Impact of Urbanisation on Residents’ Quality of Life in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigates the factors and the challenges posed by urbanisation on the quality of life of residents of Lokoja, 
Kogi State. As cities grow and expand, economic growth and development are expected to progress and drive social 
transformation and improvement of urban areas and their greater rural hinterland. The situation in developing 
countries is not always the case, as urbanisation has brought about an increased and persistent housing problem, 
traffic congestion, and water and sanitary problems. The study employed both primary and secondary sources. The 
population of Lokoja was projected to be 203,456, using a growth rate of 3.05%. The required sample size of 400 at 
a precision level of ±7% was adopted from Glenn 1992 table. The 400 questionnaires were administered to the 
residents that covered the five districts of Lokoja. The questionnaire sought to obtain information on the residents' 
socio-economic characteristics, factors and effects of urbanisation on the residents' quality of life. A five-point Likert 
Scale was used to measure the residents’ perceptions of urbanisation characteristics. In contrast, Multiple Linear 
Regression was used to establish the effects of population increases on their associated urbanisation problems. The 
findings revealed that four factors (natural increase in population, migration, presence of social amenities and 
employment opportunities contributed to the rapid expansion of urbanisation in Lokoja. The regression analysis shows 
that the calculated F value of 24.601 is far greater than the table value (2.31). This indicates that the predictors 
significantly affect the level of stress and livability of residents of Lokoja. The research was concluded with a few 
recommendations, such as addressing the rural-urban migration by introducing policies that favour rural areas, 
provision and upgrading existing urban infrastructure, ensuring environmental sustainability, and enlightenment 
programmes for population control.