Analysis of the Trend of Peri-Urban Development in Minna, Niger State

Abstract

Current situation of development in Minna has raised many spatial challenges especially in the peri-urban areas. This study analyzed the spatial development of Minna between 1972 and 2015, with a view to determining the trend at which the peri-urban area changes over time. Minna topographical map of 1972, township map of 1979 and the satellite imageries covering 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2015 were employed in this study. Map processing and image classification techniques were used in extracting the information needed. The study revealed that there was over 2000% increase in the built-up area of Minna within the period understudied. This implies that the peri-urban areas of Minna by 2015 had grown about thirty-two times its size in 1972; thirteen its size in 1979; thrice its size in 1986 and 1996, respectively; and twice of its size in 2006, but, with an increased rate of uncoordinated and unplanned development. It concluded that the planning and development of Minna peri-urban areas should not be left to chance or the interplay of economic variables, but should be guided by strategies that will ensure orderly growth and development. It therefore recommended that the government through the statutory agencies should initiate a strategic development plan proposal known as Peri-urban Area Strategic Development Plans (PuASDP), which is to guide and control every spatial development activities in the peri-urban areas.