IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOKOJA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract In Nigeria, the urbanization process is similar to what is obtain in several other developing countries; as the growth and complexity of human settlements and in particular the rate of urbanization has been phenomenal. One major reason for the poor urban development in Nigeria is lack of effective mechanism of governance needed to ensure a rational level of equilibrium between the growing population, the cities environment and existing infrastructure. Lokoja recently been characterized by the high rate of land conservation, especially in peripheral areas. The high rate of population growth and urbanization in Lokoja was generated by a concentration of economic development and socio-cultural activity as well as political practices. It resulted not only in Lokoja as a State capital but also in sharpening the disparity between Lokoja and other towns in Kogi State particularly with respect to the availability of economic infrastructure and socio-cultural facilities. This study identifies the environmental factors affecting the growth and development of Lokoja as a city in Nigeria. The study adopts the use of both qualitative and quantitative research analysis techniques. It makes use of structural questionnaire, personal observation and the use of remote sensing data. The findings show that Lokoja is experiencing rapid urbanization and tremendous economic growth since the last two decades. The rapid land use/lad cover changes in Lokoja are largely due to it status as State capital, as it witnessed high migration of people into the city due to job related reasons. The study concludes that there is little natural vegetation remaining in Lokoja, which should be conserved acutely despite its rapid urbanization. Hence proper planning on future expansion of Lokoja should be based on sustainable practices, if the best and optimum use of land is to be achieved and thereby recommends that there should be proper database and collection of the lands for future planning.