Is there a new dimension in urban poor housing in Abuja?
This paper aimed at identifying a noticeable new phenomenon or rather the emergence of a new dimension in urban poor housing (settlements) in Abuja, characterized by the invasion of the formal residential areas by informal settlers. The author adopted content base analysis (qualitative research method).
Who is responsible for Abuja city?
Abuja city is run by the Abuja Municipal Area Council. In addition to the civic administration the city is the location for the Federal Government of Nigeria, and likewise the Federal Capital Territory Administration which is responsible for the encompassing Federal Capital Territory .
Where are the slums in Abuja?
near the highbrow Asokoro in the Federal Capital City of Abuja, Nigeria (plate 4). Plate 4. Koroduma community, Abuja narrative. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat) in Nigeria has slums. Growth of informal settlements are on the i ncrease in the FCT. This is larg ely as a result
What is the population of Abuja?
As of 2015 , the city is experiencing an annual growth of at least 35%, retaining its position as the fastest-growing city on the African continent and one of the fastest-growing in the world. As of 2016, the metropolitan area of Abuja is estimated at six million persons, placing it behind only Lagos as the most populous metro area in Nigeria.
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Is Abuja urban or rural?
Abuja is known for being one of the few purpose-built capital cities in Africa, as well as being one of the wealthiest. Abuja is Nigeria's administrative and political capital....Abuja• Urban2,440,000• Urban density3,423/km2 (8,870/sq mi)• Metro6,000,000 (estimated)Time zoneUTC+1 (GMT+1)25 more rows
Is Abuja an urban area?
683 mi²Abuja / Area
Is Abuja a city or town?
Abuja, city, capital of Nigeria. It lies in the central part of Nigeria, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT; created 1976). The city is approximately 300 miles (480 km) northeast of Lagos, the former capital (until 1991).
What are people from Abuja called?
The indigenous inhabitants of Abuja are the Gbagyi (Gwari), with the Gbagyi language formerly the major of the region language, and others in the area being Bassa, Gwandara, Gade, Dibo, Nupe and Koro.
Which region is Abuja?
North Central regionAbuja, the capital city of Nigeria, is located in this territory. FCT was formed in 1976 from parts of the states of old Kwara, Niger, Kaduna and Plateau States with the bulk of landmass carved out of Niger State. It is within the North Central region of the country.
What is the full meaning of Abuja?
the federal capital of Nigeria/ (əˈbuːdʒə) / noun. the federal capital of Nigeria, in the centre of the country.
Is Abuja bigger than Lagos?
Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has a land area of 7,315km2 meaning Abuja (which was carved out of the present-day Niger State) is bigger than Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, Abia, Ebonyi, Imo, Anambra, and Lagos, Nigeria's commercial city.
Is Abuja better than Lagos?
Abuja is serene, well laid out with good roads and less people while Lagos is a bustling city with more people, a robust economy and great night life. The decision to live in either of these cities will depend on your personality, line of work or business.
Where is the biggest city in Nigeria?
Lagos is Nigeria's largest city and one of the largest in sub-Saharan Africa.
What tribe owns Abuja?
The 9 indigenous tribes in the FCT are Amwamwa, Bassa, Egbira, Gade, Ganagana, Gbagyi, Gbari, Gwandara and Koro. All these tribes just came to settle in Gbagyi land and they all know it. Gbagyi owns Abuja.
Who is the real owner of Abuja?
The Gwari people of Abuja are the real owners of Abuja, the Federal capital of Nigeria. They are also referred to as Gbagyi or Gbari. They are one of the most largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, present in four states namely Niger, Kogi, Nassarawa, kaduna and spread over 31 local government areas in Nigeria.
What tribe is Abuja?
The Gbagyi were the largest among the ethnic groups that inhabited the land proposed for development when Abuja was chosen as Nigeria's new federal capital.
Is Abuja better than Lagos?
Abuja is serene, well laid out with good roads and less people while Lagos is a bustling city with more people, a robust economy and great night life. The decision to live in either of these cities will depend on your personality, line of work or business.
Is Abuja bigger than Lagos?
Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has a land area of 7,315km2 meaning Abuja (which was carved out of the present-day Niger State) is bigger than Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, Abia, Ebonyi, Imo, Anambra, and Lagos, Nigeria's commercial city.
Where is Central Area in Abuja?
The Central Area sits near Maitama in the north east, Asokoro to the southeast, Garki to the south west, Kukwaba to the west and Wuse to the north west. The neighborhood has excellent infrastructure, including an extensive road network.
Where is the best place to live in Abuja?
The 10 Best Neighborhoods To Stay In AbujaAsokoro: Asokoro is one of the major districts and the most popular Neighborhood in Abuja. ... Maitama: ... Garki: ... Gwarimpa: ... Wuse: ... Apo: ... Jabi: ... Utako:More items...•
Where is Abuja located?
