Physical Planning and Sustainable Urbanization in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the processes of urbanization in a developing country like Nigeria vis-à-vis the problems, prospects and opportunities this peculiar process presents. It further highlighted the role of physical planning in urban development; physical development and control; urban management; waste management as in collection, treatment and safe disposal of solid and liquid wastes; social organisation as in the recognition and the inclusion of stakeholders especially the poor; etc, in ensuring sustainable urbanization. These roles; the paper emphasized, can be effectively carried out through public, private and individual interventions in order to restore and further perpetuate the inherent socioeconomic advantages of large agglomeration of people and production processes for urban and national sustainability. The paper strongly recommends the full involvement of experts, the entrenchment of participatory democracy which involves the poor and strengthens revenue generation in effectively addressing issues of urbanization.