ABSTRACT
This study investigates sustainability assessment and its role in managing urban areas in Nigeria, with a focus on identifying prevailing challenges, evaluating the integration level of sustainability indicators, and determining implications for urban planning and policy. A sample of 319 respondents, selected from a population of 650 using the Taro Yamane formula, provided data through questionnaires. The demographic profile revealed a predominantly young (40% aged 26-35), educated (45% holding a bachelor’s degree) sample. Findings indicate that the primary challenges in urban management are poor infrastructure planning (25%), inadequate waste management (20%), and weak institutional frameworks (15%). Sustainability assessment significantly influences urban planning by guiding infrastructure development (30%), enhancing environmental protection (25%), and promoting efficient resource utilization (20%). However, the integration of sustainability indicators into management frameworks remains limited, with only 20% of respondents reporting full integration, while 35% reported partial integration. Key implications of sustainability assessment include environmental protection and pollution reduction (30%), promotion of social equity (25%), and economic efficiency (20%). Recommended strategies for improvement involve strengthening institutional capacity (25%), adopting integrated sustainability indicators (22.5%), and enhancing data collection systems (20%). The study concludes that while sustainability assessment is a critical tool for guiding sustainable urban development, its potential is constrained by partial integration and institutional weakness. A concerted effort towards institutional reform, capacity building, and data-driven planning is recommended.
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