Cities In Nigeria Research Articles

Spatial suitability of urban land use models for poverty alleviation in the cities of Nigeria

Many models depicting the spatial dimensions of poverty are based on cities in developed countries, raising questions about their appropriateness for urban spaces in developing countries. This study evaluates the spatial suitability of these models in understanding poverty distribution and informing alleviation efforts related to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). One in cities of developing nations. A grid sampling technique in ArcGIS 10.8 was used to select 1098 households across 56 wards in three mid-sized Nigerian cities. Household data were collected through structured questionnaires using GeoODK, and Maxar high-resolution imagery was used to assess urban building density. The Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) poverty indices and Pearson correlation were applied for analysis. Results showed that over 29 wards had a poverty incidence and gap index greater than 0.20, while poverty severity remained below 0.20 in most wards. High building density was more prevalent in the city’s interior. Significant correlations were found between the income poverty gap (p = 0.005, r = 0.367), poverty severity (p = 0.009, r = 0.346), and building density. The study concludes that these models are suitable for informing poverty alleviation policies in mid-sized cities of developing countries, especially Nigeria.

Cashless policy and socio-economic development in Aba City Nigeria

The study examined impact of cashless policy on socio-economic development in Aba City. Specifically, the study sought to: examine the impact of automated teller machine (ATM) transaction on living condition in Aba City and determine the impact of Point of sales transaction (POS) transaction on employment generation in Aba City. The research design was descriptive survey research design. Study Area was Aba City, Nigeria. The sample size of 400 respondents was drawn from population of 2.534 million (estimated population 2016) indigenes of Aba City. The sample size of 400 respondents was drawn with Taro Yamane sampling technique. Research questions of the study were answered using mean score and standard deviation. The hypotheses stated were tested using regression analysis. The empirical result of the study showed that automated teller machine (ATM) transaction has significant impact on living condition in Aba City (t-statistic = 6.446; P-value (0.000) < Sig-value (0.05) and Point of sales transaction (POS) transaction has significant impact on employment generation in Aba City (t-statistic = 7.238; P-value (0.000) < Sig-value (0.05). The study recommended that monetary authority of Nigeria (Central Bank of Nigeria) should provide public enlighten education and awareness on the benefits of automated teller machine, point of sales, and internet banking as enhancers of cashless policy in Nigeria.

The role of apprenticeship in skills development of construction artisans to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8: stakeholders’ unexplored approach

PurposeStudies show that apprenticeships can enhance skills development and economic growth. There is a paucity of academic literature concerning apprenticeship’s role in developing Nigerian construction artisans’ skills, especially regarding achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Thus, this study aims to appraise the role of apprenticeship in developing construction artisans’ skills and suggest measures to improve skills development for artisans’ on-the-job training mechanisms to achieve Goal 8.Design/methodology/approachGiven the unexplored nature of the problem, the study utilised face-to-face data collection via a qualitative research approach. It covered two major cities in Nigeria and achieved saturation at the 29th chosen interviewee. Also, the study adopted a thematic method to analyse the data from selected construction artisans, construction firm management staffers and consultant experts in skills matters.FindingsEnhancing skills development, replacing the ageing workforce through practical broad-based skills training, bridging skills gaps, enhancing work-integrated learning and economic upliftment emerged as apprenticeship’s role in developing artisans’ skills in the Nigerian built environment if well implemented. Apprenticeship to develop skills in the built environment is not without hindrances. The perceived 34 barriers were re-clustered into employee, employer and government-related. Findings show that achieving Goal 8 may be threatened if these hindrances are not mitigated. They suggest improving skills development for artisans’ on-the-job training mechanisms to achieve Goal 8.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates that apprenticeship’s role in developing construction artisans’ skills should be all-inclusive. Also, the three stakeholders must do more concerning training programmes to improve artisans’ skills development to achieve Goal 8.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Lassa virus infection in South-West and North-Central Nigeria: a community-based cross-sectional study.

