Follow Us on Google
From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
More than half of the population of Maiduguri, Borno State, lives in informal settlements without authorised land documents and with limited infrastructure, urban planning.
This was revealed through a recent research conducted by the African Cities Research Consortium, an international group of research institutions led by the University of Manchester, policy think-tank, civil society organisations and community institutions to address critical challenges of 12 cities in Africa.
Chief Executive Officer of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), Ms Diana Mitlin while providing highlights of the research at a press conference in Maiduguri on Tuesday, said the population of people living in informal settlements faces challenges of sanitation and inadequate health facilities.
“In Nigeria, the two cities of Lagos and Maiduguri were chosen for the research and intervention in critical urban challenges. Urban challenges in Maiduguri are further compounded by the conflict. So two third of the population live in informal settlements,” she explained
She said the consortium was worming on land connectivity by the people and protection of population who genuinely acquired land but without legal or authorised documents from the government
According to her, the research is also focusing on providing understanding which helps in rapidly urbanising the cities.
She said the consortium works with traditional and community leaders to help identify critical land ownership issues in each area.
