Assessment of Factors Affecting Urban Planning and Physical Development In South-Western, Nigeria

Abstract

The state of the physical environment in the urban centers is a major source of global concern. This is more evident in third world countries like Nigeria. The population growth in the cities has led to physical expansion of the cities beyond its limits. This growth is faced with challenges such as deficiencies in housing, infrastructure and outlook. Control of development is therefore paramount to physical planning. This research aimed at assessing the factors affecting urban planning in south-western, Nigeria between 2003 and 2013. It explored the perception of residents to physical planning and factors that affects physical planning and urban development. The Methodology adopted for this study collects data from both primary and secondary sources. 207 questionnaires were administered to respondents from selected states. The agency responsible physical planning, administration in the state was also considered. Random sampling was used in administering the questionnaires. Result from the study indicated that factors such as awareness, funding, corruption, low level enforcement of physical development policies and cumbersome nature of plan approval has been an impediment to physical Planning. It is therefore recommended that advocacy planning and community participation will help to stem down the challenge often associated with physical planning in urban centers. this will provide opportunity to have effective and sustainable planned physical environment that is good for both present and future generation.