1.1 Introduction
\r\n
Sustainability assessment is defined as a systematic process used to evaluate the long-term impacts of policies, plans, programs, or projects on the environment, society, and economy, with the goal of promoting balanced and responsible development (Pope et al., 2017). It serves as a vital tool for ensuring that human activities do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. in the context of urban management, sustainability assessment is essential in guiding decision-makers to design, implement, and monitor development strategies that balance environmental protection, social inclusion, and economic growth (Bond & Morrison-Saunders, 2018). Urban management, on the other hand, involves the planning, coordination, and regulation of activities and services within cities to ensure efficient functioning and sustainable growth (Cohen, 2020).
\r\n
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
\r\n
1.2 Background of Study
\r\n
Sustainability assessment has emerged as a key tool in evaluating the environmental, social, and economic impacts of human activities, particularly in urban settings where population density and resource consumption are high. According to Pope et al. (2017), sustainability assessment is a process that seeks to integrate environmental, economic, and social considerations into decision-making to ensure long-term development without compromising future generations’ needs. Bond and Morrison-Saunders (2018) asserted that sustainability assessment helps policymakers identify trade-offs and synergies between development goals and environmental protection, thereby promoting balanced urban growth.
\r\n
Urban management, on the other hand, refers to the coordinated process of planning, organizing, and controlling urban development to enhance the livability, functionality, and resilience of cities. Cohen (2020) reported that effective urban management ensures that cities operate efficiently by integrating land use planning, housing, infrastructure, and environmental protection. In developing countries, however, weak governance systems, poor policy implementation, and lack of sustainability assessment frameworks have contributed to unsustainable urbanization, resulting in social and environmental crises.
\r\n
Urbanization is a global phenomenon that has accelerated significantly over the past decades. The United Nations (2019) stated that more than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, and this number is projected to rise sharply in the coming years. Mensah (2019) affirmed that rapid urban growth, particularly in Africa and Asia, has led to numerous challenges including inadequate housing, traffic congestion, poor sanitation, and environmental degradation. These challenges are worsened by the lack of proper sustainability assessment mechanisms to guide urban development policies and management practices.
\r\n
In Nigeria, urbanization has been characterized by unplanned expansion, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental deterioration. Adeleke and Oladipo (2021) contended that the absence of sustainability assessment frameworks in Nigerian cities has led to inefficient land use, rising pollution levels, and frequent flooding in major urban centers. Similarly, Eze and Okafor (2023) reported that many Nigerian urban areas lack data-driven planning tools and institutional capacity to implement sustainability principles effectively. As a result, urban management remains reactive rather than proactive, focusing on short-term solutions instead of long-term resilience.
\r\n
Olawale and Udo (2022) asserted that sustainable urban management requires the integration of sustainability indicators such as energy efficiency, waste management, green infrastructure, and social inclusion into planning and governance systems. They further emphasized that without sustainability assessment, it becomes difficult for local governments to evaluate progress toward sustainable development goals. The United Nations (2020) affirmed that sustainable urban management aligns with Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seeks to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Therefore, sustainability assessment plays a crucial role in ensuring that urban development, economic growth, and social well-being. It provides the foundation for data-driven urban management, promotes efficient resource allocation, and enhances urban resilience in the face of climate change and population pressures. This study is set against the backdrop of knowing how sustainability assessment influences the effective management of urban areas.
\r\n
1.3 Statement of Problems
\r\n
Investigation revealed that Urban management is meant to provide a structured approach to planning and maintaining sustainable cities, yet in many developing nations, including Nigeria, this process is hindered by poor governance, weak institutional frameworks, and lack of stakeholder participation. Inadequate policies and insufficient implementation of sustainability principles have made it difficult for cities to achieve long-term resilience (Oluwafemi & Adedeji, 2022).
\r\n
Additionally, the absence of reliable sustainability assessment tools makes it difficult for urban planners to measure and monitor progress toward sustainable development goals effectively. Consequently, urban areas face issues such as congestion, housing deficits, flooding, poor waste disposal, and loss of green spaces, which threaten the quality of life and urban resilience (Nwosu, 2020).
