Urban Centres In Nigeria Research Articles

Assessment of Public Spending Efficiency of Health and Education in Nigeria

This study analysed the efficiency of Nigeria’s public spending in the health and education sectors using the non-parametric Data Envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. It further examined the environmental variables (which can be economic, institutional or demographic factors) influencing public spending efficiency in these sectors for the period 2000–2022 using censored Tobit regression and fractional logistic regression. The empirical results showed that the average public spending efficiency scores of health and education are 0.979 and 0.912, respectively, implying that Nigeria can still improve the efficiency of these two sectors even though it is relatively high. The second analyses of the regression results revealed that broad money and the size of government spending are the economic variables which have significant influence on the efficiency of both the health and education sectors. Control of corruption and government effectiveness are the government institutional variables that have a significant influence on efficiency. Both urbanization and population growth have been found to significantly influence public spending efficiency. This study strongly recommends the deliberate implementation of policies and measures that will improve the performance of government institutions and the development of secured urban centres in Nigeria, which will help ensure improvement in public spending efficiency in Nigeria.

Evaluating non-consumptive household water uses in a growing urban centre in Nigeria

Efficient use of water could be partly achieved with sound management strategies of the non-consumptive uses (N-CUs) of water in homes being put in place. This research evaluated the non-consumptive water use component in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. Data required for the investigation was generated from the administration of 325 questionnaires across the five Quarters into which the town is divided, out of which 269 were completed and retrieved. Both descriptive and inferential analysis of the data were carried out. Descriptive analysis showed that households engage absolutely in different non-consumptive uses such as bathing, clothe washing, drainage cleaning and dish washing while households’ engagement in other N-CUs were in varying proportions. The results of Factor Analysis (FA) revealed that five out of the 13 variables identified and analyzed with a minimum eigen value of 1.000 were strong explanatory variables of 73.674% when engaging in issues relating to N-CUs at household level. These are water use for the following (i) drainage cleaning (16.153%); (ii) Dish washing (15.922%); (iii) Toilet cleaning (14.547%); (iv) Auto-wash (14.238%); and Bathing (12.814%). Regression analysis (RA) of the data revealed that three variables namely clothe washing, Incidental washing and auto-washing were significant (p < 0.001) in generating predictive model of N-CUs of water in homes. The combined results of FA and RA implied that the set of variables in both analysis need to be considered in any issue involving the management and control of N-CUs of water in homes for a result-oriented water use efficiency at household level.

Resident’s perception and response to temperature variations in emerging Urban centres in Nigeria: An example from Jalingo, Nigeria

Resident’s perception and response to temperature variations in emerging Urban centres in Nigeria: An example from Jalingo, Nigeria

Abstract PO4-20-01: A PROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY OF MAMMOGRAPHIC PREDICTION OF WOMEN’S RISK (M-POWER) IN NIGERIA

