RESIDENTS' NARRATIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY IN METROPOLITAN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study narrates environmental quality of residential areas in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria with a view to evolving policy response for planning and development of livable environment and others with similar characteristics. This narration is in terms of the environmental characteristics of the residential areas, the level of importance that the residents attached to the environmental characteristics and the level of satisfaction that they derived from them. The study made use of data collected from three hundred and twenty-one (321) residents systematically sampled across the three residential density areas (high-density, medium-density and low-density) of Lagos Metropolis. Data analysis was done using cross-tabulations and analysis of variance. Findings revealed that environmental quality in the metropolis was at the low ebb, especially in high and medium density areas. Residents attached high level of importance to environmental characteristics of the study area but derived low level of satisfaction from the environmental characteristics. Based on the study, it was recommended that there is need to put in place a workable legal framework to boost the condition of environment across the residential density areas of the metropolis. Also, through public enlightenments, and awareness, residents should ensure judicious use of the environmental amenities and be environmentally-friendly in their utilization.