Assessment of Environmental Impacts of Urbanization in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Pauline Okwuchukwudire Nwachukwu¹, Otobong Jackson Okosong², Obirieze Chekwa Nnadi³, Augusta Ayotamuno⁴, Gobo Akuro Ephraim⁵ 

^1,2,3 Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

^4,5 Lecturer, Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 

Abstract

Urbanization in Port Harcourt Metropolis has brought about significant environmental and social challenges. Rapid and poorly unregulated urban growth has intensified pollution, depleted natural resources, and overstretched infrastructure.  This study aimed to investigate the impact of urbanization on the livability of Port Harcourt Metropolis.   The objectives of the study are to ascertain the impact of urbanization on the environment as well as the social-economic life of the citizens in the Port-Harcourt Metropolis. The research instrument used was the questionnaire, which was designed using the 4-point Likert scale method. A total of 384 questionnaires were distributed, of which 267 were completed and retrieved, representing a response rate of approximately 70%. Data collection was conducted using a well-tailored questionnaire, and the data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square test, which indicated that all three hypotheses were rejected at a 5% level of significance. Key findings revealed significant environmental concerns among respondents, including air pollution (33.70% strongly agree; 48.70% agree), water contamination (31.80% strongly agree; 50.60% agree), and noise pollution (30.00% strongly agree; 52.40% agree). The study concludes that urbanization in Port Harcourt has led to notable environmental and social challenges, underscoring the urgent need for effective urban planning and community engagement to mitigate these impacts. The recommendation is to adopt innovative environmental mitigation strategies; to effectively tackle the environmental as well as socio – economic challenges posed by urbanization, local governments and stakeholders should invest in innovative technologies and practices that promote sustainability.     

Keywords: Assessment, Environmental impact, Urbanization, Port Harcourt Metropolis 

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