Revitalizing Urban Public Spaces in Nigeria Through Vegetative Enclaves by Ndidi Okolo and Anthony O Okolie

Empirical evidence reveals the deplorable state of urban public spaces in Nigerian cities. In planning proposals, some of these spaces were earmarked for various uses. However, it has been observed that unplanned and uncontrolled expansion of developments in cities has forestalled the proper utilization of these spaces, particularly the green areas. This trend has had adverse effects on the relationship between man and his natural environment in many Nigerian cities. Some of these green areas have been misused or built-up due to the pressure of urban expansion. Some others have not been properly integrated into the built-up schemes and settlements and therefore remain ‘stranded’ in performance. These areas could be used to enable the ‘respiration’of the congested cities, improve biodiversity, ecological benefits, mitigate air pollution and global climatic change, inter alia. This paper will examine these benefits and suggest ways of revitalizing the urban public spaces in Nigerian cities through vegetative enclaves to create a better environment for the urban dwellers.