As of 1800, only about 8 per cent of the global population lived in cities, but this figure has risen significantly over the years. By 1900, it had increased to 16 per cent, and today, approximately 55 per cent of the world's population, more than 4 billion people, resides in urban areas. This trend is expected to continue, with the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects predicting that cities could add roughly 2.5 billion more residents by 2050.
Nigeria, with a population of about 250 million people, occupies a total land area of 983,213 km2, and the activities of these millions of people have left an ineffaceable mark on the landscape. Urbanization in Nigeria is characterized by city slums with serious environmental consequences caused by the failure of development measures to keep pace with the rate of population growth. This is evident in the disposal of savage and refuse problems, which is quite serious due to the rapid rate of generation of non-biodegradable materials.
The rapid growth of cities in Nigeria has led to environmental conditions deteriorating at an alarming and worrisome rate. Inadequate storm drains, dumping of refuse in drainage lines, and construction of houses close to and even on natural water channels have been shown to be responsible for the rising cases of flood witnessed recently in Lagos and other urban centers across the country. The environmental problems are associated with the increasing growth of urban slums, including overcrowding in squalid housing conditions, poor quality or unavailability of basic infrastructures and social services.
The quest for food, shelter, recreation, and infrastructural facilities has led to changes in land use, producing negative impacts on the environment. One thing is certain, urbanization is not going to reverse. In the years ahead, more people will make cities their home, but the decisions made today about how those cities grow and function will shape the environment for generations to come. The good news is that cities are also centers of innovation, and many are already coming up with sustainable solutions.
Understanding the impacts of urbanization and the solutions available is essential for building a sustainable future. The situation in Nigeria requires more attention and effective coordination among concerned institutions, including federal, state, and local governments, non-government organizations, organized private sector, critical stakeholders, professional organizations in the built sector, and local communities. Effective urban governance requires investing in data collection and geographic information systems to enable the government and professional organizations involved in city planning to make informed decisions.
Environmental protection techniques need to be cultured, home-grown, and community-based. There is a need for investment in awareness-created programs from the grassroots in terms of orientation. Environmental awareness education should be included in primary and post-primary school curricula. Environmental protection agents at the local government level should be empowered to punish every offender. Also, an appropriate infrastructure investment in terms of construction of unblocked drainage patterns, flood defenses, improved healthcare, and assistance shelters as part of community emergency preparedness programs is necessary.
The challenge lies in scaling these solutions fast enough and ensuring that the benefits of sustainable urbanization reach all communities – not just the wealthiest ones. Environmental sustainability and social equity must go hand in hand for cities to thrive in a climate-changed world. According to Bosede Ayeni, a Lagos-based estate surveyor and valuer, the federal government passed the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) decree (Act) in 1998 to work out rules governing the handling of Nigeria's environment.
Key points
- Urbanization in Nigeria poses significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, elimination of natural ecosystems, and poor disposal of wastes.
- Effective urban governance requires investing in data collection and geographic information systems to enable informed decisions.
- Environmental protection techniques need to be cultured, home-grown, and community-based to mitigate the impacts of urbanization.
