Masters Thesis

The urbanization process in the developing countries: a case study of Lagos, Nigeria

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between urbanization and industrialization in the development of metropolitan Lagos. It is apparent that early stages of industrialization in Lagos, as well as in other newly developing countries, are characterized by focus on manufacturing of consumer goods, involving mostly light industrial operations. Later stages involving heavier industry are more directly related location-wise to the existence of raw materials and sources of power. This study will attempt to show that there is a significant relationship between the above two variables. The question of which (urbanization or industrialization) should be considered a cause and which is an effect will be discussed. It is evident from earlier studies by the writer that metropolitan Lagos did not develop as a result of industrialization; other factors contributed to its development. Some of the additional factors contributing to the process of urbanization in Lagos were related to demographic data that were selected on the criteria of giving a more complete picture of study, a more comprehensive understanding of them, and a tentative identification of variables that might point out areas for further research. The demographic data which this study will discuss are as follows : (1) rural-urban migration; (2) natural increase (the excess of births over deaths); and (3) political, economic, educational, and geographical factors.

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