Urban eviction in Badia, Lagos: A look at evictees wellbeing and environmental burden

Abstract

Forced eviction remains a contributory factor to urban poverty, loss of accommodation, and displacement among urban poor. By extension, these forcible displacement experiences result in a downward shift in their standard of living; thus, contributing to urban poverty within the urban space. This study examines forced Eviction in the Badia East community of Lagos State, Nigeria, from a human right angle. The study adopted a mixed-method approach. Primary data was obtained from quantitative (structured questionnaire), geospatial analysis, and qualitative data sources (interview), which was conducted with evictees and the Lagos State Physical Planning and Development Agency (LASPPDA) (evictor). The research outcome revealed that the evictees exhibited a nomadic lifestyle, which has, over the years, developed into resilience. The study identified the need for increased public access, location, and provision of some social amenities such as public toilets, bathrooms, and water points to ease the shock of eviction which indirectly translates into environmental degradation. It was concluded that the current and projected pace of urbanization necessitates new approaches to land governance, especially the regulation of informal settlements and forced evictions.