Urban theories and urbanization perspectives in cities across Nigeria

Abstract

One of the emerging research trends from urbanization is the study of urban growth patterns. These growth patterns are primarily based on the growth of the local economy that directly affects agricultural lands. In Africa, the local economy has spurred the extinction of many agrarian sectors. Yet, few studies at the regional level have paid attention to these changes. Using diverse scientific literature on global urbanization, urban remote sensing, and economic geography, this study aimed to understand the theory behind urban developments in Nigeria. The primary data were collected in two study regions in the country’s eastern and southern parts, making it a large dataset to assess urban formation in these areas. We examined the evolution of urban development from the perspectives of infrastructural development, expansion, change in land use, and urban job migration opportunities that affect agrarian activities. White-collar job opportunities are limited in urban areas, substantially increasing the startup of small-scale businesses. We introduce the notion of natural resource urbanism, which implies urbanization that is triggered by the influx of natural resource revenue to strengthen the dwindling local economy. The infusion of a shared natural resource revenue creates a reform in the local economy and the advent of a consumption-based economy. A shared natural resource revenue drives massive infrastructural developments, but the dependence on the availability of those natural resources in the states raises concerns about its long-term sustainability for strengthening the local economy.