Urban renewal strategies in developing nations: A focus on Makoko, Lagos State, Nigeria

One of the greatest changes that have occurred in the last century in developing countries is the urban growths which have produced more slums in our cities. The study examines the physical conditions in Makoko, an urban slum in Lagos, Nigeria. Geographical information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) technologies were used, in a post classification, to model possible land use changes in the area overtime. It also uses questionnaires to elicit information on infrastructural and socio-economic characteristics to determine the factors responsible for the physical conditions of Makoko. Findings revealed that the rate of infrastructural provisions are lacking behind and suffer from overstress and dilapidation The residents lack good environmental sanitation as the lagoon emits a pungent smell. It is recommended that the area is entirely restructured so as to create a habitable abode for sustainable residential living. Key words: Slum, urban growth, physical condition, environmental sanitation, GIS/RS and Makoko.