A REVIEW OF URBANIZATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The trend of urbanization differs from country to country but, in the case of Nigeria, rural-urban migration; influenced by the influx of migrants from rural areas seems to be a major cause of urbanization. This most likely, is a result of the rural-urban bias that seems
to have taken root in most parts of the country. Thus, this study explored the trend of urbanization in Nigeria and answered four research questions which were formulated in the course of the study. Literature on urbanization in Nigeria; patterns, causes, benefits and challenges and how best to cope with urbanization, were reviewed. The study anchored on the rational choice theory because it best explains the trend of urbanization in Nigeria. The study adopted a desktop research method because; this study relied on existing literature. Data were therefore derived through secondary sources and analysed using a thematic method of data analysis. Findings revealed that the current pattern of urbanization in Nigeria is focused on the depopulation of rural areas and the increase in urban population and not the creation of cities or the transformation of rural areas into urban areas. It was also revealed that this breeds
poverty, housing problems, pollution, overcrowding, heavy traffic congestion, improvement of urban planning laws, rules and guides, underdevelopment of rural areas, and loss of human and natural resources in rural areas. The study, therefore, recommends the creation of jobs especially, in the informal sector. It was also recommended that the government should ensure even development in urban and rural areas to curb rural-urban migration and perhaps, ensure equitable distribution of population in urban and rural areas.