Development Administration and Survival Strategies of the Urban Poor in Two Major Cities in Nigeria- Implications for Urbanization and National Development

Abstract

Development administration as a field of specialization in public administration can only be effective and efficient in the provision of development projects and programmes for the improvement of the living standard of the Nigerian citizens, especially the urban poor when the government make provisions for good alternative settlements, means of livelihood and other basic infrastructure in the process of transforming certain locations to urban centres in the country for national development. The study investigated reasons that lead to continuous rural-urban migration and the survival strategies of the urban poor in some cities in Nigeria. The methodology adopted in the study was survey method with interview as a means of gathering data and documentary review of concepts based on existing literature for critical and contextual analysis. Modernization theory was used to explain the phenomenon of study. The findings revealed that majority of migrants to the urban areas were non-indigenous in search of better means of livelihood, education advancement and marriage. It further revealed that some slum dwellers were graduates that could not afford accommodation in the city centres, while some settler have to strategize for additional means of income to keep up the present economic realities in the country. The study recommended the development of the rural areas through industrialization and construction of access roads from the city centres to the rural communities, provision of basic social facilities and livelihood empowerment facilities that will enhance the livelihood of the rural people, etc.