Understanding the level of exposure to Lassa virus (LASV) in at-risk communities allows for the administration of effective preventive interventions to mitigate epidemics of Lassa fever. We assessed the seroprevalence of LASV antibodies in rural and semiurban communities of two cosmopolitan cities in Nigeria with poorly understood Lassa epidemiology. A cross-sectional study was conducted in ten communities located in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abuja, and Ikorodu Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos, from February 2nd to July 5th, 2022. Serum samples collected from participants were analyzed for IgG and IgM antibodies using a ReLASV® Pan-Lassa NP IgG/IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. A questionnaire administered to participants collected self-reported sociodemographic and LASV exposure information. Seroprevalence of LASV IgG/IgM was estimated overall, and by study site. Univariate and multivariate log-binomial models estimated unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for site-specific risk factors for LASV seropositivity. Grouped Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) was used for variable selection for multivariate analysis. A total of 628 participants with serum samples were included in the study. Most participants were female (434, 69%), married (459, 73%), and had a median age of 38 years (interquartile range 28-50). The overall seroprevalence was 27% (171/628), with a prevalence of 33% (126/376) in Abuja and 18% (45/252) in Lagos. Based on site-specific grouped LASSO selection, enrollment in the dry season (vs. wet; aPR, 95% CI: 1.73, 1.33-2.24), reported inconsistent washing of fruits and vegetables (aPR, 95% CI: 1.45, 1.10-1.92), and a positive malaria rapid test (aPR, 95% CI: 1.48, 1.09-2.00) were independently associated with LASV seropositivity in Abuja, whereas, only a self-reported history of rhinorrhea (PR, 95% CI: 2.21, 1.31-3.72) was independently associated with Lassa seropositivity in Lagos. The LASV seroprevalence was comparable to that in other areas in Nigeria. Our findings corroborate those from other studies on the importance of limiting human exposure to rodents and focusing on behavioral factors such as poor hygiene practices to reduce exposure to LASV.

Prayer 24/7: The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Prayer City and Urban Invigoration in Nigeria

ABSTRACT The idea of a modern city is hardly construed from the prism of religion, even though the Tower of Babel has been discursively engaged as an agenda of building a megacity with an interplanetary goal. During the development and expansion of Christianity, cathedrals, with their elaborate architectural aesthetics and frequently as the only spectacular buildings in the provinces, became sites of ecclesiastical and political power. In Nigeria, although the mainline churches followed the cathedralization pattern of Western Christianity, the Pentecostal churches preferred the establishment or construction of prayer camps as the earliest mode of development and sacralization of space. However, there is a transition from prayer camps to prayer cities, with the latter conceived as a deliberate urbanization policy that embraces modern facilities. Using ethnographic and analytical methods, I study the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries’ Prayer City near Lagos, Nigeria, a “city” built on and sustained by prayer culture, and a “city” that invigorates urban life.

TRANSPORT LOGISTICS AND WORKFORCE QUALITY: EVALUATING ACCESSIBILITY AND HUMAN RESOURCE QUALITY IN SELECTED NIGERIAN ORGANIZATIONS

This paper investigated how transport services affect the quality of work in selected organizations in Lagos Nigeria. As one of the most populous cities in Nigeria, Lagos deals with unique transport issues that impact the productivity and wellbeing of its workforce, with the region’s dynamic urban landscape that creates challenges and opportunities in the transportation system. A survey design was employed to gather data from 402 employees of the selected organizations sampled from a population of 6150 using research advisor. A structured questionnaire was employed to bring together the data for the study via random sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential analyses which included frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation and regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that availability of transport logistics services (t = 5.837, β = 0.313, ρ ≤ 0.05) had positive and significant effects on access to quality workforce, and reach to quality suppliers (t = 6.438, β = 0.308, ρ ≤ 0.05) significantly affects Cost of Transport logistics. On the overall, transport services in the study areas had a positive and significant effect on the quality of work in Lagos state, Nigeria. This study concluded that the quality of work in Lagos, Nigeria is significantly predicted by transport services. Hence, there is a need to strengthen the transport services so as to improve access to quality workforce, and the cost of transport.

Residents' Perception of Physical Planning Regulations in Three Secondary Cities in Nigeria (A Study of Osogbo, Ile-Ife, and Iwo)

This paper assessed residents' perception of physical planning regulations with a focus on three major cities (Osogbo, Ile-Ife, and Iwo) in Osun State. Resident's perception was determined by level of awareness of physical planning regulations and experience with administrative practices in the enforcement of physical planning regulations in the study area. For data collection, each of the cities was stratified into three developmental zones, with satellite imageries of built-up areas in each city being subjected to Fishnet analysis in a GIS environment. An average of one house was randomly selected from 2 an area of 0.6 km . Thus, 108, 62 and 56 houses were selected in Osogbo, Ife and Iwo respectively and one resident was sampled in each of the selected houses to arrive at the sample size of 226 residents, to whom copies of the questionnaire were administered. Findings revealed that residents were not quite aware of physical planning regulations in each study area and that those with some knowledge of such regulations acquired it in the course of interacting with planning agencies. It was also found that administrative practices on the enforcement of physical planning regulations were not quite effective. Therefore, it is recommended that physical planning agencies should aim for more effectiveness in raising public awareness on physical planning regulations while improving their own administrative practices.

