Planning and Urban Governance in Developing Societies; The Example of Akure, Ondo State of Nigeria

Abstract

This paper explores urban planning practice and urban governance in Akure, Nigeria with the aim of determining the relationship between them. The paper discusses how planning can be used to promote and enhance good urban governance in developing countries. The data set for the study draws substantially from systematic survey of urban planning activities and local administration in the area. The paper found lack of linkage between urban planning and governance in the city. While the state Department of physical planning undertakes planning activities, the local government on the other hand is responsible for managing affairs of the city. The study also found that the city growing without adequate conscious planning inputs and no reference to planning by the managers of the city’ affairs as represented by the local government council. The study emphasized the need to institute participatory planning and good governance in developing societies.

Key words: Urban planning; urban governance; local administration; sustainable development; physical development; developing societies