Abstract Background There have been no sustained efforts at stemming the rising incidence and mortality from breast cancer in sub-Saharan African countries like Nigeria. Mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer screening and is associated with improved survival particularly among women 50 to 69. Reports from various parts of Nigeria show very low mammography screening uptake. Causes include lack of geographical access, financial issues (less than 5% of the population is covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme), lack of awareness and the increasing expertise gap from the continued brain drain, despite the already low number of radiologists in the country. Given these obstacles, our long-term goal is to devise a rational basis for identifying mammographic risk categories so that this resource can be deployed cost-effectively. We propose to carry out a 5-year prospective mammographic study in Nigerian women and to use machine learning to develop a risk prediction algorithm, so that following a single screening mammogram, the appropriate frequency of subsequent mammograms can be determined. Our immediate goal is to examine the feasibility of performing such a study. To this end, we have initiated a cross-sectional pilot study that will recruit up to 2000 women in multiple urban centers in Nigeria. Objective: To explore feasibility of creating a digital mammography image database representative of the radiological features of the breast of Nigerian women. Objective: To explore feasibility of creating a database that can be used to inform a predictive mammographic risk model for breast cancer and identify the appropriate population that will benefit from breast cancer screening in Nigeria. Design This is a prospective, open-label, cross-sectional pilot study in 2000 eligible women in Nigeria and will include a single screening mammography examination. The mammography images will be read by the study radiologist. The Pilot phase will determine the feasibility and aid in the design of the of the Extension phase in which up to 20,000 participants will undergo yearly mammography examination for 5 years. Incident cases of breast cancer during the study period will permit the development of deep learning algorithms for predicting the risk of breast cancer in this population. Main Eligibility Criteria: Inclusion Criteria All consecutive women aged ≥40 years and &amp;lt; 65 years presenting for screening mammography at the participating institutions will be eligible. Signed study-specific written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria Complaint of a focal dominant lump or a bloody or clear nipple discharge. History of breast implants. Any woman who is pregnant or has reason to believe that she might be pregnant. Statistical Methods Analyses of continuous data will be summarized using descriptive statistics where the following parameters will be reported: Number of observations, Number of missing observations, Mean, Median, Standard deviation (SD), Minimum (Min), Maximum (Max) Categorical data will be presented with absolute and relative frequency (n and %). Present Accrual and Target accrual Two hundred ninety-six women have been enrolled and screening digital mammographic images using GE Digital mammography equipment have been obtained on all participants at 2 study sites in 2 cities in Southern Nigeria. The target accrual is 2000 participants over 12 months. Conclusion Our preliminary experience to date suggests the feasibility of proceeding with a larger prospective study to define mammographic risk groups in Nigerian women which will permit the rational allocation of resources for breast cancer prevention activities in this underserved population. Contact Information: Dr Toyin Shonukan at tshonukan@yemanjacancercare.org Citation Format: Oluwatoyin Shonukan, Hyelakumi Ibrahim, Esther Udoh, Wahab Egbeolu, Kanyinsola Oyeyinka, Jonas Haggstrom. A PROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY OF MAMMOGRAPHIC PREDICTION OF WOMEN’S RISK (M-POWER) IN NIGERIA [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-20-01.

Penalty Point System (PePS) Adaptation for Solid Waste Assessment in Cross River State, Nigeria

Waste generation in major urban centres in Nigeria appears to be on the increase due to increased consumption occasioned by rapid urbanization. Unfortunately, appreciable efforts are only being made in few urban areas with regards to monitoring this occurrence for the purpose of control and sanitation planning. This paper adapted and applied the novel Penalty Point System (PePS) as a methodology to investigate environmental pollution consequences of solid waste in Nigeria, using Calabar municipality, Cross River State as a case study. The objectives were to demonstrate the use of Penalty Pont System (PePS) as a tool for pollution (solid waste) assessment, unravel the environmental pollution consequences of improper solid waste management in Calabar Municipality, investigate various systems of solid waste disposal and management in Calabar Municipality, determine the relationship that exists between solid waste disposal problem and environmental sanitation and render viable recommendations for the purpose of reduction in the amount of solid waste generated and the need for proper management. Data for the study included a catalogue of the number of waste dumps in drainage systems and uncollected waste sites as well as responses to 200 copies of administered questionnaire. The penalty point system was used to allocate penalties to the defaulting locations for uncollected waste sites and dump-in drainages. It was discovered that Akim and Big Qua earned the highest penalty points of 120 each, amounting to 40 percent of the study area. This attribute clearly qualifies both districts as the poorest with regard to urban environmental sanitation. Further analysis was done using the Chi-squate statistics. Findings show that solid waste management system has a great effect on the quality of the environment that is possible in urban areas. It was therefore recommended that as a long-term measure, the government should enforce, support and sustain environmental education which is needed to promote manufacturing technologies that would enhance the production of consumer goods using low waste-generating practices.. Again, the government should provide access roads that are free from surface damage.

