Relationship Between Historic Evolution, Urbanization and Mobility in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Ibadan is said to be the biggest indigenous city in Nigeria with a population of about 4.04 million, making it the third largest city in the country after Lagos and Kano. Since its founding in 1829, Ibadan has experienced urban evolution that is mostly unguided. With its high fertility rate, population growth and rural-to-urban migration, Ibadan has experienced significant urban sprawl that has resulted in challenges in urban mobility especially to the lower-income earners. This study looks at the relationship between urban planning, urbanization and mobility in the city of Ibadan. The study found that lack of integrated land use planning that includes transport networks including a masterplan is one of the major issues facing mobility in the city. Moreover, unregulated sprawl mostly made of slums and informal settlements has ecological, economic and social effects. Upgrading of slums coupled with integrated urban planning and enforcement is proposed as part of the solution for an effective urban mobility in the city. Policies that encourage compact urban development, mixed land use, and the provision of efficient public transportation systems to reduce the dependence on private transportation and create more walkable, bikeable, and transit- friendly communities are recommended.