Empirical assessment of the role of geospatial technology in delivering governance and strengthening democracy in Nigeria

• Published in: GeoJournal 2018-08, Vol.83 (4), p.743-756
• Main Authors: Agbaje, Ganiy I., Bello, Innocent E., Ojo, Adebayo Gbenga
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Community involvement; Conceptual development; Correlation analysis; Datasets; Decision making; Democracy; Development projects; Environmental Management; Geographic information systems; Geographical information systems; Geography; Governance; Government services; Human Geography; Human resources; Identification; Information systems; Landsat; Landsat satellites; Local government; Low level; Ownership; Planning; Population growth; Poverty; Remote sensing; Rural areas; Rural communities; Satellite imagery; Satellites; Social Sciences; Spatial ability; Spatial data; Standard of living; Sustainable development; Technology; Urban areas
• ISSN: 0343-2521; 1572-9893
• DOI: 10.1007/s10708-017-9797-4

The paper examined the concept of development in line with the role of geospatial technology applications in governance and geospatial management in Nigeria. It also evaluates the previous efforts made by successive governments in managing governance process through geospatial technology initiatives using Lagos State as a proof-of-concept. It empirically demonstrates the role of monitoring spatial development initiatives using Landsat multidates satellite images 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 5005, 2010 and 2016 and Geographic Information System technique. The paper then identified, mapped and examined the settlement growth of Lagos using Ikorodu Division as an empirical proof-of-concept. The study reveals a geometric increase in uncoordinated human activities resulting from sporadic spatial development (builtup area) from 27.67 sq km (7.7%) in 1985-313.02 sq km (87.3%) spatial coverage in 2016. Based on the regression line, the study reveals a strong correlation between increasing settlement development and time. Low level of community involvement and lack of sense of ownership of development project initiatives in developing a local "vision" and strategy are identified as a problem. The paper re-emphasized that sustaining democratic processes as well as the fight against poverty will be won or lost mostly in the rural and less in the urban areas. The rural area is home to about 70% of the world's poor due to lack or inadequate government services and basic amenities. The study suggest that making the future better for the yet unborn requires appreciable fundamental dataset, technologies, human resources and reliable government structures.