EVALUATING SLUM UPGRADING PROCESSES, OUTCOMES, CHALLENGES, AND SUSTAINABILITY IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Lagos State has intensified the proliferation of slum settlements, resulting in deteriorating housing conditions, inadequate basic services, and weakened environmental quality. Slum upgrading has emerged as a critical strategy for improving living conditions, yet the effectiveness, outcomes, and long-term sustainability of these interventions remain insufficiently understood. This study evaluates the slum upgrading processes in three selected communities namely Ajegunle, Bariga, and Isale Gangan, by examining community participation, communication frameworks, housing outcomes, project efficiency, and sustainability mechanisms. Using a mixed-methods approach involving questionnaires, interviews, field observations, and evaluation checklists, the study assesses the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of upgrading interventions. Findings reveal moderate relevance but limited effectiveness and efficiency, with significant gaps in housing quality, infrastructure provision, communication processes, and maintenance planning. Although some improvements in living standards were recorded, challenges such as inadequate funding, community resistance, unclear project goals, and inconsistent maintenance frameworks hindered programme performance. Sustainability prospects remain weak due to insufficient long-term planning and limited institutional support. The study concludes that slum upgrading in Lagos requires stronger community engagement, clearer implementation strategies, improved resource management, and robust maintenance structures to achieve sustainable urban transformation.

Keywords: Slum upgrading, Housing quality, Community participation, Infrastructure provision, Sustainable urban development