Assessment of Land Use Conversion Purpose in Minna Metropolis

Abstract

Land use conversion is a growing urban challenge to planners in the world particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria. Most land and residential buildings in Minna have experienced and still experiencing conversion from the initial purpose of acquisition to evolving usages. The study aimed at identifying the purpose of converting urban land use in Minna metropolis over a period of 10 years (2008-2018). The study investigated variables which includes nature of land use conversion, factors that informed land use conversion and implication of land use conversion on the environment. A total number of 200 questionnaires were administered to respondents that were randomly selected from neighborhoods in Western bye-pass, Eastern bye-pass and Bosso Road in Minna Metropolis. All the questionnaires were returned amounting to 100% response rate. The study revealed that majority of the respondents never acquired their lands from the government hence converting their lands without adhering to approval procedure for formal planning permit. Most respondents considered the procedure to be too demanding and time consuming. It was revealed that the selected areas have undergone significant level of land use conversion from residential use to commercial/mixed use, leading to problems of indiscriminate disposal of waste and traffic congestion amongst others. The study recommends the need for Government regulatory authorities and planners to come up with careful urban planning measures which ensure that lands are allocated for various purposes and penalties be meted out to defaulting developers. Land use conversion application procedure should also be made flexible for developers. Proper monitoring of urban growth by relevant authorities will ensure sustainable physical development and regulate changes in land use.