Land governance and megacity projects in Lagos, Nigeria: the case of Lekki Free Trade Zone

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper considers the land-governance (acquisition, compensation and resettlement) and physical planning (planning permits, development-control mechanism and environmental-impact assessment) processes surrounding Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) in Lagos, Nigeria, and the effects of the LFTZ on the lives and livelihoods of the inhabitants of indigenous communities affected by the project. The study revealed significant gaps in the payment of compensation and resettlement arrangements, leaving many residents economically vulnerable, and significant gaps in the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) Act, which emphasizes economic development in free-trade zones, without consideration of the social and environmental consequences. A more balanced approach to the megacity’s development is proposed, incorporating social and environmental considerations alongside economic objectives.