\r\n
Furthermore, many decision-makers focus on short-term economic gains rather than long-term environmental and social benefits. This short-sighted approach has led to unsustainable land use, inefficient energy consumption, and neglect of environmental protection policies (Adebayo, 2021). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the sustainability assessment and management of urban areas.
\r\n
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
\r\n
The aim of this study is to assess how sustainability assessment contributes to effective urban management and sustainable city development in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
\r\n
\r\n- To examine the existing system of urban management and identify sustainability challenges.
\r\n- To evaluate the role of sustainability assessment in urban planning and governance.
\r\n- To determine the extent to which sustainability indicators are integrated into urban management frameworks.
\r\n- To analyze the environmental, social, and economic impacts of sustainability assessment in urban areas.
\r\n- To recommend strategies for improving sustainable urban management in Nigeria.
\r\n
\r\n
1.5 Research Questions
\r\n
Based on the objectives of the study, the following research questions have been formulated:
\r\n
\r\n- What are the existing challenges in the current system of urban management?
\r\n- How does sustainability assessment influence urban planning and policy implementation?
\r\n- To what extent are sustainability indicators integrated into urban management frameworks?
\r\n- What are the environmental, social, and economic implications of sustainability assessment in urban development?
\r\n- What strategies can be adopted to enhance sustainability assessment and management of urban areas in Nigeria?
\r\n
\r\n
1.6 Research Hypothesis
\r\n
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
\r\n
Hypothesis One
\r\n
\r\n- H0: There is no significant relationship between sustainability assessment and effective management of urban areas.
\r\n- H1: There is a significant relationship between sustainability assessment and effective management of urban areas.
\r\n
\r\n
1.7 Significance of Study
\r\n
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the research will guide urban planners, policymakers, and government officials in developing frameworks that balance environmental, social, and economic objectives. For urban residents and local communities, the study will increase awareness and understanding of how sustainability assessment will improve their quality of life and promote environmental resilience.
\r\n
Furthermore, the study will raise awareness among urban dwellers about sustainable living practices and promote greater participation in community-driven sustainability initiatives. The research will assist in developing advocacy programs that will promote sustainable urban growth and community participation.
\r\n
Lastly, the study will contribute to the academic field by filling knowledge gaps and providing reference material for future research.
\r\n
1.8 Scope and Limitations of the Study
\r\n
This study focuses on sustainability assessment and the management of urban areas within Lagos State, Nigeria. The research covers government institutions, planning authorities, and selected communities within Lagos Metropolis.
\r\n
However, the study was limited by time, data accessibility, and financial constraints. The research was confined to selected urban areas within Lagos State and did not include rural settlements. Additionally, due to limited availability of comprehensive data and responses from some agencies, the analysis may not fully represent all aspects of urban management in Nigeria.
\r\n
1.9 Definition of Terms
\r\n
Sustainability Assessment:
\r\n
Sustainability assessment is the systematic process of evaluating the potential environmental, economic, and social impacts of proposed policies or projects to ensure they contribute to long-term sustainable development (Pope et al., 2017).
\r\n
Urban Management:
\r\n
Urban management refers to the process of planning, organizing, and regulating the development and maintenance of cities to promote efficiency, equity, and sustainability (Cohen, 2020).
\r\n
Sustainable Development:
\r\n
Sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, emphasizing balance between economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection (Brundtland Report, 1987).
\r\n
Urbanization:
\r\n
Urbanization is the process through which an increasing proportion of a country’s population comes to live in cities and towns, often leading to expansion of urban areas and greater demand for infrastructure and services (Mensah, 2019).
\r\n
Environmental Management:
\r\n
Environmental management involves the strategic planning and implementation of actions aimed at protecting and improving the natural environment while supporting economic and social objectives (Olawale & Udo, 2022).
\r\n
Sustainability Indicators:
\r\n
Sustainability indicators are measurable variables used to assess the progress of a city or organization toward achieving environmental, economic, and social sustainability goals (Eze & Okafor, 2023).
…
