Environmental, Infrastructure, and Aesthetic Impacts of Non-Compliance with Development Control Guidelines in Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the environmental, infrastructural, and aesthetic impacts of non-compliance with development control guidelines in Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria. Through a quantitative survey of 400 residents across five peri-urban communities (Ibereko, Imeke, Ajara Torikoh, Aradagun, and Ajara Topa), selected for visible planning violations, the research revealed moderate overall compliance with development regulations (grand mean: 3.36/5). However, significant awareness gaps persisted, with 33% of respondents neutral on adherence to setback requirements and 31.3% neutral on Floor Area Ratio (FAR) compliance. Building height regulations showed the strongest compliance (mean: 3.49/5). Residents perceived environmental impacts of non-compliance most acutely (mean: 2.92/5), followed by aesthetic (2.89/5) and infrastructural effects (2.85/5). Notably, neutral responses dominated impact assessments (45-49.5% across all categories), indicating limited recognition of consequences like flooding, road degradation, or visual blight. A critical paradox emerged in demographics: despite 74.76% of respondents holding bachelor’s degrees and 77.96% being employed, non-compliance remained prevalent, suggesting systemic barriers (e.g., bureaucratic delays, weak enforcement) outweigh individual capacity. The findings underscore an urgent need for streamlined permitting, consistent enforcement, and community sensitization on the tangible risks of unregulated development to safeguard Badagry’s sustainability, infrastructure, and cultural heritage.