Geospatial Assessment of Population and Urban Growth Using Exponential Growth Model: A case study of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Lagos State.

Abstract

The rapid population growth in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria, has caused many challenges such as infrastructure pressure, environmental degradation and social unrest. To investigate the relationship between population growth and urban expansion in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos state from 1991 to 2022, a geospatial assessment was conducted. According to the study, the population of Ibeju-Lekki experienced an average annual growth rate of 4.5% from 1991 to 2022. This growth can be attributed in large part to migration from rural areas and natural population increase. Interestingly, the study also revealed that the population growth rate was higher in urban areas than in rural ones. Additionally, the research found that the urban expansion in Ibeju-Lekki was swift, with the built-up area increasing by an average of 10% annually. Overall, these findings suggest that the government should adopt measures aimed at managing population growth and promoting sustainable development such as investing in infrastructure, improving environmental management and promoting social inclusion to mitigate the negative impacts of population growth in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos state. These measures can help alleviate the strain on the region's resources and infrastructure caused by rapid population growth and urbanization.