Assessing the impacts of urban planning on livability in Ilorin, Nigeria

Urban planning is crucial in enhancing liveable environment for the well-being of humans. This article examines the effects of urban planning on liveability of the traditional Nigerian city of Ilorin. Adopting a crosssectional survey design, the research relied essentially on primary data. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from 158 randomly selected urban residents. Data collected were analysed using descriptive (frequency and percentages) and inferential statistical techniques (relative importance index). The Relative Importance Index was used to analyse the residents’ awareness of the activities of urban planners. The Respondents' Agreement Index (RAI) was used to measure the effects of urban planning on liveability. Findings revealed a high level of awareness of urban planning activities by the city's residents. Also, effective transportation networks, access to green spaces, waste management, street cleaning, affordable housing, quality healthcare and educational opportunities were identified as the major effects of urban planning activities. This study will aid policy makers in strengthening the physical planning system to build the city’s liveability.