Regeneration - A Pragmatic Approach to Informal Settlement Development of Abesan Lagos, Nigeria

The paper observes that the ever increasing population demand new urban land for housing and that this phenomenon has resulted in unprecedented development challenge in Nigerian urban centres, Lagos inclusive. The paper notes that over the years, Lagos has witnessed rapid population growth that characterized its development and emergence into megacity with attendant pressure on land for the housing supply of low income group. The paper appraises the effects of the standard of housing quality in informal settlement on the well-being of residents of the study area. It conducted a survey of 200 households using a structured questionnaire as instrument of data collection. This is with a view to collecting information on household characteristics, housing condition and environmental quality conditions of the study area. The paper examines the relationship between the deteriorating environmental situation and quality of life of informal settlements inhabitants. The result indicated that 73.0% of respondents were low income earners, 53.5% of the respondents have lived in the area for more than 10 years and 45.6% of residents were satisfied with access to neighbourhood facilities. It asserts that despite the illegality, 'informal' process provides the means for low income earners to gain access to land and housing outside the legal framework and regulations that prescribe the way land ought to be acquired and developed. The paper uses the concepts of healthy city and habitability among others as theoretical underpinnings for achieving sustainable urban development contextually. Conclusively, the paper notes that the efforts of government to manage the housing need of the low income group through different approaches notwithstanding, the effort do not appear to match the housing need of the group. It therefore recommends regeneration option that is driven by community participation as a pragmatic approach towards a sustainable residential development of the settlement and enhanced quality of life for the inhabitants.