URBAN RENEWAL AND MANAGEMENT IN A POLITICALLY MOTIVATED SOCIETY: NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper highlights issues on urban renewal and management in a politically motivated society in a Nigerian perspective. It deals with the challenges of urban renewal includes housing decay, poor transportation networks, poor drainage systems, waste disposal, inadequate security outfit, and poor public health facilities. The issue with urban renewal and management in Nigeria has economic and political influence that affects the realities of urban renewal. The rich and the political class harms the urban areas that are planned and managed due to corruption, political favoritism, and victimization. The research interviews conducted in various communities and later transcribed and analyzed through Nvivo data analysis software. The first finding indicates that most residential houses not approved by government agencies resulted in a poor road network, poor drainage system, and lack of waste dump site. Secondly, the finding shows that most land allocations from approved government agencies are to the rich and the political class. Thirdly the findings indicate that the less privileged do not have idea of when, where, and how land allocations are processed. Fourthly the findings indicate that the less privileged have no option but to buy land where there is no proper planning which results in flooding, congestion, hygiene problems, and poor road network. The fifth finding indicates that there is no proper sensitization to the populace on how to get land allocation from the appropriate government agency. The sixth finding indicates that the Violation of the land use act and urban management policies by some of the rich, political class, top civil servants, and traditional rulers, is eminent in most of the communities. Recommendations were made as follows: Proper sensitization should be made on when, where, and how land is allocated through government agencies, non-governmental and nonprofit making organizations. The rich, political class, top government officials, and the traditional rulers should be sensitized on the sources and dangers associated with poor urban management. Strict compliance to the land use act.