The impact of air pollution on urban health in Nigeria: Possible solutions

Air pollution has been a major topic of discussion due to its detrimental impact on health and the environment as a result of the urban population's explosive development and associated human activities. The main objective of the study is to give a critical review of the causes, impacts, and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for reducing air pollution with an emphasis on urban centers in Nigeria. The study adopted natural approaches to address/improve air quality and lessen health risks related to the emission of hazardous substances. To work with nature rather than against it, however, there must be cooperation between the government and its agent, the community, non-governmental organizations, civil society, faith-based organizations, associations, union bodies, young people, women, and people with disabilities, as well as support from international organizations. The study carried out showed that human activities are the major source of air pollution in Nigeria through the release of harmful gaseous substances, carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NO2) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, particles and heavy metal and this pollution is extremely dangerous due to the particles and substance discharged into the atmosphere. The findings contribute to the limited body of literature that already exists on the detrimental effects of ambient air pollution on respiratory health that are experienced by residents of urban cities in specific regions of Nigeria and other cities that are similar to those in Nigeria. In order to reduce air pollution in our urban centers, the study suggested adopting Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

Correction: Spatio-temporal growth of a traditional urban centre in Nigeria

Correction: Spatio-temporal growth of a traditional urban centre in Nigeria

Spatio-temporal growth of a traditional urban centre in Nigeria

Spatio-temporal growth of a traditional urban centre in Nigeria

The Homeless-Poor and the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Policy of Government: Rethinking the Plight of Homelessness in Nigeria

The Government Stay-at-Home policy regarding the COVID-19 pandemic has seemingly aggravated the plight of the homeless, especially in Nigeria that has about 108 million homeless people who require special attention. Observations show that most of them situate randomly across urban centers in Nigeria and have no access to pronounced shelter, healthcare facilities, hygiene materials, and defined source of income. In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic currently ravaging many countries, most governments adopted the Stay-at-Home policy among some other policy measures that were recommended by the World Health Organization toward containing the spread of the virus. Given the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home policy of Nigerian Government, this study looked into the plight of the homeless-poor with a view to evolve an inclusive pro-poor housing strategy for the country. Findings show that the homeless poor have negative perceptions of the Stay-at-Home policy, which they see as being rather inimical to their survival. The study highlights lack of space and shelter as major reasons for their aversion to social distancing. Their reasons have serious implications for compliance to the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home policy as well as the spread curve of the virus. The study therefore recommends a review of the COVID-19 Regulation toward incorporating “Pro-Poor Housing Provisions” measures strictly for the homeless poor in the country. Strong collaboration between government and established institutions, such as Government-Church/Mosque strategy, is also recommended.

Local governance and the crisis of water and sanitation provision in medium-sized urban centres: Evidence from three cities in Nigeria

Local governance encompasses the involvement of local governments and other community-based organizations in participatory decision-making for efficient delivery of public services. In the developing world, however, the weakness of the local government and local governance has inhibited the efficient and effective delivery of these services. Relying on water and sanitation data and interviews of relevant officials, this study analyses the structure of governance of water supply and sanitation (WSS) at the community levels in selected medium-sized urban centres in Nigeria. Results showed that majority of the city dwellers lacked access to safe water and sanitation, an indication of convoluted, poorly regulated provision regimes and the waning capacity of local governments to galvanize local actions towards the efficient provision and management of these services at community levels. Multiple provision regimes, weak coordinating and regulatory frameworks characterize WSS governance. Further, the sub-national authorities’ encroachment on local government funds which deprived these tiers of government the resources they could have used in providing these essential services presents a major setback. Local governments require financial and constitutional autonomy to provide basic services to the people and supervise and coordinate the activities of other governmental and non-governmental actors involved in service provision.

