Urbanization, Slum Development and Security of Tenure: The Challenges of Meeting Millennium Development Goal 7 in Metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria

This study used a case study methodology to examine the issue of land tenure in the informal settlements of Lagos, Africa's largest city. This research design was used in order to shed light on the unique demographic characteristics of different slum locations, and because it helps to compare the findings of this research with earlier studies conducted by the United Nations Development Programme with a view to gaining a greater insight into the characteristics of squatters and their tenure status. Two principal data types ¿ spatial and attributes ¿ were considered for the purposes of this study, and were drawn from primary and secondary sources. An extensive reconnaissance survey of 41 out of the 42 blighted areas identified by UNDP was carried out, and was complemented by the aerial photographs, topo-planning maps and photo mosaic of the study area to develop a comprehensive trend analysis of the spatial pattern of development over time. Based on the reconnaissance survey of 41 identified areas, ten areas with a preponderance of squatters were identified using the following indicators of urban blight: tenancy, availability of facilities, and environmental problems. 407 questionnaires were administered in the centrally located areas and 176 in a peri-urban area at the edge of Lagos Lagoon for a total of 583 questionnaires administered in all the selected communities. The research shows that: approximately two-thirds of the city population currently live in slums; most of the developable land in the selected areas have undergone significant development and urbanization, and the residual pockets of mash and poorly drained plots are rapidly being filled and developed; the existing land registration process, which involves payment of several fees, documentation, and the engagement of professionals, is clumsy, time-consuming, and expensive; tenure status in the study area had a major impact on poverty and the overall environmental quality as a threat of forced eviction results in a negative attitude among residents towards improving their environment. Insecurity of tenure deters investment since residents do not have access to mortgage facilities from banks because of lack of collateral. The interplay of all these factors has maintained these groups in a vicious circle of poverty. (Authors Abstract)