The dynamics of tenure, location and forced eviction: exploring the nexus in lagos informal settlements
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Date
2016
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AESOP
Abstract
Generally, there is a common understanding that informal settlements are mostly characterised by lack of basic facilities, overcrowding, tenure insecurity and force eviction, and are largely occupied by the urban poor. One of the major issues which is on the increase, in recent times, in Lagos’ informal settlements is forced eviction or at best threat of forced eviction. This is clearly posing a serious challenge to the livelihoods of the residents. A large body of literature argues that lack of tenure (land title) is the factor responsible for tenure insecurity and forced eviction in informal settlements
Certainly, there is a general understanding that the residents of informal settlements lack tenure security and thereby vulnerable to forces eviction because their houses are mostly: constructed on public or private land which they do not own; built without legal and planning permits and rented without formal renting contracts (World Bank, 2011). Lack of formal land title, precarious conditions of informal settlements and the need to save guide the lives of the residents from impending dangers are often used to justify forced evictions by the Lagos state government. However, evidence suggests that there are other underlining factors, largely associated with location, behind forced eviction of the residents of informal settlements in Lagos. From a pragmatic point of view, this paper argues that the vulnerability of the residents of informal settlements in Lagos to tenure insecurity and forced eviction or threat of forced eviction is exacerbated by their geographical and ecological location.
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Proceedings of the IV World Planning Schools Congress, July 3-8th, 2016 : Global crisis, planning and challenges to spatial justice in the north and in the south
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