Public Cemeteries of Benin City: Examining a Neglected Dimension of Urban Nigeria

Abstract

Creating a sustainable urban landscape demands adequate provision for all categories of land use and the effective management of such spaces. However, urban management in Nigeria appears to pay little attention to space for the dead as can be observed in the poor physical and environmental conditions of public cemeteries. This situation amounts to an omission of, as well as a failure in, the duty to plan for, and effectively manage, all urban land needs. This paper investigates the three public cemeteries in Benin City to ascertain their physical and environmental conditions and management practices. Data for this study was gathered through primary and secondary sources: the cemeteries and their surroundings were physically inspected; data on cemetery management obtained directly from the responsible local officials; other data came from literature, publications and the archives. The findings confirm all three cemeteries to be in a neglected state; are challenged by a dearth of skilled staff, the absence of modern equipment and management techniques; and, being fenced-off from public view and almost always in an overgrown state, effectively are excluded from the urban environment. The recommendations are for an overhaul of these facilities and the institution of modern management charged with a mission to create environmentally-friendly, physically attractive and visually accessible cemeteries.