Nigeria's Rural Development Policy: Fostering Sustainable Cities and Communities
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Date
2025-08-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Jewel Journal of Politics
Abstract
Sustainable Development Goal 11 emphasizes the need to make cities and human settlements
inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, and serves as the framework for this study. The idea
of sustainable cities and communities has become a central focus of contemporary urban
planning and governance. However, rapid urbanization and the persistence of unsustainable
development policies have intensified the challenges of rural underdevelopment, particularly
in Nigeria. Despite the crucial role of rural development in driving sustainable economic
growth, successive administrations in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic have largely neglected
policies aimed at strengthening rural communities. This neglect has produced multifaceted
socio-economic and environmental challenges. This study examines the relationship between
rural development policy and the concept of sustainable cities and communities as articulated
by the United Nations. It further interrogates the interconnected challenges facing both rural
and urban areas in their pursuit of development. Employing a qualitative research design, the
study relies on thematic analysis of data and insights from purposively selected respondents.
Findings reveal that rural development and sustainable cities are mutually reinforcing,
underscoring the importance of integrated policy frameworks. The study recommends
prioritizing strategies that strengthen rural–urban linkages, such as efficient transportation
systems, sustainable agricultural and land use practices, investment in renewable energy,
expanded access to education and healthcare, and the preservation of biodiversity and
ecological balance.