The Operation of the Informal Urban Development System in Nigeria.

Gyau, Kwasi

Abstract

This study examines the operation of the informal urban development system in Nigeria using two case studies of Nyikangbe and Ugbo Odogwu in Minna and Enugu respectively to determine whether it could be leveraged to deliver sustainable urban development. The study finds that informal developments/settlements have partly emerged due to the inadequacies of the formal urban development
system, such as the excessive requirements for formal land acquisition and development. Contrary to their criticisms as dens of chaos, informal development system has organized processes for land acquisition, development and governance activities based on local norms and practices. Apart from corroborating the inclusionist paradigm, these findings and existing arrangements if properly leveraged could enhance the achievement of Nigeria’s current sustainable urban development and management agenda. Nevertheless, the informal system poses several challenges, such as production of unplanned developments and the tendency for unscrupulous actors to exploit other players, and thus requires redress.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: Annual World Bank Conference on Land and Poverty 2020
• Start Date: Mar 16, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Mar 16, 2020
• Publication Date: Mar 16, 2020
• Deposit Date: Mar 1, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Publisher URL: https://www.oicrf.org/-/the-operation-of-the-informal-urban-development-system-in-nigeria