Residents’ Perception of Homelessness in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria: Physical Planning Implications

Abstract

This study assessed the physical planning implications of homelessness in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria, with a view to providing evidence-based policy responses. Data were sourced from the residents within a 500-metre radius of identified homeless clusters. To select the residents, a multistage sampling technique was employed. The first stage is the stratification of the 16 Lagos Metropolis Local Government Areas (LGAs) into low, medium and high densities. The second stage is the purposive selection of two LGAs per density with high incidences of homelessness and where the homeless clusters are situated. The third stage is the systematic sampling of residents in 10% of buildings within a 500m radius of identified homeless clusters. A total of 144 residents were sampled for this study. Primary data were collected through questionnaire administration, while secondary data on LGA populations, number of buildings and maps were obtained from the Lagos State Government Digest of Statistics, GIS and Cooperative Information Network. Data collected were analysed using narrative analysis. The findings of the study revealed that residents’ perceptions of the phenomenon of homelessness and homeless persons were predominantly negative, with 76.9% expressing adverse views. This showed that the physical planning implications of homelessness were negative on national identity, urban livability, imageability, land use planning, and urban infrastructure. Therefore, addressing homelessness effectively requires a comprehensive understanding of its spatial and planning implications.

Keywords: Homelessness, Implication, Physical Planning, Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

DOI: 10.7176/CER/17-2-02

Publication date: May 31st 2025