Abuja city is located in the central part of Nigeria north of the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers ( Fig. 1 ). The city is part of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) whose land area of about 8000 km 2 makes it almost two and a half times the size of Lagos State, the former capital territory of Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and the sixth most populated in the world. The geography of the area is defined by two renowned rock formations—the Zuma Rock from whose base the FCT begins and the Aso Rock that is located to the east of the city.
How many squatter settlements are there in Abuja?
Even though there is no statistics on the number or size of squatter settlements in Abuja, there were 24 squatter settlements and informal markets measuring about 2193 ha within the city boundary in 2006 ( Jibril, 2006 ). However, it is worth noting that while these squatter areas constitute only 8% of the city, they form most of the settlements outside the city boundary. Some squatter areas like Utako, Mabushi and Maitama villages are actually pre-existing native settlements that have not been resettled yet. This uneven mixture of housing types, Myers (2011) argued, was created by the disorganized treatment of pre-existing settlements in the FCT.
What are the challenges of Abuja?
The consequences of this rapid urbanization include housing shortages, traffic congestion, unemployment, informality, social exclusion, and an overburdened water and sanitation infrastructure. These challenges are exacerbated by over-reliance on the public sector for urban development, mismanagement of the available resources, and the city’s inadequate financial support allocation caused by the federal government and its agencies.
What is Abuja's master plan?
In order to limit traffic congestion in Abuja city, the Abuja Master Plan proposed a range of express ways and arterial roads, light rail, and bus transit systems to connect the various district centers and to also link the city with satellite settlements like Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Kuje, Nyanya, Karu, Lugbe and Suleja ( Fig. 4 ). Abuja now stands out among other African capital cities for its high level of expressway length and quality. However, driving through the city center is still a nightmare and commuting from the satellite settlements during peak hours is a stressful experience, especially on the three major routes leading to the city: Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, Abuja-Lafia Expressway, and Umaru Musa Yaradua Expressway (Airport Road). For many Abuja residents, a daily commute of between two to three hours in overcrowded roads is the norm.
What are the principles of Abuja?
According to IPA (International Planning Associates) (1979), the development of Abuja is based on seven important principles: equal access, equal citizenship, environmental conservation, the garden city, functional city, effective regional development, and rapid national economic growth. Likewise, the master plan provides the reasons for the relocation of the federal capital city from Lagos to Abuja as:#N#–#N#availability of adequate land and natural resources that can provide a promising base for urban development;#N#–#N#a new capital at a more central location where it can provide equal access to Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural groups; and#N#–#N#a modern capital to serve as a symbol of national integration and unity (p. 27).
Why is Abuja experiencing a housing shortage?
This is partially because of the relocation of federal government employees from Lagos to Abuja that started in the 1980s without adequate provision for their accommodation through public or private sector channels ( Ikejiofor, 1998, Morah, 1993 ). The city’s housing shortage has been fuelled by constant in-migrants since 1991 when the federal government finally relocated from Lagos to Abuja. This rapid population growth has overwhelmed a range of public housing schemes including the government’s construction of 22,000 housing units in Phase I in the 1980s and the 1990s construction of the Gwarimpa Housing Estate in Phase III ( Ukoha & Beamish, 1997 ). While most of these houses were intended for junior public employees, they were eventually occupied by senior officers who later owned them through the federal government’s monetization program. In the process, this initial housing policy that was based on the master plan’s aim of prioritizing public provision of affordable housing for government employees failed because of inadequate housing supply, occupation of the housing by senior employees, and its exclusion of non-state employees.
Is Abuja a capital of Nigeria?
Abuja, the most rapidly growing city in Africa, is not just a modern capital city of Nigeria. It is a city that is being contested by the elites who desire to realize their modernist vision of an orderly and beautiful city and the poor who struggle to stitch together a living largely in the informal sector. Abuja is also the destination of innumerable unemployed people who migrate to the city in search of perceived employment opportunities and of those who see the city as much safer than other parts of the country. It is within this context, coupled with limited resources, that the city administration is struggling to cope with the increasing challenges of providing housing, basic public services and an efficient transportation system. The key issue is whether the government’s partnership with the private sector in the development of Abuja in the last decade can meet these challenges.
What are the settlements called in Igbo?
In parts of the Igbo and the Anang-Ibibio-inhabited areas in the southeast and the Tiv-inhabited areas in the central region, settlements consist of dispersed homesteads called compounds. Each compound houses a man, his immediate family, and some relatives. A number of compounds make up the village, usually inhabited by people claiming ...
Where do migrants come from in Nigeria?
Large numbers of southern migrants have settled in the northern cities of Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Jos, while seasonal migrants have often moved from the northern Sokoto and Kano areas to southern areas where cacao is grown.