Geospatial determinants of urban poverty in Nigeria: an analysis of locally weighted factors

ABSTRACT Determining the factors that influence poverty has been seen as one of the ways of identifying appropriate poverty alleviation strategies in cities. This has been done, in most cases, through the application of ordinary least squares (OLS), which assumes homogeneous influence without considering the spatial heterogeneity that may occur in this influence. This study aims to determine the spatial heterogeneity in the influence of public infrastructure, economic, environmental, and social factors on poverty, by carrying out comparison analysis using OLS and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) in ArcGIS Pro 3.0.1, with a view of proffering poverty alleviation strategies for each section of an urban area. A questionnaire in Geographic Open Data Kit (GeoODK) was administered to 366 urban residents across the twenty wards in the selected city in Nigeria. The results reveal that factors that influence income poverty are spatially varying in direction and weight across a city. Spatial heterogeneity of poverty’s determinants should be considered in the formulation and implementation of effective poverty alleviation policies and programs.

How to estimate causal effects associated with family planning? An introduction to Prince BART, a new approach to effect estimation based on principal stratification and Bayesian non-parametric models

There is interest in learning about the causal effect of family planning (FP) on empowerment-related outcomes. Experimental data related to this question are available from trials in which FP programs increase access to FP. However, estimating the effect of interest is challenging because FP and empowerment-related variables are likely to be confounded. We propose a new approach, Prince BART, to estimate the causal effect of FP on other outcomes of interest, among women affected by a FP program. Prince BART combines principal stratification, to account for differences in FP behavior based on exposure to a FP program, with Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART), to non-parametrically model stratum membership and relationships between variables. Prince Bart allows for estimation of effect heterogeneity. We use Prince BART to assess the causal effect of modern contraceptive use on employment in six cities in Nigeria, based on quasi-experimental data from a FP program trial during the first half of the 2010s. In the sample, we find a positive overall effect of contraceptive use on employment and substantial differences in effect sizes across subgroups defined by baseline covariates such as marital status, work at baseline, and wealth or education. The modeling approach and results can be used to inform future analyses seeking to understand the causal relationship between family planning use and other outcomes, e.g., related to empowerment.

Perception and Practice of HR Managers Toward Talent Philosophies and its Effect on the Recruitment Process in Both Private and Public Sectors in Two Major Cities in Nigeria

Perception and Practice of HR Managers Toward Talent Philosophies and its Effect on the Recruitment Process in Both Private and Public Sectors in Two Major Cities in Nigeria

Integrating Circular Economy Principles in Urban Development for Sustainable Cities in Nigeria: Lessons from Global and Local Case Studies

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, faces significant urbanization challenges including waste management, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation. This paper explores the integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles in urban development to foster sustainable cities in Nigeria. By examining case studies and best practices from global and local perspectives, including insights from Lebanon's experiences amid its economic crisis, the paper provides strategic recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders to implement CE principles effectively in Nigerian urban contexts. Lebanon's strategic adaptation of CE principles, particularly in response to its severe economic and energy crises, demonstrates the potential for CE to enhance economic resilience and sustainability under challenging conditions. This experience offers critical lessons for Nigeria, as it also faces similar urbanization and sustainability challenges.

Multi-Year Continuous Observations of Ambient PM2.5 at Six Sites in Akure, Southwestern Nigeria

The spatial–temporal variations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Akure, a city in southwestern Nigeria, are examined based on multi-year continuous observations using low-cost PM2.5 sensors at six different sites. The average annual concentration of PM2.5 across these sites was measured at 41.0 µg/m3, which surpassed both the Nigerian national air quality standard and the World Health Organization air quality guideline level. PM2.5 levels were significantly higher during the dry season (November–March), often exceeding hazardous levels (over 350 µg/m3), than during the wet season. The analyses of trends in air mass trajectories and satellite data on fire occurrences imply that the transport of dust and accumulation of PM2.5 originating from local/regional open burning activities played crucial roles in increased PM2.5 concentrations during the dry season. Further, site-to-site variations in the PM2.5 levels were observed, with relatively high concentrations at less urbanized sites, likely due to high local emissions from solid fuel combustion, waste burning, and unpaved road dust. Diurnal patterns showed morning and evening peaks at less urbanized sites, accounting for an estimated 51–77% of local emissions. These results highlight the importance of local emission sources in driving spatial–temporal PM2.5 variations within the city and the need for targeted mitigation strategies to address the significant air pollution challenges in Akure and similar regional cities in West Africa.

