Mitigating Environmental Pollution Through Strategic Urban Planning in Southern Nigeria

Rapid urbanization and uncontrolled rural-urban migration have placed significant pressure on Nigerian urban centers, exposing critical gaps in public infrastructure and service delivery. Despite democratic governance in the 21st century, insufficient infrastructure maintenance continues to challenge urban management. Urban renewal has emerged as a key planning approach to address these challenges by improving the quality of life and overall well-being of residents. However, past urban renewal projects in Nigeria have faced numerous challenges, including resident relocation, time-consuming property evaluations, project delays, and limited benefits to both governments and the public. Originally conceived to replace impoverished city cores with well-planned residential developments, urban renewal has evolved into a powerful instrument for achieving comprehensive urban planning. The success of such initiatives depends on systematic implementation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable planning strategies to ensure long-term urban development. This study underscores the enduring relevance of urban renewal as a policy tool for enhancing infrastructure, promoting sustainable urban growth, and mitigating the adverse effects of unplanned urban expansion in Nigeria