What towns were built as a result of the salt-trading trade between the coastal peoples and Europeans?
The towns of Bonny, Opobo Town, Okrika, Buguma, Brass, Forcados, Creek Town, and Calabar grew from coastal fishing and salt-trading villages into towns as trade (first in slaves and later in agricultural goods) increased between the coastal peoples and Europeans. At the beginning of colonial rule, these port towns had a more cosmopolitan population than the Yoruba towns and the far north, but they were much smaller.
How many towns do Yoruba live in?
About half the Yoruba now live in towns of more than 5,000, notably Ibadan, Ogbomosho, Abeokuta, Ile-Ife, and Oyo.
What is the chief of a village?
In the eastern states, each village has a chief, or headman, who, as one of the oldest and most prosperous men in the community, rules by the consent of the people. In the Yoruba- and Edo-inhabited areas and in most parts of the northern states, the chief is chosen by, or with the consent of, the region’s traditional ruler. A characteristic feature of village life is the age-grade system, in which people are grouped together with others of a similar age. This system was more important traditionally—serving to separate males into three-year groupings for purposes of labour and initiation—but its use has diminished.
Where did Nigerians migrate to?
Before the end of the country’s civil war in 1970, many Nigerians emigrated to work in Benin, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone . African migration into Nigeria began about 1972 and was officially encouraged in 1978 by the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under which the citizens of member states were guaranteed free movement. In the early 1980s a downturn in the Nigerian economy and the alleged involvement of foreigners in religious riots prompted the government to reverse its immigration policy. By 1985 some 2.7 million aliens had been expelled; such measures, however, have not been repeated. The actions of the series of military governments in the 1980s and ’90s caused many Nigerian citizens to immigrate to Europe and the United States.
When was Benin founded?
It was founded (probably through the expansion of the kingdom of Benin) before the 15th century and had a population of about 250,000 when it was declared a British colony in 1861; that number increased to some 8,000,000 in the early 21st century.
Why did Abuja's housing system fail?
· The housing provided by the Abuja government failed because of inadequacy of housing and a good access to the central facilities through a corridor of open spaces and lack of economic connectivity (secondary employment).
What is Abuja Master Plan?
· The Abuja Master Plan was elaborated to put in place, a sustainable urban spatial environment for all groups or classes of activities to be carried out in the Capital Territory.
Is Abuja growing faster than the master plan?
Adeponle (2013) observed that Abuja city is growing faster (13%) than the provisions of its Master Plan. It is fast turning into an environmental embarrassment, with developments springing up in gross isolation of zoning and other planning codes. Abuja, which was supposed to be an epitome of beauty and an enlightened vision of city development, has suffered over the years from unnecessary distortions in the implementation of its Master Plan.
What is the paper on informal settlements in Abuja?
The paper studies Informal settlements in Abuja, from the analytical framework of poverty and homelessness. The environmental, socioeconomic and cultural feature associated with population growth, is, highlighted to underscore the severity of issues. Drawings lessons from experiences of squatter settlement in Brazil, India, South Africa and other developed economies; paper underscores Government policies and interventions in upgrading 'slums' and 'squatters' settlements. The paper in conclusion suggests needs to improve and upgrade the general quality of the physical conditions of the environment of urban slums and squatters' settlements in the developed edges (Karu, Durumi, Nyanya, and Maraba) of Abuja, Nigeria.
Why did Abuja become the capital of Nigeria?
Abuja, Nigeria became the capital of Nigeria as a result of Lagos being over crowded, congested, and had no lands for expansion. In the process of establishing a new capital at Abuja, a Master Plan was put in place however, the Master Plan was abused. The abused Master Plan resulted in Abuja urbanization, environmental development disarray, ...
Why is squatter settlement redeveloped?
This is why when a squatter settlement is redeveloped, what is successfully done is to push the squatters to another location while redistributing their lands among the Richs! Squatter settlements develops because there exits some urban poor who desire at least a roof over their heads but their income and high cost of land have pushed them to where they are, and called home; and where you and I called squatter settlements. In this paper, however, the focus is on the urban poor, the connection between their socio-economic characteristics and access to land; and any attempt to resolve the problem of squatter settlement without this realization will amount to an effort in futility. In this wise, the paper recommends land reform that will not put the urban poor at a disadvantageous position with regard to access to land. Also, to ensure availability of funds for upgrading of the existing squatter settlements, Public - Private - Partnership is recommended. To sustain this and make sure the urban poor will be able to afford the provision of; and payment for some of these facilities which will be provided under this arrangement; there is the need to empower them economically.
What is rapid urban expansion without effective environmental consciousness?