Wound-related Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Wounds in a Metropolitan City in Nigeria: An Analytic Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: The prevalence of chronic wounds is expected to rise with the increasing elderly population in the society. This rise in prevalence of chronic wounds comes with its consequences such as wound pain and interference with activities of daily living. There’s a paucity of data on the impact of chronic wounds in our clime. Objective: This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of wound-related pain and the impact of wound-related pain on the quality of life of patients with chronic wounds. Materials and Methods: This was an analytic cross-sectional study of consecutive patients presenting with chronic wounds in plastic surgery clinic in a metropolitan city in Nigeria using the brief pain inventory-short form. Result: About 371 patients were seen, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.7:1. The mean age was 37.1 ± 15.5 years. Most chronic wounds (72.2%) occurred in the lower limbs. Nearly all patients (92.9%) experienced wound pain, with a correlation between wound location and pain severity, P = 0.000. Over 50% of the patients had low wound-related quality of life. Enjoyment of life, general activity, and walking were the domains with high interference. Wound pain (P = 0.000) and wound location (P = 0.001) are significant determinants of poor wound-related quality of life. Conclusion: Patients with chronic wounds have a high prevalence of wound-related pain and low wound-related quality of life.

Planning Green Infrastructure: Provisions and Alteration in Prominent Cities of Nigeria

Abstract: Green infrastructure provides physical aesthetics, healthier and quality environment for urban settlements globe. However, many urban centres in the third world countries are deprived the benefits of green infrastructure and subjected to unhealthy conditions that endanger human safety, land uses and the entire ecological system of both macro and micro environment due to poor planning and government policies. This research therefore, compared the effect of green infrastructure alteration on the physical environment of two major cities (Port Harcourt and Calabar) Nigeria. The study sampled 6 green zones and 250 residents for both cities under investigation while Duncan Multiple Comparism analysis (DMCA), mathematical percentage (MP) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was adopted as the statistical analysis implements. The findings established that calabar benefits from green infrastructure that improves the city aesthetics and other aspect of the environment through proper physical planning and government policies than Port Harcourt city of Nigeria at (P<0.05). In furtherance, the study revealed that usage understanding, budget constraint, wrong cost benefit analysis, and poor environmental management and maintenance strategies were identified as the key determinants of naturally retained and planned green infrastructure alteration in both cities, and discovered that, the city of Calabar was built on smart and resilient development strategies than Port Harcourt metropolis of Nigeria. The study recommended that town planning authorities should be charge with the responsibilities of smart and resilient city building through green infrastructure development and avoidance of informal alteration of such infrastructure. Also, suggested the need for frequent acquisition of data on green infrastructure development and inclusion in all land use development.

Prevalence and perception of pre-morbid lifestyle-related risk factors among covid-19 survivors in Lagos state and Abuja capital city of Nigeria

IntroductionThis study investigated the prevalence and perception of premorbid lifestyle-related risk factors among Covid-19 Survivors in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria.MethodologyA cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used to collect data from 522 consenting adult Covid-19 survivors in Abuja (274) and Lagos (248), Nigeria, using a self-developed, close-ended and validated questionnaire called the Lifestyle-related Factors in Covid-19 Questionnaire (LFC-19 Questionnaire) through a multistage sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) with P value set at ≤ 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained for the study.ResultsA significant number of Covid-19 Survivors were overweight/obese (67.8%) and had a history of physical inactivity (73.8%). A small proportion had premorbid chronic diseases (23.8%) as well as pre-existing lifestyle-related risk factors such as inadequate consumption of fruits (67.2%) and vegetables (60.0%) and physical inactivity (73.8%).ConclusionThis study revealed that most Covid-19 survivors residing in Lagos State and in Abuja capital city of Nigeria were either overweight or obese. This was due to physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet consisting of low fruit and vegetable consumption and poor sleep. Additionally, the study showed that patients’ perceptions of their risk factors were often inaccurate as it differed from what was measured. The findings from this study will assist public health professionals and clinicians in designing and implementing more effective Covid-19 management strategies that incorporate healthy lifestyle practices and lifestyle modifications and assist public health promotion and communication specialists in designing appropriate and evidence-based preventive messages.

