Gentrification in Lagos State: Challenges and Prospects
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Date
2012
Authors
Nwanna, C.
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
British Journal Publishing, Inc.
Abstract
Using a qualitative method, this study attempts to explore the challenges and prospects of gentrification in Lagos state. The result observes that gentrification has occurred in former Maroko and is occurring in other parts of Lagos metropolis. Developers buy up abandoned housing and harass low and middle-income tenants into leaving their buildings that can then be converted for high profits. It observes further that low-income tenants find their rents suddenly doubled and tripled. Evictions are common, and when the current residents leave, the buildings are renovated into edifices. It also observes that gentrification has come to stay in Lagos State as many dilapidated houses are being purchased by developers and affluent members of the society. Landowners who do not want to sell their properties have warning signs such as “CAVEAT: THIS HOUSE IS NOT FOR SALE. BEWARE OF 419.” We argue that while gentrification improves the quality of life in gentrified buildings or areas and beautifies the city, it further impoverishes the urban poor pushing them into a lower quality of life. The paper therefore recommends that displaced residents should be adequately compensated to enable them to afford conventional houses.
Description
Scholarly articles
Keywords
Gentrification , Maroko , Lagos Metropolis , Income tenants , Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Social work
Citation
Nwanna, C. R. (2012) “Gentrification in Lagos State: Challenges and Prospects” British Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, Vol.5 (2): 163 – 176, ISSN: 2046-9578,© British Journal Publishing, Inc. 2012 http://www.bjournal.co.uk/BJASS.aspx