Challenges and prospects of physical development control: A case study of Festac Town, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Development control is one of the measures applied by physical planning agencies particularly, local planning
authority but in the case of Festac Town, Lagos, Nigeria, Federal housing authority (FHA), do ensure that developers
do not deviate from building plans approved for them in the course of implementation (construction) on the plot
earmarked for such. This is aimed at enhancing environmental quality, improved housing condition, privacy in
residents and free flow of air among others. Despite the importance of development control measures in physical
environmental balancing, series of factors still hinder its effectiveness. This study tried to examine the problems
hindering effective development activities in Festac Town, and recommended practicable solutions. The study was
carried out through direct survey of physical development activities in the town, administration of questionnaire to
the residents, with the interview of development control agency (FHA) revealed such hindrances as lack of planning
tools and equipment, inadequate funding of planning agency, inadequacy of professionally qualified planners in
FHA, ineffective development control procedure, lack of organized public enlightenment campaign, and above all,
the act of bribery and corruption among development control officers among others. All these have resulted in the
existence of series of illegal structures in Festac Town. Having identified the aforementioned hindrance, the study
however, recommends proper funding of the development control agency, appointment of disciplinary measures on
erring officers, particularly the professionals. This will enhance effective development control mechanism and
eventually create a conducive living, working and recreating and environment.