Nigeria urban development is hindered by weak institutions and poor maintenance; democratic reforms can transform cities into world-class hubs

Nigeria has the talent, creativity, and resources to build world-class cities, but experts warn that current democratic structures hinder urban development. Gbenga Onabanjo, architect and founder of GO-FORTE Foundation, said on Thursday that a democracy lacking strong institutions, planning, and continuity cannot produce sustainable urban growth.

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Onabanjo emphasised that the nation’s democracy is over-centralised, personality-driven, and prone to short-term political cycles that prevent cities from maturing. “It is not democracy that fails cities; it is democracy without systems, without discipline, without institutions, without planning,” he said.

He outlined several key reforms necessary for urban transformation. Governance costs must be reduced to redirect resources into infrastructure and maintenance.

Local governments should regain autonomy, and the civil service must be professionalised to ensure technical competence in planning and execution.

Masterplans and infrastructure budgets must be ring-fenced across administrations, with metropolitan planning authorities empowered to coordinate regional growth.

Enforcement of building and environmental regulations should be unwavering, and maintenance must become a consistent cultural practice rather than an afterthought.

Onabanjo also highlighted the role of citizens and civil society in driving change. He criticised the lack of active civic scrutiny, warning that disengagement allows political leaders to neglect urban spaces.

“Our cities are decaying because maintenance is not embedded in governance, in budgeting, or in political accountability,” he said.

Citing the Lekki–Epe Expressway as an example, Onabanjo noted that even newly reconstructed infrastructure is falling into disrepair due to uncoordinated urban planning.

He called for Transit-Oriented Development, walkable neighbourhoods, and comprehensive zoning around major corridors to prevent unregulated sprawl.

The architect praised recent achievements such as Akwa Ibom’s recognition as Nigeria’s cleanest state, but he argued that national standards must incentivise consistent competition and accountability in urban governance.

“Nigeria has the visionaries, the resources, and the talent. What it needs now is a democracy mature enough to allow our cities to breathe, grow, and flourish,” Onabanjo concluded.