This study examines the phenomenon of residential land use conversion in Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, focusing on the drivers, socio-economic impacts, and policy responses to the ongoing transformation of residential spaces. The rapid urbanization of Diobu, coupled with economic pressures, evolving community needs, and weak regulatory frameworks, has led to significant changes in land use, where residential areas are increasingly being repurposed for commercial, mixed-use, and industrial activities. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, including both qualitative and quantitative data collection, to analyze the factors driving residential land use conversion and to assess its consequences on housing affordability, community cohesion, local livelihoods, and infrastructure. The findings reveal that residential land use conversion in Diobu has exacerbated housing shortages, displaced lower-income residents, and placed additional strain on urban infrastructure, while fostering economic growth for developers and landowners. However, the lack of effective enforcement of zoning regulations and the absence of policies prioritizing affordable housing have worsened these impacts. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening urban planning regulations, promoting affordable housing initiatives, encouraging mixed-use developments with social equity considerations, and improving community engagement in the planning process. The study highlights the need for sustainable and inclusive urban development policies that balance economic growth with the preservation of affordable housing and community integrity, offering insights for urban planning practitioners and policymakers in Diobu and similar Nigerian urban contexts.
Johnbull et al. (Wed,) studied this question.