LIVEABILITY STATUS ASSESSMENT OF SIX STATE CAPITALS OF SOUTH-SOUTH GEO-POLITICAL ZONEOF NIGERIA

Abstract

Liveability status of six state capitals of the south-south geo-political zone of Nigeria was assessed using 2,380 sample size of households. A four-point rating scale was further used in presenting the resident's perceptions in tables and percentages after 2,380 copies of questionnaires were distributed to various household heads resident in the cities. These qualitative responses were further validated with the one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and re-validated with the Tukey post hoc test (Multiple comparison of means) and the Least Significant Difference (LSD). Analyses were done on five major urban liveability indices as; housing, education, transportation, healthcare and recreation. Results are that out of the six state capitals studied, Uyo is the most liveable city comparatively speaking. Others ranged between high, low and very low. The index with the worst attention with regard to provision is healthcare. On the whole, the liveability status of the cities sampled, does not compare to international standards like those of the European cities as no statistically significant variation in the perception of residents across the cities was established. A firm policy formulation, implementation and enforcement of development control and effective land use design of the urban centers among others were recommended.

Keywords: liveability, perception, cities, south-south, Nigeria.