خلاصة:
This paper investigates the relationship between the Lagos Megacity and Ota Township, a small township onits periphery. The study examines linkages between and Lagos in terms of growth, urban development as well as mobility. 553 questionnaires were administered to household heads across the 12 residential districts of Ota Township. Survey was carried out by systematic random sampling. Classified traffic counts were also taken at strategic locations along the four main axial roads in Ota. The data collected were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistical methods including cross-tabulation and correlation analysis. Findings of the research have shown that the proportion of inter-city traffic from Ota directed towards Lagos is about 48% of total inter-city traffic generated. More than 40% of Ota residents migrated from Lagos and still commute daily to the megacity. The paper concludes by recommending strategies for better synergies between Ota Township and the Lagos megacity. These include the implementation of integrated master planning, effective environmental management and traffic policies for the township as well.
ملخص الجهاز:
Amoebic Urbanization in Nigerian Cities (The Case of Lagos and Ota) 1Taofiki Salau, *2Taibat Lawanson , 3Omoayena Odumbaku 1 Lecturer, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Lagos, Nigeria.
Peri-urban, Settlements, Linkages, Lagos Megacity, Ota Township INTRODUCTION Central to understanding the system of cities is how they evolve and interact in the process of urban growth (Rossi-Hansberg & Wright, 2006).
This continual growth has had effects on settlement structure, land use, population concentration, physical and social infrastructure, housing development, traffic and transportation in such a manner that development has extended to suburban areas as well as on the frontier settlements of Ogun State (Kadiri, 2001).
The transition area comprising newly developing land uses to the north of the Byepass including the Housing Corporation Estate, Industrial Estates and Sango, mainly inhabited by the non-Yoruba community; and The emerging suburban areas covering formerly distinct settlements as Ijoko, Ijako, Iloye, Iyesi, Commercial activities in Ota take place in a linear form along the major arteries of Lagos – Abeokuta Expressway, Ota – Ijoko Road and Ota – Idiroko Road.
3% of the respondents consider the proximity of Ota to Lagos to have overwhelming effect on the urban character of the township.
The respondents were of the opinion that all indices of urbanization had increased significantly within the last ten years as a result of the proximity of Ota to Lagos as shown in Table 5.
A combined effort of the Lagos and Ogun State governments is necessary for addressing the urban development challenges of Ota Township.