Impact of urban management policies on the informal sector in Nigeria; A case study of Minna, Niger State

Abstract

The informal sector is increasingly been recognized as dominant agents of economic development. The activities of this sector have far reaching on the economic functionality of the urban space, particularly in the developing countries, just as various policy measures just as various policy measures of government have impacts on this group. This study examines the impacts of the recent relocation of the main market, demolition of irregular commercial structures and workshop of artisan along major roads and traffic corridors on the activities and wellbeing of the informal sector operators. The study made use of primary and secondary data sourced from randomly selected members of the sector as well as opinions of some senior officials of both the Niger State Ministry of the Environment and the State Urban Development Board. The study, amongst other revealed that some of the urban management measures and programmes have impacted negatively on the informal sector and have actually led to loss of means of livelihoods, dwindling incomes and unemployment among members of this sector. Amongst others, the study recommends that since the urban informal sector has come to stay, prototype structures be designed and regulated of operators along major streets without necessarily obstructing free flow of traffic.