Effects of globalization on Lagos cityscape

Abstract

Globalization and associated economic concepts are new directions of development all around the world. The concept touches all aspects of life including the economic, social, cultural and physical realms of different regions of the world. Its impact is however more pronounced in large settlements such as cities. Physically the landscape of megacities like Lagos will be influenced more than other categories of human settlements. This paper examines the emerging effects of globalization on land use and landscape structure of Lagos, the former capital city of Nigeria. Located along the Atlantic Ocean coastline in the south western part of Nigeria, Lagos is the leading commercial center of Nigeria. It is also the nation's most industrialized and populous city housing about 12 million people on a built-up land area of about 20000 hectares. With the advent of globalization the land use system of Lagos has been experiencing significant changes, with the traditional land uses such as industrial premises reducing in floor areas, symbolic giant advertisement billboards, and communication masts sporadically competing for space across the city's skyline. While in religious land uses are increasing, public land use areas are reducing in disproportionate measure to the increase in the booming fortunes of commercial land use areas. Most of these commercial land use areas are in fragments and predominantly small-scale and informal in nature, thriving mainly premises along major roads. The cityscape has thus changed significantly from a fairly balanced harmonious streetscape to unsightly fragments and non descript streetscape. This paper unravels this global phenomenon as it affects Lagos. It also reviews the situation in sub-Sahara Africa and other developing countries. The planning framework of Lagos is discussed along with the factors influencing land use in the city. Finally the paper offers explanations, upon which suggestions are based on how to harmonise this changing Lagos growth pattern and landscape with the advantages offered to human development by globalization.

Institute of African Studies: Research Review Vol. 22 (2) 2006: pp 37-54