Territorial conflicts and urbanization in Yenagoa, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examines why Yenagoa, the major town and headquarter of Bayelsa State in Nigeria, is experiencing territorial problems, including boundary disputes, which do not exist in larger, fast growing urban areas in Nigeria (such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Ibadan). For the purpose of data collection, Yenagoa is divided into 14 zones. A questionnaire survey sought to discover the pattern of interzonal relocation and space preference of residents. An index of environmental deterioration was devised through a measure of the total number, length and width of the stream channels, drainage density, area subject to flood pondage and percentage dry land available for urban expansion in each zone. Using correlation technique to relate environmental quality with relocation and space preference, the resultant indices show two sets of relationships: that there is a direct association between degree of environmental deterioration and desire to relocate, and that the degree of environmental stability of a zone is directly related to its relative attractiveness. Based on these cause–effect relationships, it is argued that Yenagoa has exceeded its carrying capacity. Consequently, there is a fusion of Yenagoa with its neighbouring zones who are resisting the territorial expansion of Yenagoa engineered by the urbanization process. The paper suggests urgent reclamation of flood prone areas in Yenagoa.