Location of mosques and town planning laws in Nigeria: Imperatives for integration

Abstract

This paper focuses on the interface between planning and religiosity of the Nigerian people with particular reference to the location of the mosque. It examines the ways in which the mosque intersects with the town and country planning laws of Nigeria and identifies means of improvement for sustainable development. It highlights land use planning and management policies and regulations of the city, discusses their implications for the uncoordinated land use management in relation to the mosque and suggests how to improve on the present inefficient practice. It suggests how the symbolic construction of mosques should be located within the deliberative processes of urban planning in the country arguing that this is in tune with the teachings of Islam. The paper draws on a systematic survey of land use mechanisms to establish an interaction of the Nigerian Muslim community with their surroundings, with the teachings of their religion and with the planning process.