Authors : I. Olugbenga , Akinmoladun and Leke Oduwaye
Abstract: This study investigates laws and policies influencing land use in metropolitan Lagos. Analysis of these laws and policies were presented based on the responses on 755 questionnaires administered on residents in 43 zones into which metropolitan Lagos was divided. The division was based on peculiarities of the land use structure of the city. Among government policies and laws influencing land use in the study area are land acquisition policy, master plan and zoning, rent laws, sources of land ownership, building approval procedure, property and land use charge laws. The application of the principal component technique for the analysis shows that joining properties and sources of ownership are the two most prominent factors influencing land use in metropolitan Lagos. The study suggests that to achieve sustainable land use in metropolitan Lagos, there is need to re-appraise the position of land acquisition policy in the study area with a view to making proposals which will open up the acquired lands for rational uses by the public and the government. It is also recommended that all levels of government should embark on appropriate planning scheme as they are empowered to do by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning Law, of 1998. Such schemes should give strong consideration to rezoning. The city�s building regulations and land tenure should be re-examined and reviewed with a view to making them more responsive to current and future needs of the city as most of the planning regulations are no more appropriate to cope with the emerging realities of the city land use planning.
I. Olugbenga , Akinmoladun and Leke Oduwaye , 2006. An Analytical Study of Laws and Policies Influencing the Use of Land in Metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria. The Social Sciences, 1: 327-334.