The Role of Transportation Infrastructure in Promoting Economic Development in Lafia (Published)
This study explores the relationship between transportation infrastructure and economic development in Lafia, Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of addressing the existing infrastructure challenges to promote sustainable growth. The research combines quantitative and qualitative methods to comprehensively assess the current state of transportation infrastructure and its impact on the city’s economy. Findings reveal a relatively young population with significant unemployment and limited educational attainment. While the road network is perceived as “Fair,” there is room for maintenance and expansion. Public transportation availability is universal, but a reliance on motorbikes and tricycles underscores the need for diversified options and improved services. Despite overall satisfaction with public transportation, there is a call for enhancements. Respondents strongly believe that transportation infrastructure positively influences economic activities, leading to socio-economic benefits such as job creation and better access to education and healthcare. Recommendations include infrastructure improvements, policy suggestions for public-private partnerships, community engagement, sustainability initiatives, and a focus on gender-sensitive policies. By implementing these recommendations, Lafia can work towards inclusive economic development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced quality of life for its residents.
Keywords: Economic Development, Lafia, Nigeria, public private partnerships, sustainable growth, transportation infrastructure
Challenges and Prospects Associated with Paradigm Shift in Land Administration and Surveying among Private Practitioners in Nigeria (Published)
The quest for land administration that is efficient and fit-for-purpose has brought about the paradigm shift in land administration in Nigeria. This paradigm shift has led to the introduction of modern approaches of land administration that every land-related profession should key into. This paper thus assesses the challenges and prospects associated with paradigm shift in land administration and surveying among private practitioners in Nigeria. The qualitative method of analysis based on review of literature was applied in this paper. The findings reveal that Nigeria’s Government has been taking steps towards a shift from sporadic method of land registration to systematic land titling and registration. This paper concludes that Nigeria as a nation is gradually moving towards the new trend in land surveying through initiation and piloting of Systematic Land Titling and Registration (SLTR) in some of the Nigeria’s states. Any practicing surveyors that will be relevant in this growing present dispensation in land administration should reposition his/herself through improvement of knowledge in modern techniques of land administration with reference to land surveying. This paper thus recommends regular training and retraining on modern surveying method for your members; and organization of workshop on applicability of modern survey techniques for their members.
Adewale Akingbade (2022) Challenges and Prospects Associated with Paradigm Shift in Land Administration andSurveying among Private Practitioners in Nigeria,International Journal of Geography and Regional Planning Research, Vol.7, No.2, pp.14-26
Keywords: Nigeria, SLTR, land administration, modern techniques, private surveyors
Structure of Road Network Connectivity in the Benue Basin of Nigeria (Published)
The structure of road network connectivity in any region can either promote or reduce agricultural production, market opportunities, cultural and social interactions as well as businesses and employment opportunities. This study evaluates road network connectivity in the Benue Basin of Nigeria. Data on the existing road network including type and conditions, density and length of the roads in the study area were extracted from existing road map of Nigeria, and satellite imagery of the Benue basin. The data was analysed using different methods of network connectivity analysis including beta index, alpha and gamma indices. The findings reveal four types of roads network in the basin which are grouped into three categories namely: federal highways (trunk A), state government roads (trunk B) and local government and community roads (trunk C) which are in various state of deplorable conditions. The result of connectivity analysis reveals a beta index (β) of 0.98 for the basin, alpha index of -0.05, gamma index of 0.2 which indicates that Benue basin has poor road network connectivity. A comparative analysis of road network connectivity among the five states that fall within the basin shows variation among them with Benue and Taraba states having a better connectivity than others in the region. Based on the findings, the study noted that provision of effective roads network connectivity is fundamentally important to the development and well-being of the inhabitants of the Benue basin. The current road network connectivity of the basin needs urgent attentions to reposition the region for rapid socio-economic development. The study recommends funding of road infrastructure particularly building new roads and rehabilitating the existing ones in the region by it policy makers/stakeholders considering the fact that transport is the lifeline of the economy and social interactions.
Keywords: Benue basin, Connectivity, Nigeria, Structure, road network
Structure of Road Network Connectivity in the Benue Basin of Nigeria (Published)
The structure of road network connectivity in any region can either promote or reduce agricultural production, market opportunities, cultural and social interactions as well as businesses and employment opportunities. This study evaluates road network connectivity in the Benue Basin of Nigeria. Data on the existing road network including type and conditions, density and length of the roads in the study area were extracted from existing road map of Nigeria, and satellite imagery of the Benue basin. The data was analysed using different methods of network connectivity analysis including beta index, alpha and gamma indices. The findings reveal four types of roads network in the basin which are grouped into three categories namely: federal highways (trunk A), state government roads (trunk B) and local government and community roads (trunk C) which are in various state of deplorable conditions. The result of connectivity analysis reveals a beta index (β) of 0.98 for the basin, alpha index of -0.05, gamma index of 0.2 which indicates that Benue basin has poor road network connectivity. A comparative analysis of road network connectivity among the five states that fall within the basin shows variation among them with Benue and Taraba states having a better connectivity than others in the region. Based on the findings, the study noted that provision of effective roads network connectivity is fundamentally important to the development and well-being of the inhabitants of the Benue basin. The current road network connectivity of the basin needs urgent attentions to reposition the region for rapid socio-economic development. The study recommends funding of road infrastructure particularly building new roads and rehabilitating the existing ones in the region by it policy makers/stakeholders considering the fact that transport is the lifeline of the economy and social interactions.
Keywords: Benue basin, Connectivity, Nigeria, Structure, road network
Landscape Planning and Sustainable Ecological Management of Nigerian Universities: Akwa Ibom State University Example (Published)
The study was conducted in Obio Akpa Campus of Akwa Ibom State University located in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The University campus is situated on a very beautiful physical terrain: undulating land surfaces inter spaced by a shallow valley. It has a very unique attractive appearance. However, it is this very nature of its environment that makes it highly sensitive and vulnerable to ecological hazards. Recently, the campus has experienced many new physical development projects such as construction of new class rooms, staff offices, laboratories, etc. It was observed that the land cover elements removed during the process of constructing these buildings were not replaced after the buildings completion. Consequently, the wash away effects of the heavy and frequent incidence of rainfall in this ecological zone are taking serious toll on the University environment, even posing danger of sudden collapse to some buildings. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the use of landscape planning as a tool to check further degradation of the University environment and its neighborhood. The Geographic Information System (GIS) methods were adopted to generate the data. The study has identified areas requiring very urgent landscape attention. A space view image of this section of the campus was processed and presented. Also, a model landscape design was prepared and presented. Landscaping of the surroundings of all the buildings and the entire university surroundings, provisions of paved driveways, walkways, parking areas and coordinated rain water drain channels were among the recommendations.
Keywords: Akwa Ibom State University, Landscape planning, Nigeria, ecological management
Land Use Land Cover Change and Hazard Occurrence along Coastline of Nigeria (Published)
The human modification and interference with landscape globally has increased incidence of hazards and disaster most especially in the coastal areas with particular reference to Nigeria. The aim of this study and how it trigger occurrence of hazards at the coastal areas of Nigeria between 2005 to 2015, using landsat 7 thermatic mapper from 1995 to 2005 and landsat 8 enhanced thematic mapper data from 2005 to 2015. From the study bare land and mangrove vegetation shrinked while coastal mud and water (ocean) increased in size. The study recommends mapping of hazard prone areas along the coast of Nigeria the coastal with a view to reduce human inference with Nigeria coastal landscape
Keywords: Land Cover, Land Hazard, Mapping of Hazard, Nigeria, land use