Influences on contraceptive method choice among adolescent women across urban centers in Nigeria: a qualitative study

BackgroundDespite calls to increase contraceptive use among adolescents and youth, large gaps still exist, creating an unmet need for family planning. Past research has focused on barriers to seeking a method. There is less understanding of the types of methods young women want and who and what influences these decisions. This study examines what method characteristics young Nigerian women prioritize when choosing a method to inform future family planning programming.MethodsIn 2018, eight focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted in the Nigerian cities of Ilorin and Jos with 83 young women ages 15–24. Participants were identified by community contacts and separated into groups by religion and marital status. The discussion guide utilized a vignette structure to understand the participants’ perceptions on contraceptive behavior and attitudes and misconceptions surrounding different types of methods. The FGDs were undertaken and analyzed by collaborative teams from the University of Ibadan and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. A thematic analysis of the transcripts was performed using Atlas.ti, including two rounds of coding, and multiple reviews by the research team.ResultsThe method characteristics associated with young women’s contraceptive decisions include: side effects, reliability, length of coverage, privacy, cost, and accessibility. Side effects, reliability, and privacy were described as negatively linked to short-acting methods whereas easy accessibility and low cost were positive characteristics of these methods. Long-acting methods were generally viewed as positive. Participants’ focus on side effects commonly resulted from concerns about the impact on future fertility. The characteristics prioritized by individuals change throughout their adolescence and as their marital status changes. Providers, peers, parents, and partners were all found to have an influence over method choice in different ways. The role of these influencers also changes over the adolescent years.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that programs should prioritize expanding method choice to increase the number of available options to ensure all young women can access a method that fits their desired method characteristics. Programming should ensure that medically accurate information is widely distributed to harness providers, peers, parents and partners as a resource for information about specific methods.

Spatial Variability of Lower Tropospheric Visibility and Meteorology of Urban centers in Nigeria

The study analyzed the spatial variability of atmospheric visibility and meteorological parameters over selected cities in Nigeria. This study employed the use of secondary data which includes a 36 years (1982-2017) visibility, rainfall, relative humidity, windspeed and temperature data which was gotten from the weather register of the selected meteorological stations. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and student t-test were employed in the analysis of data. Research findings revealed that revealed that the coastal cities witnessed better visibility than the northern part of the study area especially during the dry season. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed statistically significant variation in visibility, temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and windspeed at 95% probability level across the selected locations. The student t-test statistics also revealed that a statistically significant difference in visibility, rainfall, windspeed and relative humidity occurs between the wet and dry seasons in most of the selected cities. The study recommends that awareness campaigns and enlightenment programmes be undertaken by various meteorological authorities and other relevant government agencies to improve the awareness of members of the public on the need to adhere strictly to weather alerts and warning systems.

Detection rate of prostate cancer following 12-core extended biopsy in a Semi-urban Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.

Background:Transrectal prostate biopsy using the extended protocol has become the standard mode of obtaining tissue for histological diagnosis with cancer detection rate varying with race and geographical regions. This study is aimed at evaluating the cancer detection rate following a 12-core extended transrectal biopsy of the prostate in a semi-urban Nigerian tertiary hospital.Materials and Methods:This was a hospital-based prospective study. Patients who had one or combination of elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE), and suspicious ultrasound findings were recruited into this study. Each had 12-core extended biopsy done. Their clinical and histological information were recorded in a pro forma. Data analysis was performed using the statistical programming for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. For all statistical tests, P < 0.05 was regarded as significant.Results:Of the 120 patients, 78 (65%) had prostate cancer. The cancer detection rate in participants aged 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80–89, 90–100 were 75%, 46.7%, 72.3%, 85.7%, and 100%, respectively. Overall, the cancer detection rate at PSA levels 4.0–10.0 was 25%, 10.1–20.0 was 54.7%, 20.1–50.0 was 67.4%, 50.1–100.0 was 100%, and >100.0 was 100%. The cancer detection rate for men with suspicious DRE and prostatic ultrasound findings were comparatively higher than those with normal DRE and prostatic ultrasound findings at similar PSA levels.Conclusion:This study showed a higher cancer detection rate with a 12-core biopsy protocol when compared to similar studies from the Western world, the Middle East, and urban centers in Nigeria due to poor awareness and late presentation in our environment.

