in shaping a sustainable Lagos megacity, untamed urbanisms. Routledge Advances in Regional Economics, Science and Policy Series, eds. A Allen, A Lampis, and M Swilling (108–118).

  • Lawanson T, (2016). Governing Lagos in the urban century: the need for a paradigm shift in ‘Urban planning process in Lagos’ edited by Fabienne Hoelze published by Heinrich Böll Stiftung Nigeria.

  • Mabogunje, A. L. (1968). Urbanization in Nigeria. London: University of London Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mabogunje, A. L. (1981). Towards an urban policy in Nigeria. In: Sada, P.O. and Oguntoyinbo, J.S. (eds) Urbanization processes and problems in Nigeria. Ibadan University Press, pp. 7–20.

  • Mabogunje (1991). eds., Elements of development. A.L.F.Publications: Abeokuta Nigeria, pp. 17–28.

  • Mandelbaum, S. J. (1996). Making and braking planning tools. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 20(2), 71–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nigeria Institute of Town Planning (NITP) (1991). Twenty five years of physical planning in Nigeria, Silver Jubilee Anniversary Bulletin Published by NITP Silver Jubilee Publications Committee, Nigeria.

  • Nigeria Institute of Town Planning (NITP)(2001). State of planning report in Nigeria. NITP Publication. www.nitpng.com. Accessed on 15th Jan 2015.

  • Ola, C. S. (1984). Town and country planning and environmental lands in Nigeria. United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Onibokun, P. (1985). Physical planning within the framework of National Development Planning in Nigeria. Journal of Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, 4(5), 15–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Onokerhoraye, A. G. and Omuta, G. E. D. (1985) Urban systems and planning. The geography and planning series of study notes, University of Benin.

  • Omole, F. K. (1999). Planning issues in Nigeria land tenure system and the land use act. Lagos: Frontline/KenOye Publications Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olomojeye, J.A. (1999). Federal government involvement in town planning from inception. In Olaseni, A. M. (ed.) Urban and regional planning in Nigeria. Lagos: Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Lagos State Chapter, pp. 80–84.

  • Oyesiku, O. O. (1999). Modern urban and regional planning law and administration in Nigeria. Ibadan: University of Ibadan: Kraft Books Limited.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kadiri, W.A (1995). Development control at the three agencies level within the framework of the New Urban and Regional Planning Decree. In Development Control within the Context of the New Urban and Regional Planning Law Decree No. 88 of 1992. Proceedings of Workshop, Organized by NITP, Abeokuta, pp. 9–14.

  • Shiffer, M. J. (1995). Interactive multimedia planning support: moving from standalone systems to the World Wide Web. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design, 22, 649–664.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shiffer, M. J. (1996). Community-building communications technologies and decision support systems. MIT Colloquium on Advanced Information Technology, Low-income Communities and the City. Massachusetts, USA: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Urban Studies and Planning

  • Shiffer, M. J. (1992). Towards a collaborative planning system. Environment and Planning B, 19(6), 709–722.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Talen, E. (2000). Bottom-Up GIS. A new tool for individual and group expression in participatory planning. Journal of the American Planning Association, 66(3), 279–294.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • UNCHS(United Nations Centre for Human Settlements). (1996). The habitat agenda.

  • UNHabitat 2012. Assessment of good urban governance report in Nigeria 2012.

  • Von Rimscha, M. (1997). 3D or not 3D? GIS EUROPE, 6(10), 20–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Warnecke, L., Jeff, B., Kollin, C., Winifred, L., & Steven, F. (1998). Geographic information technology in cities and counties: a nationwide assessment. Washington: American Forests.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Oluseyi Fabiyi.

Appendices

Appendix 1

State institutions where interviews or data were collected

  1. 1.

    Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Abuja

  2. 2.

    Osun State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

  3. 3.

    Kwara State Ministry of Land Housing and Urban Development

  4. 4.

    Kaduna State Ministries of Housing and Physical Planning

  5. 5.

    Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority

  6. 6.

    Lagos State Physical Planning and Urban Development

  7. 7.

    River State Ministry of Urban Development

  8. 8.

    Enugu State Ministry of Lands and Urban Development

  9. 9.

    Adamawa State Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning

  10. 10.

    Delta State Ministry of Lands and Physical planning

  11. 11.

    Kogi State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

Appendix 2

Questionnaire on City Administration and Slum Developments in Nigeria

This questionnaire is intended to solicit information of the challenges of slum and urban administration in Nigeria. It is an ongoing academic research by Centre for Human Settlements and Sustainable Development (CHUSSDEV). You have been selected for this interview on the basis of your experience, competence and knowledge of the issues of the research. The information provided will be treated with utmost confidence and under no condition will it be released to third party. Thank you.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Fabiyi, O. Urban Space Administration in Nigeria: Looking into Tomorrow from Yesterday. Urban Forum 28, 165–183 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12132-016-9299-3

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12132-016-9299-3

Keywords

Navigation