Rapid urban expansion without effective environmental consciousness means that in virtually every urban center – from large cities and metropolitan areas to regional centers and small market towns – a substantial proportion of the population is at risk from natural and human-induced environmental hazards. A strategic approach is essential if urban areas are to enjoy all the benefits which nature can bring. This paper evaluates the concepts of the integrated city and sustainable development. It goes further to assess the general environment of the Federal Capital City, Abuja and the effects of urban growth and development on the cityscape. The environmental consequences of socioeconomic and other activities are evaluated in a bid to determine how sustainable Abuja’s urbanization is. The study reveals that the city is growing faster (13%) than the provisions of its master plan. It is fast turning into an environmental embarrassment, with developments springing up in gross violation of zoning and other planning codes. Abuja, which was supposed to be an epitome of beauty and an enlightened vision of city development, has suffered over the years from unnecessary distortions in the implementation of its master plan. The paper concludes by suggesting pragmatic strategies such as good urban governance, periodic review of the Abuja master plan, public enlightenment for achieving an integrated and ecologically balanced environment - a Sustainable Abuja City. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n5p145
When was Lagos spawned?
located and without the defects of Lagos was spawned in 1975.
Is there a disparity between formal settlement areas?
formal settlement areas. There exist, a clear disparity in the socio-economic base of the two
Is Central City sustainable?
Central City designed to be a model city is not sustainable. It is divided between success and
Where are slums found?
More recently, slums have been predominantly found in urban regions of developing and underdeveloped parts of the world, and even in developed economies.
What are the social challenges of a ghetto?
According to him, residents in this ghetto face social challenges ranging from lack of water to electricity, stagnant dirty water that provides breeding ground for mosquitoes with the attendant diseases as malaria and cholera, among others.
Governance
- The federal territory is supervised by the National Assembly and administered by the FCTA, which was created in 2004. The FCTA is headed by a minister appointed by the president; Muhammad Musa Bello has held the position since November 2015. The authority oversees seven secretariats devoted to education, transport, agriculture and rural development, health and human services, s…
Population Growth
- In a 2017 study undertaken by the Federal School of Surveying and the FCDA, Abuja’s population growth was estimated at 8.32% per annum, while satellite city populations were found to be rising even more quickly, at an estimated 20% each year. Rapid urbanisation can be attributed to a range of factors including better economic opportunities on offer in the territory, underinvestment in s…
Urbanisation Challenges
- Rapid population growth has led to a rising proliferation of informal settlements, which have strained infrastructure systems. In September 2018 Victoria Imande, former acting director of the FCTA’s Satellite Town Development Department, reported that just 20% of the FCT’s population lives in Abuja city centre, while the remaining 80% reside in per...
Economic Performance
- Despite suffering some setbacks as a result of economic turbulence following the fall in international oil prices, the FCT has consistently outstripped the rest of the country in terms of economic growth. According to data from the C-GIDD, the GDP of the territory grew at an average rate of 11% between 2009 and 2014, while at the national level it grew at an average 6.7% durin…
Spending
- In July 2018 the FCTA announced a proposed budget of N272bn ($879.4m) for 2018, a 22.5% increase over the appropriated budget of the preceding year. Under the proposal, capital expenditure is expected to reach N154bn ($497.8m), or 56.8% of the total, while recurrent expenditures would amount to N117bn ($378.3m), including N61bn ($197.2m) on overhead cost…
Incentives
- To ensure the ongoing upgrade and expansion of the territory’s infrastructure, the FCTA has increasingly been focusing its attention on attracting new foreign direct investment (FDI). These efforts include tax incentives for companies with pioneer status and land access through the revived land swap initiative. Foreign investment is also being attracted through the privatisation …
Investment
- Supported by these policies and incentives the FCT has risen to become an important destination for FDI inflows. While Lagos has traditionally accounted for the lion’s share of foreign capital investment, recent figures suggest that the FCT is catching up. According to the NBS, the FCT attracted the highest amount of foreign capital in the final quarter of 2017, with 49.8% of the tot…
Increased ICT Connectivity
- The territory currently boasts one of the highest and fastest-rising electrification rates in the country. According to the most up-to-date figures from the NBS, the total number of customers in the FCT with a pre-paid metre stood at 1.62m in mid-2018, reflecting a 1.59% increase on the previous year. In addition, the territory benefits from high mobile penetration rates and internet u…
Health & Education
- The territory’s health care and education indicators, while mixed, are also generally elevated compared to the rest of the country. The Federal Ministry of Education reported that total primary school enrolment in the FCT rose from 266,204 in 2012 to 489,298 in 2016, a 184% increase. Meanwhile, literacy rates in the territory are among the highest in the country, with 90.1% of me…
Transport
- Abuja’s transportation network is well developed and expanding, although rapid urbanisation has put pressure on the existing network. Built in accordance with the city master plan the metropolitan road network is extensive, although satellite towns remain underserved. The city connects to the north-east through the A234 Federal Highway, and to Niger State via a direct hig…