SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH BUILDING APPROVAL PROCESS: A STUDY OF MINNA NIGER STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The global trend in the 21st century is moving towards the developments that have minimal impact on to the environment. This has resulted to the formulation of policies especially by developed countries towards sustainable development. The major constituents of development are the construction activities that are being carried out in the environment. Building construction however, constitutes the major part of construction activities that take place in the environment. The proximity of Minna the state capital of Niger state, to the Federal Capital Territory - Abuja is experiencing a rapid growth both in population and in building developments. This has resulted in massive residential development by the Government, Private Developers and Individuals. However, the massive development has resulted into negative impact on the environment such as blockage of drainage line, encroachment to the access road and invasion of privacy. This paper therefore, takes a look at the building approval, development and enforcement process in Minna. It highlights the problems and proffers sustainable strategies.