Sustainable development goals under threat: the impact of inflation on construction projects

PurposeDespite advancements in construction digitalisation and alternative building technologies, cost overrun is still a challenge in the construction industry. The inflation rate is increasing, especially in developing countries, and is critical in cost overrun matters. It can deviate construction built-up rate components. This may thwart improving construction-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Studies concerning the impact of the inflation rate on construction-related SDGs are scarce in developing countries, including Nigeria. The study investigated the impact of inflation on Nigeria’s construction projects and their outcome on SDGs and suggested possible ways to improve achievement of construction-related SDGs and their targets.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers employed a qualitative research design. This is because of the study’s unexplored dimension. The researchers engaged 35 participants across major cities in Nigeria via semi-structured virtual and face-to-face interviews. The research utilised a thematic method for collated data and accomplished saturation.FindingsFindings reveal that the impact of inflation on construction projects, if not checked, could hinder achieving construction-related SDGs in Nigeria. This is because of the past three years of hyperinflation that cut across major construction components. It shows that the upward inflation rate threatens achieving construction-related SDGs and proffered measures to mitigate inflation and, by extension, enhance achieving construction-related SDGs. This includes a downward review of the Monetary Policy Rate, control of exchange rate volatility and addressing insecurity to restore FDIs and FPIs confidence.Originality/valueBesides suggesting possible solutions to mitigate hyperinflation on construction components to improve achieving construction-related SDGs, findings will stipulate government policymakers put measures in place through favourable fiscal and monetary policy implementation and encourage moving from a consumption to a production nation.

Assessing knowledge of hypertension and diabetes mellitus among informal healthcare providers in urban slums in southeastern Nigeria

Informal healthcare providers (IHPs) often serve as the first point of contact for healthcare services for non-communicable diseases in urban slums and their ability to identify risk factors and symptoms of the diseases is crucial for early detection and management. This paper assesses level of knowledge of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) among IHPs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in eight slums in Enugu and Onitsha cities in south-eastern Nigeria. Data was collected from 238 IHPs including patent medicine vendors, traditional birth attendants, traditional bonesetters, and herbalists. Knowledge scores were computed for each respondent. Adequate knowledge was set at ≥ 50% score and inadequate knowledge at < 50%. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors/independent variables associated with adequate knowledge among IHPs. Independent variables in the regression model were seven items that describe the profile of IHPs and can influence their access to information on non-communicable diseases. Knowledge of risk factors and symptoms of hypertension and DM among IHPs was low since only 21 (8.82%) and 19 (7.98%) of them had adequate knowledge of hypertension and DM, respectively. In regression analysis, IHPs who had received formal training in the past demonstrated significantly higher levels of knowledge, with odds of adequate knowledge in hypertension being 14.62 times greater for trained providers, and the odds of adequate knowledge of both non-communicable diseases being 21.34 times greater for trained providers. Training of IHPs is needed to address the critical knowledge deficit of risk factors and symptoms of hypertension and DM. This would contribute to better health outcomes and reduced disease burden in urban slums.

Spatial Variability of Soil Chemical Properties of an Undulating Site within a University Farm at Okha, near Benin City in Nigeria

Spatial Variability of Soil Chemical Properties of an Undulating Site within a University Farm at Okha, near Benin City in Nigeria

‘Mitigation is global, adaptation is local’: An assessment of the framing of climate change in Nigerian and South African newspapers

The economic impact of climate change, especially in Africa, is tremendous. As Africans battle with severe weather conditions like floods and droughts, their limited infrastructure is overstretched and, in most cases, cannot withstand the impact. The rains are flooding cities in Nigeria as drought ravages cities in South Africa. When events like these occur, people look to the media for information, and studies have shown that the media can influence public perception of climate change through the way they frame the issue. Using the issue-specific frames of mitigation and adaptation, this study analysed Nigerian and South African newspapers’ coverage of climate change. The study spanned 9 months (January-September 2018), and the online editions of The Punch, Leadership, Mail &amp; Guardian and News Everyday were content-analysed quantitatively using tables and frequencies, and qualitatively, using verbatim quotes. A total of 90 stories were obtained from the four newspapers, with the straight news format as the most used story genre. The major sources of news stories on climate change were the reporters, followed by experts/private individuals. The adaptation frame was the most used, showing that the African media understands the need to mobilise citizens locally for a collective fight against climate change.

Risk factors of polysubstance use disorder and efficacy of harm reduction among adults in street situations in selected cities in Nigeria

Risk factors of polysubstance use disorder and efficacy of harm reduction among adults in street situations in selected cities in Nigeria