Assessment of Public-Private-Participation of Solid Waste Management: A Case Study Warri, Nigeria

The menace of indiscriminately disposed heaps of refuse in most urban centers in Nigeria is a confirmation of the inability of the government to cope with the ills associated with rapid population growth rate and urbanization. This study assessed the participation of the private sector in the management and recycling of solid wastes as they together with the public sector strive to attain healthy and neat cities. The Actor Network Theory (ANT) was used as a framework to illustrate the interrelationship, interdependence and co-existence of the different participants in the management of solid waste. This co-existence was revealed to generate several challenges especially for the major Actors such as that of the preference of informal private waste collectors to the registered contractors assigned by the government to their residential areas and the hindrances posed by community youth on Private Sector Participant (PSP). However, from the study it was revealed that the introduction of Private Sector Participant was not enough to check the problems associated with solid waste management. Rather, a holistic approach where all actors, whether householders, formal or informal waste collector, scrap collectors, NGOs or CBOs should be considered by the Government in the policy formulation and implementation in sustainable solid waste management practices.

A descriptive and inferential analysis of on-street parking volume in Nigeria –A case study of Ibadan

Urbanization is a term used for capturing the process by which a rural settlement transforms into the urban way of life. It is associated with development and civilization. A multitude of push and pull factors is causing a rapid growth in Nigeria’s process of urbanization. Observations from urban centres in Nigeria have outlined various threats faced due to urbanizations such as the risk of environmental hazards, health hazards, and so on. The intense urbanization in Nigeria has further generated urban traffic crises among city dwellers. This traffic exist in different forms but majorly in the road transportation systems. The study analyzes and generate inferences on the stationary vehicular traffic count which was carried out at three areas in the third Africa largest city–Ibadan. Factors such as time point, routes and six (6) categories of vehicles plying the routes were taken into consideration to check whether or not there is a significant difference within each factors. Routes across the study locations with hectic traffic were discovered, such as Efunsetan to MRS and Ososami to Liberty at Challenge, Iwo Road to Abayomi at Gate, First Bank to Ogunpa at Dugbe. Sensitization of road users, strict law enforcement and construction of spaces for stationary vehicles were some of the recommendations made to reduce traffic.

Partner Discussion as a Mediator of the Effects of Mass Media Exposure to FP on Contraceptive Use among Young Nigerians: Evidence from 3 Urban Cities

Evidence suggests that despite high knowledge of family planning (FP), unwanted pregnancies and birth rates remain high among young Nigerians. There is a critical gap in understanding the nexus between exposure to FP information and contraception practices among this population. This study aimed to fill this gap and tested a pathway of the impact of media exposure to FP messages on modern contraceptive use. Data came from a 2018 cross-sectional baseline survey of young people aged 15–24 in three urban centers in Nigeria – Lagos, Kaduna, and Kano. This was part of an impact evaluation of a television-based drama designed to improve contraceptive use among young individuals. The study was limited to 777 young men and women who were sexually active. We found evidence of the mediation effect of media exposure to FP messages on partner discussion about FP, which in turn was associated with an increased likelihood of modern contraceptive use. Contraceptive self-efficacy also had positive associations with contraception. Our study elucidated a potential pathway through which media communication programs can significantly contribute to increased modern contraceptive use and underlined the importance of providing young people in Nigeria with opportunities to learn and practice obtaining and using contraception.

