This study used a case study methodology to examine the issue of land tenure in the
informal settlements of Lagos, Africa’s largest city. This research design was used in order
to shed light on the unique demographic characteristics of different slum locations, and because
it helps to compare the findings of this research with earlier studies conducted by the
United Nations Development Programme with a view to gaining a greater insight into the
characteristics of squatters and their tenure status. Two principal data types – spatial and
attributes – were considered for the purposes of this study, and were drawn from primary
and secondary sources. An extensive reconnaissance survey of 41 out of the 42 blighted
areas identified by UNDP was carried out, and was complemented by the aerial photographs,
topo-planning maps and photo mosaic of the study area to develop a comprehensive
trend analysis of the spatial pattern of development over time. Based on the reconnaissance
survey of 41 identified areas, ten areas with a preponderance of squatters were identified
using the following indicators of urban blight: tenancy, availability of facilities, and environmental
problems. 407 questionnaires were administered in the centrally located areas
and 176 in a peri-urban area at the edge of Lagos Lagoon for a total of 583 questionnaires
administered in all the selected communities. The research shows that: approximately two-thirds of the city population currently live in slums; most of the developable land in the
selected areas have undergone significant development and urbanization, and the residual
pockets of mash and poorly drained plots are rapidly being filled and developed; the existing
land registration process, which involves payment of several fees, documentation, and the
engagement of professionals, is clumsy, time-consuming, and expensive; tenure status in the
study area had a major impact on poverty and the overall environmental quality as a threat
of forced eviction results in a negative attitude among residents towards improving their environment.
Insecurity of tenure deters investment since residents do not have access to mortgage
facilities from banks because of lack of collateral. The interplay of all these factors has
maintained these groups in a vicious circle of poverty