Urban green infrastructure in Nigeria: A review

Abstract

Urban green infrastructure is critical to sustainable cities and society, especially in rapidly urbanising developing countries. This paper provides a review of studies on urban greening in Nigeria. Through a review of 94 papers selected from online databases, evidence on practices, benefits, disservices, challenges as well as opportunities associated with domestic gardening, green roofs, vertical greening systems, public parks, urban trees, and forest are identified. Evidently, urban green infrastructure has (and can significantly) enhance the well-being and quality of the environment within cities in Nigeria. Urban greening master plan(s) is imperative and there are lessons from sub-Sahara African and developing countries in this regard. Mainstreaming green infrastructure for climate adaptation should gain traction. To exploit the potentials, all stakeholders need to collaborate to make green infrastructure development happen concurrently with ongoing urban development.

Keywords

• Green spaces
• Climate adaptation
• Nature-based solution
• Urban sustainability
• Ecosystem services