MAJOR PERSONALITY TRAITS INFLUENCING ENVIRONMENTAL KNOWLEDGE: A CASE OF URBAN LEARNING ECOLOGIES

The grim actualities of modern societies have shifted the attention of human beings from civil wars and beggary to environmental issues such as pollution and climate change. The subtle shifts in environmental balance that are observable from global warming, water scarcity, and poor harvest resulting from erratic rainfall distributions across different countries of the world has led to global campaigns in order to promote positive environment behavioural change. Several change agents have advocated the use of mitigation practices such as using emerging western and indigenous technologies and renewable energies, they have overlooked the major personality traits that will implement the proposed changes. Hence, this research explores the influence of major personality traits on students' environmental knowledge in urban learning spaces. The social cognitive theory was used to untangle the conforming and non-conforming environmental behaviours of students in urban learning spaces. The research adopts a 'field-based' MO to gather data from four hundred and sixty-two students that were randomly selected from thirteen secondary schools in urban centres in Nigeria. Research instruments such as the NEO Five-Factor Inventory and Environmental Knowledge Test were adapted to collect data from the selected students. The quantitative data were subjected to multiple regression analysis. Results showed that there was a significant influence of the major personality factors on students' environmental knowledge (R= 0.297). The research recommends that teachers should include these major personality traits in the environmental education programme of their schools. Keywords: environmental education, environmental knowledge, field-based research, major personality traits, students, urban learning spaces.

Social Lifecycle Impact Assessment of Cocoyam Chips Hawking in Lagos, Nigeria

Hawking, an aggressive peddling of goods, is common wherever there is slow movement of traffics in many urban centres in Nigeria. The kinds of goods hawked varies from small consumable goods to relatively large sized electronics. Hawking activities have a number of social impacts on the hawkers, the consumers, the community, the value chain and the society. This study utilizing the 2009 UNEP/SETAC’s social lifecycle assessment (sLCA) guidelines and the associated sLCA methodological sheets evaluated the social impacts of cocoyam hawking on the peddlers, the consumers and the community. Preliminary results showed that it provides an alternative employment opportunity. It however has a high tendency for child labour and strenuous long hours of work. It also poses health and safety risks to peddlers, consumers and the community alike. The outcome of this study provides a platform for hawking policy development/regulation and for the minimization of the potential attendant consequences on the stakeholders.

Rural Women Entrepreneurial Skills in Maize Value Addition in Abeokuta Metropolis, Nigeria

Maize is a common staple food for human consumption and livestock feeds. It provides employment and means of livelihood for women in both rural areas and urban centres in Nigeria. However, the entrepreneurial skills of women engaged in its value addition have not been fully enhanced. This study was conducted to look into rural women entrepreneurial skills in maize value addition in Abeokuta metropolis of Ogun State, Nigeria. Two hundred and ten respondents were selected using snow ball sampling technique. Data were analyzed with chi-square. Results revealed that fifty percent of the respondents were 31 - 40 years of age and 60% had spent 6 – 10 years in maize processing. Most (85.7%) of the respondents’ added value to maize by converting it to popcorn, 80.0% turned it to corn cake and 52.9% processed it to kokoro. Majority (88.6%) of the respondents acquired entrepreneurial skills through fellow processors and 62.9% got it from friends and neighbours. Serious constraints identified by 95.7% and 88.6% of the respondents were scarcity of raw materials during off season and ineffective preservation methods respectively. Results of chi-square revealed that significant association existed between sources of entrepreneurial trainings for the rural women and value addition at p &lt; 0.05. The study concluded that value addition of maize is very low in the study area. It is hereby recommended that extension service providers should pay more attention to the maize processors in terms of entrepreneurial trainings for better processing and value addition of maize.

Assessment of Passengers’ Satisfaction of Public Transport System in Akure-Owo Axis, Nigeria

This study assesses passengers’ satisfaction of public transport system in Akure-Owo axis, Nigeria. It was necessitated by the poor nature of transport system which has created impediments to the smooth movement of people, goods and services in some of urban centres in Nigeria. Meanwhile, the importance of public transport in cities of many developing countries lies in the fundamental fact that accessibility and mobility are essential for economic growth and also for effective and efficient movement of goods and services. Twelve bus services were identified. The study was conducted using questionnaires and field observation to collect the required data at the terminals (i.e. Akure and Owo Park). One hundred and twelve (112) questionnaires were administered to the passengers across the two terminals. Descriptive tool such as weighted mean and standard deviation were employed. Also, Gap analysis was used to achieve descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that passengers were not satisfied with the competence of drivers, condition of vehicle, overloading and over-speeding, attitude of drivers, driver’s compliance with road safety rules and order, and the cost charge per trip. Based on the dissatisfactions, recommendations were suggested.