A ASSESSMENT OF URBAN LAND USE CHANGE AND ITS EFFECT ON SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Many cities in Nigeria are characterised with various land use changes and developments resulting from the menace of urbanization. Tragically, many of these developments are sporadical and unguided, thus, infringing on the social sustainability of these cities. Although it is widely accepted that development must be sustainable, its connection with land use change has not been sufficiently investigated in scholarly discussion especially in Nigeria. This study through literature revision observed that while pursuing physical development occasioned by land use change, little or no attention has been given to the aspect of social sustainability; thus, posing challenges to the peoples’ sense of urban liveability in Nigeria. It was recommended among others that changes in urban land use must be well monitored by the government agencies to avoid harphazard growth in the urban fabrics. The urban land users also must be responsible for adhering to land use guides so as to safeguard the interest in land of the unborn generation